Today we're taking you on a true hipster journey to the Hood River of Oregon and are featuring the 2018 Spring Ephemeral Grenache from Stockshop Band Winery (or Hiyu). This wine is 100% Grenache and 100% all the hipster natural wine things. We discuss the complexities of this wine, much of which come from a bit of brettanomyces. We discuss brett in wine in terms of how to identify it in both smell and palate, where it originates, and wines that utilize brett for integration.

If you liked this episode or wine we hope you'll rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @witcheswinecast and now TikTok @witcheswinecast! As always shoot us an email with your wine questions - [email protected].

We're back and recovered from COIVD! This month we're kicking off our sunshine wine series with the 2020 Ultra Violet from Les Vins Pirouettes. This "kitchen sink" wine features lots of varietals grown in Alsace - Auxerrois, Pinot blanc, Pinot Noir, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. We discuss the noble varietals in Alsace, what qualifies a grand cru, and what makes this wine so unique. This is certainly one of those fun, funky wines worth trying and sharing among friends. 

If you liked this episode or wine we hope you'll rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @witcheswinecast and now TikTok @witcheswinecast! As always shoot us an email with your wine questions - [email protected].

Well, it was probably bound to happen. We got COVID. While we couldn't record a new episode together this week, we do have a treasure trove of bloopers to share. Back in August we somehow started discussing what wines the OG Gossip Girl characters would be and decided to record it just for a moment such as this. It's pretty raw and unedited, but hopefully you think it's funny. Feel free to at us if you disagree. We'll be back next week (hopefully) with our regularly scheduled content! 

If you liked this episode or wine we hope you'll rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @witcheswinecast and now TikTok @witcheswinecast! As always shoot us an email with your wine questions - [email protected].

It's our final week of old versus new world wines and today we're sharing the 2016 Cru Bourgeois Bordeaux from Chateau Larose-Trintaudon. This is a true left bank Bordeaux which we fully admit is drinking quite young. We talk about the typical characteristics of Bordeaux, why aging any Cabernet is important, the major Bordeaux regions, and how the Cru Bourgeois classification came to be. 

If you liked this episode or wine we hope you'll rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @witcheswinecast and now TikTok @witcheswinecast! As always shoot us an email with your wine questions - [email protected].

We're wrapping up our new versus old world series by talking about a wine classic: Bordeaux varieties. Today we're drinking the 2018 Village Cabernet Sauvignon from Matthiasson. While this is an old world grape, it is certainly a departure from the typical Napa Cab. More refined in style, this Cab maintains freshness and high-toned aromatics. We talk about the "Judgment of Paris" and how Napa became a world renowned wine making region. We also discuss some of the difference between a traditional Bordeaux and Cabs from Napa. 

If you liked this episode or wine we hope you'll rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @witcheswinecast and now TikTok @witcheswinecast! As always shoot us an email with your wine questions - [email protected].

We're rounding out of love of Cab Franc with the 2020 Jour de Soif from Gauthier. This old world version might feel a little more new world but the producer uses organic practices and ages wines in porous rock caves, making it an accessible bottle that can be enjoyed any night of the week. We discuss grape phylloxera, grafting vines, and why hybrid wine varietals could become the way of future winemaking. 

If you liked this episode or wine we hope you'll rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @witcheswinecast and now TikTok @witcheswinecast! As always shoot us an email with your wine questions - [email protected].

Happy New Year! We hope everyone's start to 2022 was restful. Today we're featuring a new world Cabernet Franc from Thatch Winery, made right here in Charlottesville, VA! While Thatch holds a special place in both of our hearts, this wine is truly a beautiful example of the wines produced in Virginia. We discuss AVAs, or American Viticulture Areas, and the major regions in Virginia. 

If you liked this episode or wine we hope you'll rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @witcheswinecast and now TikTok @witcheswinecast! As always shoot us an email with your wine questions - [email protected].

Our last episode for 2021! Thank you to everyone who has listened along the way this year. We're wrapping things up with our Old World bubbles recommendation. Ballarin's Cremant de Bordeaux is made in the traditional method from 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Sémillon, and 20% Muscadelle. It has bright minerality and delicate bubbles. Whether you're looking for a NYE bottle or something to open for brunch, this bottle will serve you well. We also discuss the types of sparkling wines and where they are produced. See you in 2022, Witches!

If you liked this episode or wine we hope you'll rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @witcheswinecast and now TikTok @witcheswinecast! As always shoot us an email with your wine questions - [email protected].

We couldn't talk about December wines without some bubbles! You know we love a good sparkling wine, and this is a great option for whatever your New Years Eve plans are. Jansz's sparkling wines are made in Tazmania which has ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Vines were planted by famed Champagne house Louis Roederer (who makes Cristal) and is now family owned. This bottle is bright and fun, with the orchard fruits and baked yeast that we want in a sparkling wine. We also discuss how to store wines, especially if you are looking to age bottles.

If you liked this episode or wine we hope you'll rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @witcheswinecast and now TikTok @witcheswinecast! As always shoot us an email with your wine questions - [email protected].

Today we're drinking the 2018 Barbera D'Alba Superiore from Cantina del Pino. Cantina del Pino has some of the oldest vineyards in Barbaresco, with the vineyards established nearly a hundred years ago. This classic Barbera comes from the Piedmont region of Italy, known for some of the best grape production grown in the country. Much deeper in color and taste, this wine has tannic structure that sets it apart from our new world bottle. We discuss the major wine producing regions of Italy and the main varietals they're known for. 

If you liked this episode or wine we hope you'll rate or review us wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @witcheswinecast and now TikTok @witcheswinecast! As always shoot us an email with your wine questions - [email protected].