Christine Celis, daughter of famous Belgian brewer Pierre Celis, talks about the launch of plans for her new brewery in Austin, Flemish Fox. We also get into her family's history, styles of Belgian and American beer, and the importance of yeast and quality ingredients. Christine has some crazy cool plans to ship over some of her father's original equipment and brew on tradition systems, over fire, and in open air mash tuns. It will be tons of fun!
Penny Adams, the first female winemaker in Texas
In honor of break break and Women's History Month, we interview Penny Adams, who is now in charge of winemaking at Wedding Oak Winery in San Sabba, TX. Penny tells us of her long history of growing grapes in Texas, working as a consultant and for Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, and the evolution of the Texas grape growing industry.
Francesco di Filippis on Biodynamics
Francesco is partner and wine grower at Cosimo Maria Masini. He is a PhD in organic and biodynamic farming and is very proud to share with all that they do on the estate in the Chianti Region of Italy. He shows off his Trebbiano, orange wine, Sangiovese, and Vin Santo! www.cosimomariamasini.it
Mark explores some off the beaten path wines at A Taste of Italy
The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas hosted some 80 wineries in Houston on March 2 & 3rd. There were a lot of exciting wines, foods, people, and stories. I focused on the lesser known regions and varieties. Enjoy!
Weston Eidson and Murph Willcott on Another Bottle Down
Weston Eidson, owner/ winemaker of Montagu Wines and Silver Ghost, specializes on vineyard designated wines from some of the finest vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. He tells us about the experience of starting up a small winery and all the excitement and collaboration that is happening in Northern California. www.montaguwines.com
Murph Willcott, owner of Texas French Bread, talks about the evolution of the popular Austin landmark. His philosophy and attention to detail encompass all they do from working with local farms, baking delicious bread, and showcasing wines that are made by real people and are a true expression of where they come from! www.texasfrenchbread.com
Texas Fine Wine and Miriam Parker announces the Live Fire! event
On this week's episode, we welcome Miriam Parker from the the Austin Food and Wine Alliance to talk about the upcoming Live Fire! event. More information: http://austinfoodwinealliance.org/2016-live-fire/. We also have on winemakers from 3 wineries represented by the Texas Fine Wine group (http://texasfinewine.com/). There is great conversation with Dave Reilly (Duchman Cellars), Fredrik Osterberg (Pedernales Cellars), and John Rivenburgh (Bending Branch). They tell us about the evolution of the Texas industry, some of the new grapes they're focusing on, and much more!!!
Lee and Christina Hudson from Napa and some local stars
Lee Hudson, joined by his wife Cristina Salas-Porras, planted his vineyard in the early 80's and has been dedicated to quality "wine growing" ever since. He came through Austin and showed us his delicious wines. The estate is perhaps most famous for Chardonnay and Syrah, and as we learn, there are a dozen other experimental plantings. What Lee and Cristina are doing with their estate, grocery store, and full operation is truly inspirational in today's world.
We also get an update from the Texas Wine Journal, Daniel Kelada tells us of what is going on with the latest tasting of Mediterranean varietals. And, Peggy Handley, executive director of the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, tells us about their upcoming Toast and Roast event!
Clive Dugall and Ricardo Sgarra are epic wine personalities
Clive is from New Zealand, Ricardo from Piedmont, and they show off their knowledge. I learned a ton from these guys! Clive is really pushing the bar with biodynamics and small lot fermentations. Ricardo tells us about Paolo Scavino's push to showcase the Cru Barolo's. So much good stuff here, making me thirsty!
Paul Ozbirn of Parkside Projects and Doug Lewis of Lewis Cellars
Paul Ozbirn, Advanced Sommelier and Beverage Director of Parkside Projects restaurant group, joins us to talk about his restaurants and wine lists. We also dig into the world of sherry. Doug Lewis, winemaker and owner of Lewis Cellars, weighs in from the Hill Country giving us an update on the TX wine industry. Enjoy!
Texas vs The World: Tempranillo
The Texas Wine Journal rates Texas wines blind and published the results in order to better the overall industry. On Another Bottle Down, we take the top rated wine and put up against other wines in that category from around the world. This episode includes panelists: Rae Wilson, Sam Hovland, Jim Cubberley, and producer Ron Yates from Spicewood Springs. You can see a list of wines and pricing below. Enjoy!
1. Baron de Ley Rioja Reserva 2010 $20
2. Museum Cigales 2010 $19.99
3. Termes Toro 2012$32
4. Flat Creek Tempranillo 2012 $28
5. Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2011 $18.99
6. Pruno Ribera del Duero 2011 $24.99
Another Bottle Down Highlights and Newbies
With Another Bottle Down's expansion to an hour and a move to Tuesdays 1-2 pm. I thought it would be apt to reflect on the last 8 months and show off some highlights from some selected guests. I'll also got Washington St. winemaker Tim Narby on the line to discuss what's going on up there, as well as Marco Scapagnini from Firriato and NicheItaly.
Kristi Willis, food writer and blogger, talks new restaurant openings and much more
Kristi Willis is a local food and wine writer in Austin. She knows what's goin on in the restaurant world and gets her words out in Edible Austin, Culture Map, and Austin Women's Magazine. She's also quite active on her blogs: Appetite for Texas, Bubbles and Boots, and her upcoming podcast, Dishing Austin.
Somms Under Fire: A preview with Diane Dixon and Devon Broglie MS
On Jan 24th, the premier wine and food event in Austin, Somms Under Fire will be taking place at the AT&T Conference Center. Three Somms will come from around the country to taste food and wine and create pairings along with the audience. Winners from the judges panel and the audience favorite will get trips to Burgundy and Napa Valley. Join us to see who reaches the gastronomic nirvana!!!!
More information at: keepercollection.com/somms-under-fire
Special Austin Craft Beer Episode
In preparation of KOOP 91.7's 21st birthday party, I wanted to feature 3 leading craft breweries in the studio to talk about brewing and the dynamic beer industry in Austin. Jeff Young from Blue Owl Brewing Co, Andy Martinec from Blackstar Coop, and Patrick Clark from Zilker Brewing Co all make different and unique styles, push the bar on experimentation and quality, and know how to have fun!
Obviously Champagne!
This is the New Year's episode, which really could apply to any celebratory moment of the year! Greg Willis from Ensemble Beverages, Shadd Scott from Pioneer Wine Company, and Emily Arnold from Spec's Wine and Liquor are in the studio dispelling all the myths of the bubbly wine. This gang is talking about grapes and regions and how to best enjoy the wonderful world of Champagne.