Rosé is on fire in Texas! It's a favorite of the wine loving community all over Austin as well as one of the most exciting categories of the booming Texas wine industry. In this edition of TX vs the World, we put the top scoring Texas rosé from the Texas Wine Journal up against 5 other rosés from around the world. Join wine professionals Julia Dixon and Jon Gerber along with winemakers Doug Lewis and Duncan McNabb to see how Texas stacks up!
Rae Wilson bets on Texas Rosé
Rae Wilson has been in the Austin wine industry since 2005, made wine in California and Portugal, and currently consults for restaurants and other industry entities. She says that her quest to fully complete the circle has lead her to plant a vineyard and make wine here in Texas. She is in her second year of producing the Dandy Rosé and her vineyard will be producing viable fruit come next year. http://www.dandypink.com
David Mayfield seeks out the unique and obscure to import
David Mayfield left his desk job to start importing wine into Texas. He was first attracted by the quality of Uruguayan wine, but then that passion for the unique led him all over Europe and the world. He specializes in small production wineries, odd grape varieties, and unique flavors. He has recently opened a retail shop in Waco to even better showcase the wines.
Sarah Harshaw from Lioco on California Wine
Sarah Harshaw is National Sales Manager of Lioco Wines which specializes in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Carignan from Northern California. Matt Licklider and Kevin O'Connor started the winery about ten years ago to focus more on nuanced wines over power and high alcohol versions. Sarah travels the US spreading the word and gives a unique perspective on the new wave of California wine. www.liocowine.com
Women for WineSense Austin Chapter talk Rosé
The Women for WineSense Austin Chapter leadership, Jackie Granelli, Barbi Shows, and LaSaan Georgeson tell us about their organization's goal of educations and networking around wine. They have an upcoming event on June 20th, panel discussion and happy hour. They also talk about their passion for Rosé in all incarnations! More information at https://www.facebook.com/austinwomenwinesense/
Eugenio Jardim on the passion of Portuguese wine
Eugenio Jardim is the Ambassador of all Wines of Portugal in the US. He travels the country inspiring the merits of the beautiful indigenous grapes of Portugal, the intense wines, and the exquisite cuisine. He says we must understand the minutiae, but then file it away and draw the greater lessons that are a little more metaphysical (my words). I hope you enjoy listening as much as being involved in the interview!
Spain's Up and Coming Regions of the Northwest
Just back from an educational trip to Spain, I dig into the wines, cultures, and foods of the very exciting regions of Bierzo, Valdeorras, and Ribeira Sacra in the Northwest of Spain. Francois Pointeau, freelance writer, poet, and 'wine drinker,' takes the reigns as guest interviewer and helps me to highlight the excitement of the long history, proud culture, and delicious foods of the area!
Brandon Watson introduces First Plates issue of the Austin Chronicle
Brandon Watson is the Food Editor of the Austin Chronicle, and he comes on the show to talk about their anticipated First Plates Issue hitting the shelves this Thursday! Every year the Chronicle comes up with a top 100 list of the best restaurants in Austin, it's called First Plates. Listen here to get you salivating!
TX vs. the World: Blind Tasting Sangiovese
One of the most popular segments on the show, 2 judges from the Texas Wine Journal and 2 winemakers taste blind 6 wines made from Sangiovese from around the world. Which one is from Texas, which is the favorite? Enjoy the lively conversation!
Guests: Russell Smith (Celler Barcelona), Rob Moshin (journal judge and consultant), Penny Adams (Wedding Oak Winery), and Jesse Brantley (journal judge and Bev Director at Trattoria Lisina and Mandolas)
Michel Parisot 'Chef de Cave' at Champagne Montaudon
The 'Chef de Cave' is so much more than simply a winemaker. With so many permutations of vintages, grape varieties, and vineyards, many consider the blending of Champagne to be the most difficult in the industry (along with Port). Michel is in charge of all operations along with working with hundreds of growers in the Montaudon winery in the Côte des Bar in the South of Champagne. There's something in here for everyone, from expert to folks just starting to learn about the intricacies of this magical region!
Daniel McKeever on Biodynamics
Check out Daniel McKeever, from Glazer's Domains and Estates, talk about the interconnectedness of vineyards, the constellations, and the human body. Daniel has been delving into the subtleties of Biodynamics and teaches how to use the calendar to better enjoy your wines!
Marc Hochar of Chateau Musar in Lebanon
Marc Hochar is third generation of the most acclaimed winery in Lebanon. His family's wines have attracted a very loyal following of wine lovers searching for unique flavors and incredibly age worthy wines, both red and white. Marc tells us of the history of his family, the landscape of Lebanese wine growing, and the traditional nature of their winemaking (or non-winemaking in their "hands off" philosophy).
Prosecco was never so much fun as with Laura Ronca
Laura Ronca is part of the Drussian Family even though she is not related. She travels the world try to explain the uniqueness of Drussian and Althea Prosecco. Hillside vineyards, native yeasts, extended time on the lees, all make Prosecco lovers weak in the knees. She even teaches us how to pronounce Conegliano-Valdobbiadene! Enjoy the freshness and liveliness of our conversation!
Gordon Little from Little Peacock Imports
Gordon Little and Lauren Peacock decided to import Australian wines they liked drinking. If nobody else bought them, then they would drink those original pallets on their own, real slowly. But luckily, folks searching out unique Australian wines do want to buy what they are putting their name on. Cool stuff from Frankland River, Yarra Valley, and the Mornington Peninsula are some highlights. They might even have some delicious Riesling for me to give to my wife!
Nick Doughty of Texas Keeper Cider
Nick is one of the owners and cider makers at Texas Keeper Cider. They've been producing super high quality cider since 2014 and just opened their Tap Room in March of 2016. Nick explains that they make very clean and dry styles of cider as well experimenting with some ingredients typically pertaining to the beer or wine industries, such as wine, hops, dark Belgian candy, and much more. For the apples, they are sourcing some of the oldest heirloom cider varieties from upstate New York. Enjoy!