Steven Dilley, owner of Bufalina, and Murph Willcott, owner of Texas French Bread, come on the show to talk all things pizza and the Austin restaurant scene. These guys are lovers of vibrant wine made by real people, growers that we can get behind and support. Beaujolais, Muscadet, Burgundy, and the new wave of California producers are such highlights!
Emmer and Rye's Kevin Fink and Rand Egbert
This is a terrific episode featuring owner and chef of Emmer and Rye in Austin, Kevin Fink, and general manager Rand Egbert. They're talking about the the South by Southwest food events as well how they push the bar of local cuisine on a regular basis at the restaurant. Daily menu changes depending on what fresh and delicious coming in, heirloom grains, whole animal butchery, small plates, dim sum, and so much more are at the heart of their operation. Enjoy!
Truth in Labeling TX Wine
Chris Brundrett (William Chris Vineyards) and Rae Wilson (Wine for the People) come on the show to talk about the proposed HB1514 that makes wine labeled as Texas to be 100% from Texas grapes. This makes the law more strict than the Federal TTB requirement of 75%. Join us for the full discussion.
To sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/support-texas-wine-industry-pass-hb-1514-truth-in-labeling-act
Slow Wine comes through Austin, TX
The 2017 Slow Wine Tour of the US stopped in Austin, TX on Jan 30th. They were also spreading the word in San Francisco, Seattle, and New York. In this show, we'll hear from the organizers Giancarlo Gariglio and Jonathan Gebser, as well as a handful of producers who are doing amazing things off the beaten path; Gavi, Dogliani, Lake Guarda, Lambrusco, and Mount Etna to name a few. We truly get the sense of "Good, Clean, and Fair!"
Patrick Baudouin, winegrower and scholar of Chenin Blanc
Patrick Baudouin is descendant of several generations of wine growers in Anjou, the Loire Valley, and has been making wine for 26 years. He tells us of his research into the origins of Chenin Blanc and explains the diverse styles, from the bone-dry Savennières to the sweet and noble Quartes de Chaume. He also explains his wine making of natural yeasts, really long fermentations, low sulfur, and so much more. I could listen to this man for hours!
Adam Orman from L'Oca D'Oro and LaSaan Georgeson
In this week's episode, we meet Adam Orman, managing partner of the Italian restaurant, L'Oca D'Oro. Adam has been in the restaurant world for many years, working in some top wine spots in New York, San Fransisco, and now Austin. He tells us of the philosophy of the wine and food menus, a focus on open flame grilling, heirloom ingredients, and the restaurant's mandatory gratuity to give their employees a livable wage. Also, we hear from LaSaan Georgeson, and her upcoming music and wine pairing festival. We get a taste of the bands playing and have some fun exploring some music and wine pairings. Finally, we hear from the editors of Slow Wine about their 2017 guide and the industry event they were putting on in Austin. (we will have another episode of expanded coverage on this event!)
Neal Rosenthal: Culture through the Prism of Wine
Neal Rosenthal is celebrating 40 years in the wine business, starting as a retailer in New York and quickly moving to importing. He was just in Austin, and we caught up with him in person to talk about his history, tastes, and recommendations to our younger generation of wine professionals.
Local Cider and Saké producers
This week on the show we interview James Sutton from Austin Eastciders and Jeff Bell from TX Saké company. Austin Eastciders has be blowing up, they've moved to a larger facility on the South East side and will be soon opening a tap room. Jeff from TX Saké tells us all about the saké making process and how they use all American ingredients to craft a TX saké. He also shares some cocktail recipes, which I've listed below.
Mango,Habanero, Cilantro makes 6 cocktails
Muddle
4 Tbls Chopped fresh ciltantro
1.5 Tsp Chopped fresh habanero (Add to taste)
Add 1 Chopped ripe large mango
Muddle til paste
Cocktail
2 Tbls of Mango Mix
3 oz Texas Sake Junmai
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Simple Syrup (add if mango is not as ripe)
Shake in cocktail glass with ice.
Serve with Cilantro garnish.
Basil, Cucumber, Ginger
Muddle
4 Tbls Fresh basil
1 Tbls Fresh ground ginger
Add 1 Whole chopped skinned and seeded cucumber
Muddle til cucumber is crushed
Cocktail
2 Tbls of Cucumber Mix
3 oz Texas Sake Junmai
1/2 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Simple syrup
Shake in cocktail glass with ice.
Serve with lime slice or zest twist.
Sergio Cuadra dispells myths around the TX wine industry
Sergio is head winemaker at Fall Creek Vineyards and came to TX after a career of making wine in Chile. We talk about the challenges of growing grapes in a warm climate and how the vines adapt to produce wines you wouldn't expect. Sergio talks of his experience of making wine in TX, how the soil and site make all the difference, as well as why the winemaker must stay on his or her toes during harvest.
Champagne Special Edition: Unlock the bubble
Check out the wonderful, insightful conversation by some of Austin's top wine people about the most enigmatic of beverages. Shadd Scott, Austin Manager for Pioneer Wine Company, David Salinas, Enologist and Key Account Manager for Pioneer, and Christina Walther Mogish, Spec's Wine and Liquor dig into all the particulars of enjoying the real Champagne. Happy New Year's everyone!
The Christmas Special Blind Tasting, TX vs the World
Wow, we're in the thick of the holidays with everybody looking for gifts for their family members, bosses, colleagues, customers, and loved ones. I decided to put a couple of the top scoring wines with the Texas Wine Journal, up against some heavy hitting wines from around the world (thanks to Southern Glazers for providing), Listen in to hear how the Texas wines fared against their foreign counterparts. Happy holidays, y'all!
Alan Tardi and his year in Champagne
In his 2016 book, Champagne, Uncorked, Alan Tardi chronicles a year he spent in Champagne at the prominent house Krug. He tells us of the inner-workings of making wine in this region: the dynamics of the growers and houses, the blending trials, the ageing, and a history that has been mystified throughout the centuries.
Introducing a Champagne Dinner w/ Alan Tardi
Wine and food writer Alan Tardi just came out with his book, Champagne, Uncorked, which chronicles a year he spent at one of the most acclaimed Champagne houses, Krug. Alan is gearing up for a dinner, five courses, at the the Driskill in Austin, with Executive Chef, Troy Knapp. The dinner will be featuring exquisite food paired with multiple vintages, Rosé, Grand Cuvee, and the acclaimed Clos du Mesnil. This is the baller event of the year! Listen in!
Tessa's Chocolates Bring Us into the Holidays
Tessa and Matt Halstead opened their high-end confectioner's chocolate shop in Austin two years ago. Tessa comes from a chocolate making family and Matt made wine in Argentina, perfect combo in my book! Listen to us discuss the finer points of making chocolate, tasting chocolate, and pairing wine with chocolate. We're definitely getting ready for the holidays!
Thanksgiving Call-In Extravaganza!
I'm very proud to post an amazing discussion with Murph Willcott of Texas French Bread and Paul Ozbirn of Parkside Projects. With these amazing wine and food gurus, we take calls from the Austin wine loving public. Listen to get the full story on what to serve with your Thanksgiving dinner!