Episodes

  • Wines of Romania
    Oct 4 2024

    Renaissance after Communism:

    After a period of decline during the communist regime, Romanian winemaking is experiencing a moment of rebirth. The opening of the market and the search for quality have driven investment in wineries and the recovery of old vineyards. "With the fall of communism, Romanian winemaking has begun a process of rebirth. The opening of the market and the search for quality have driven the creation of new wineries and the recovery of old vineyards," as mentioned in the text.

    Unique Terroir and Influence on Wines:

    Romania has a diverse terroir, with varied soils and climates, giving its wines a unique identity. Regions such as Dealu Mare, Murfatlar and Cotnari stand out for their robust red wines, mineral whites and sweet liqueurs, respectively.

    Native and International Grapes:

    Romania benefits from the combination of native grapes, such as Feteasca Neagră, Feteasca Alba and Tămâioasă Românească, with international grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. This combination results in wines with a unique character and greater acceptance in the global market.

    Diversity of Styles:

    Romanian wines encompass a variety of styles, including:

    Reds: Full-bodied, with present tannins, aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and earthy notes.Whites: Fresh and aromatic, with citrus, mineral and floral notes.Rosés: Elegant and versatile, combining freshness and fruity aromas.Sweet and Fortified: Made with botrytized grapes or raisins, with aromas of honey, dried fruits and spices.

    Pairing with Romanian Cuisine:

    The rich Romanian cuisine finds the perfect accompaniment in local wines. Red meats, elaborate dishes, fish, seafood and desserts pair well with the various styles of wine.

    Distinguished Producers and New Generations:

    The book highlights the importance of traditional producers such as Cotnari and Domeniile Sâmburești, while also pointing to the emergence of new wineries focused on quality, sustainability and innovation.

    Growing Market:

    The Romanian wine market is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by exports, increased domestic consumption and wine tourism. The quality of the wines, the diversity of grapes, good value for money and trade agreements contribute to this positive scenario.

    A New Destination for Wine Lovers:

    "Wines of Romania" presents the country as an unmissable destination for wine lovers seeking new experiences. With enormous potential yet to be explored, Romania offers a journey rich in history, culture and unique flavors.

    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Wines of USA
    Oct 3 2024

    American winemaking is on the rise. Quality, diversity, innovation and adaptability to new market trends are driving the sector. Commitment to sustainability, investment in technology and the search for new markets are crucial to continued success. The outlook is positive, with the United States consolidating its position as a major player in the global wine scene.

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Wines of Australia
    Oct 2 2024

    Australia is established as a paradise for wine lovers, with a diverse offering that appeals to the most varied palates. Through passion, innovation and respect for the terroir, the Australian wine industry continues to enchant the world.

    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Wines of New Zealand
    Oct 1 2024

    New Zealand has established itself as a reference in the production of high-quality wines with unique characteristics. The combination of exceptional terroir, innovative winemaking practices and the passion of New Zealand producers guarantee a promising future for the sector, with enormous potential to conquer palates around the world.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Wines of South Africa
    Sep 30 2024

    The South African wine industry is on the rise, driven by the quality of its wines, diversity of styles, sustainable practices and market potential. The country offers a unique experience for wine lovers, combining stunning landscapes, exceptional wines and a rich culture.

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Wines of Lebanon
    Sep 29 2024

    Ancient history: Wine production in Lebanon dates back to the Phoenicians, thousands of years ago. The Mediterranean climate, fertile soils and proximity to the sea created ideal conditions for growing grapevines. The winemaking tradition has survived empires and religions, witnessing a renaissance in the 20th century.

    "The history of winemaking in Lebanon is as old as civilization itself."


    Culture: Wine permeates Lebanese culture, present in celebrations, religious rituals and as a symbol of hospitality.

    Unique terroir: The diversity of soils, climates and altitudes gives Lebanese wines a unique identity. The main regions are the Bekaa Valley, the Lebanon Mountains and the Batroun Valley, each with distinct characteristics.

    Wine Regions:


    Bekaa Valley: The largest region, with a continental climate and limestone soils, produces robust and full-bodied red wines, with aromas of red fruits and spices, as well as structured whites.

    Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Obeideh, Merwah.

    Examples: Chateau Musar, Kefraya, Ksara.

    Lebanon Mountains: The high altitudes and granite soils result in fresh and elegant wines with floral and mineral aromas.

    Grapes: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gamay.

    Examples: Domaine Wardy, Chateau Musar Hochar, Chateau Kefraya Altitude.

    Emerging regions: Batroun Valley (Mediterranean climate, white fruit aromas), Qaraoun Valley (organic and biodynamic wines) and Lebanon Coast (terraced vineyards).

    Grapes:


    Native: Ancestral treasures adapted to the terroir, giving the wines a unique identity.

    Merwah: Red, produces robust wines with aromas of red fruits and spices.

    Obaideh: White, produces fresh wines with citrus and floral notes.

    Sabbagieh: Red, produces wines with soft tannins and aromas of red fruits.

    International: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cinsault and Carignan have adapted well to Lebanon, expanding the aromatic palette of the wines.

    Pairing: The blend of native and international grapes results in unique and complex wines, expressing the richness of the Lebanese terroir.

    Wine Styles:


    Reds: Complex and structured, ranging from full-bodied and tannic (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merwah) to elegant and fruity (Cinsault, Grenache). Many have great aging potential.

    Whites: Fresh, mineral and citrus. Sauvignon Blanc and Obeideh produce light and fruity examples, while Chardonnay results in fuller-bodied and complex wines.

    Rosés: Elegant and versatile, ideal for a variety of occasions. Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah produce everything from dry and refreshing rosés to fuller-bodied examples.

    Sweets: Jewels of Lebanese winemaking. Raisins produce rich and complex wines, while botrytized grapes result in extremely elegant examples.

    Pairing:


    Lebanese Cuisine: The richness of flavors in Lebanese cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines.

    Full-bodied reds: Grilled red meats (kafta, shish taouk).

    Light reds and Rosés: Hummus, tabbouleh, white meats, falafel.

    Fresh whites: Seafood, salads.

    Sweets: Baklava, desserts, blue cheeses.

    International Cuisine: The versatility of Lebanese wines allows for pairing with a variety of cuisines.

    Producers:


    Highlights:

    Chateau Musar: Historic winery with complex and long-lasting wines.

    Chateau Ksara: Tradition and modernity in high-quality wines.

    Chateau Kefraya: Elegant wines focused on terroir.

    Massaya: Innovation and tradition in unique wines.

    Domaine Wardy: Sustainability and expression of terroir.

    Trends:

    Sustainability: Organic and biodynamic practices.

    Innovation: New grape varieties and winemaking techniques.

    Tourism: Wine routes and wine and food experiences.

    Market:

    Exports: Growing, especially in France, the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany.

    Domestic consumption: Rising due to increased purchasing power and wine culture.

    Challenges: Unstable political and economic scenario.

    Opportunities: Growth in tourism, focus on sustainability and innovation.

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Wines of Switzerland
    Sep 28 2024

    The Complete Overview of Swiss Wines: From History to Tasting

    This report presents a comprehensive analysis of Swiss winemaking, based on excerpts from the book "Wines of Switzerland". We will cover everything from ancient history to future market trends, exploring the unique characteristics that make Swiss wines a treasure to be discovered.


    Historical Context and Cultural Significance:


    The history of Swiss winemaking dates back to the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the quote: "The history of Swiss winemaking dates back to the time of the Romans, who introduced the vine to the region." Wine culture is deeply rooted in the Swiss identity, present in celebrations, meals and the local economy, especially in regions such as Valais and Vaud.


    Regional Diversity and Geographical Challenges:


    Switzerland has several wine regions, each with its own unique characteristics, influenced by the terroir and the grape varieties grown.


    Valais: The largest region, with vineyards at high altitudes, produces full-bodied and complex wines, notably Chasselas (Fendant).

    Vaud: Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, it produces elegant wines, notably Pinot Noir and Chasselas, grown on beautiful terraces.

    Ticino: Influenced by Italy, it produces more robust and fruity wines, notably Merlot.

    Producing in a mountainous country presents challenges such as steep terrain, variable climate and small properties.

    Grape Varieties:


    Switzerland grows international and indigenous grapes, giving the wines unique characteristics.

    Reds:


    Pinot Noir: The most important red grape, producing elegant wines with aromas of red fruits and spices.

    Gamay: Produces fruity, light and refreshing wines, ideal for light meals.

    Merlot: Produces fruity, versatile wines with soft tannins.

    Cabernet Sauvignon: Produced on a smaller scale, it produces full-bodied wines with aromas of black fruits and spices.

    Whites:


    Chasselas: The most emblematic white grape, producing dry, aromatic and refreshing wines.

    Pinot Gris: Produces generally fruity wines with aromas of pear, apple and floral notes.

    Chardonnay: Produces wines that vary in style, from light and fruity to complex.

    Sauvignon Blanc: Produced on a smaller scale, but of high quality, it has citrus and herbaceous aromas.

    Wine Culture and Tourism:


    Wine culture in Switzerland combines tradition and innovation. Centuries-old family wineries coexist with young producers seeking to modernize. Wine festivals, such as the "Fête des Vignerons", celebrate winemaking tradition.


    Wine tourism is growing, driven by the stunning landscapes and the quality of the wines. Regions such as Lavaux, with its terraced vineyards that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attract visitors from all over the world.


    Lavaux: A must-see:


    "Lavaux, located in Switzerland, is a world-renowned wine region famous for its terraced vineyards that stretch along the shores of Lake Geneva." The terraced vineyards of Lavaux, built over centuries, represent the perfect fusion of human ingenuity and nature, creating breathtaking landscapes.


    Enjoying Swiss Wines:


    Pairing with local cuisine is an enriching experience. Chasselas pairs well with fish and seafood, Pinot Noir pairs well with white meats and poultry, while Gamay is ideal for grilled red meats.


    The Future of Swiss Winemaking:


    The future looks bright, with a focus on sustainability, new grape varieties and wine tourism. Online sales are also becoming increasingly important.


    Why try Swiss wines?


    Exceptional quality, a variety of styles, beautiful landscapes and a commitment to sustainability are just some of the reasons to venture into the world of Swiss wines.


    Conclusion:


    Swiss wines represent an age-old tradition, combining quality, diversity and spectacular landscapes. This report has provided a comprehensive overview of Swiss winemaking, from its rich history to future trends, inviting you to discover and appreciate the uniqueness of these wines.

    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Sensory Profile: Guatambu Épico
    Sep 27 2024

    Sensory Profile:


    Name: Guatambu Épico VIII

    Type: Red Wine

    Grapes: Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo

    Harvest: 2020, 20S21 and 2022

    Region: Campanha Gaúcha, Brazil

    Alcohol Content: 14%

    Aging: 24 months in French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels

    Serving Temperature: 18 to 20°C

    Pairing and Tasting:


    Guatambu Épico VIII is ideal to accompany "red meats, game animals, pasta with sauces and strong cheeses."


    In terms of tasting, it presents "elegant aromas of red fruits (raspberry, cherry), black fruits (blueberry, cassis, plum)", complemented by notes of spices such as clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and a subtle touch of tobacco. On the palate, the wine stands out for its great volume and depth, with notes of red and black fruits, as well as honey, dried fruits and spices.

    Show More Show Less
    5 mins