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Matthew Gaughan

An Englishman in California soaking up the sun, I am a WSET Diploma graduate, Certified WSET Educator, and MW student. I blog about wine, teach it at all levels, and drink plenty of it. Follow me on twitter @mattswineworld or check out my website: matthewsworldofwineanddrink.com

Matthew's World of Wine and Drink

There are eighteen grape varieties permitted for Châtauneuf-du-Pape, some of them very famous, others much more obscure. This episode details the characteristics of each of the varieties and what they bring to a blend—and why blending is so important in the warm climate of the southern Rhône—as well as looking at some of the other regions the varieties are grown in.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grape Varieties

An in-depth conversation with Michael Terrien of Obsidian Ridge about Lake County, the importance of elevation, and the shiny, sharp obsidian rocks. Michael has worked with the high-elevation Obsidian Ridge vineyard for 20 years: the interview records how he has learnt from the land to make wine that reflects the land's character.

Interview with Michael Terrien of Obsidian Ridge

An interview with Clémence Lelarge-Pougeot of the Champagne producer Lelarge-Pougeot who specialise in Meunier. The interview explores the evolution of a grower-producer and the increasingly important role of Meunier in Champagne production. Clémence is about as charming as can be, so have a listen and drink a glass of champagne!

Interview with Clémence Lelarge-Pugeot

Sardinia is a large, rugged island with a strong Mediterranean culture; it has a strong if rustic winemaking tradition which is beginning to become more internationally relevant. In this episode, I interview Mark Middlebrook of Portovino, an importer of unusual Italian wine. We talk about Vermentino and Cannonau (Grenache), as well as extraordinary wines made under flor (like fino sherry, but not fortified). Join us for a journey across the island!

Interview on Sardinia with Mark Middlebrook

Nova Scotia is a small region off the eastern coast of Canada, which is slowly attracting attention due to the increased quality of its wines. The cool Atlantic climate are great for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and traditional method sparkling wines, as well as dry, crisp white wines.

Sophia Luckett (of www.the-drink-talking.com) joins me on the pod to the give the lowdown on Nova Scotia wines and what the future holds.

New to Nova Scotia

Thirty years ago English sparkling wine wasn't a thing; twenty years ago it was barely known about; ten years it was little understood; now it's appreciated as one of the best regions for quality bubbles; the next ten years may see England really become established on the world map. To discuss all this more, listen to my interview with Trevor Clough of Digby Fine English - who make some fantastic sparkling wine.

Interview with Trevor Clough of Digby Fine English

Carignan, Cariñena, Mazuelo, Samsó, Carignano: call it what you like, the variety has had an up and down history. Long used in bulk regions like Languedoc due to its high yields which lead to astringent tannins, there are now producers working with old vines to make more concentrated, intense, and successful wines. This explores Carignan in all its form, and why it should be taken more seriously than is sometimes the case.

Carignan

Grenache is one of the world's most planted grape varieties, commonly found in warm Mediterranean climates such as the south of France, eastern Spain, Australia, and California. This episode explores the extraordinary diverse range of wines made from Grenache: different blends, rosé, fortified wine, and from old vines. In a warming climate, Grenache may be the future!

Grenache

Chenin Blanc is one of my favourite white grape varieties, with its high acidity and characteristic waxy texture. It's made in a range of styles, from dry to sweet to sparkling. This episode explores all the regions in which Chenin Blanc is grown, from the Loire to South Africa to California and even Argentina.

Chenin Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes dismissed as producing one-dimensional wines which are grassy, herbaceous, and vegetal, designed to be drunk now. This episode discusses the much more versatile, varied, and diverse nature of Sauvignon Blanc, exploring the Loire, Bordeaux, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Chile, and California, from dry to sweet wines and the many expressions made from the grape.

Sauvignon Blanc

Interview with Rui Lucas of Prior Lucas in Bairrada, Portugal. It's a region heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and therefore cooler and wetter than other areas further inland. Baga is the main variety, well-suited to the humid climate, producing tannic, high-acid, ageworthy wines. There's also sparkling wine made, which we talk about in this episode. Bairrada is an interesting, very individual region!

Bairrada: Interview with Rui Lucas of Prior Lucas

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