The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is an ancient winemaking region, producing a rich wine known as Commandaria. As a blend of both white & red grapes (known as Mavro & Xynisteri) the unique flavor is derived from a special winemaking process that utilizes sundried methods. #wine #winepodcast #cyprus #commandariawine #winemaking

It is said that when George Washington and the Founding Fathers toasted their signing of our Declaration of Independence, Madeira was the spirit of choice. Produced on its namesake volcanic island off the coast of Portugal, Madeira has long been a staple of American wine culture. David Kohl recalls the thrill of tasting a Civil War vintage 1864 Madeira at Fort Lauderdale’s favorite wine venue : Wine Watch. #wine #winepodcast #madeira

Steve Girard now operates his winemaking talents in Oregon, but as founder of Girard Winery in Napa Valley’s Oakville region circa 1980, he was renowned as one of the elite players in California’s wine business. Today we taste 2021 vintage Girard Cabernet Sauvignon and while under new ownership is a tribute to the Girard legacy. Bright fruits & nutty aromas produce a wine ready to drink now at an unbelievable value in the $40 range. #napavalley #napacab #oakvillenapa #winepodcast #wine

When family patriarch Don Bacardi relocated to Cuba from his native Spain in The 1800s, he bought a distillery and succeeded in producing a unique variety of rum that has become a global sensation. Now produced in Puerto Rico, Bacardi Rum is an iconic brand with a rich historic character. #winepodcast #rumpodcast #cubanrum #rumandcoke #bacardi #bacardirum

David Kohl explains the concept of tariffs on wine & spirits, and why they are a bad idea for the national & local economy. Also, we discuss the pending release of the 2024 Bordeaux vintage.

As a distinguished member of The Roman Senate circa 50 AD, Pliny the Elder proclaimed the health virtues of wine consumed in moderation, and wrote several books on the cultivation of grapes including techniques originating in Ancient Greece. It is fitting that history’s 1st wine critic hailed from Italy, given the volume of indigenous Italian grapes. This fascinating character is profiled in Hugh Johnson’s wonderful book that chronicles the history of wine. #wine #winepodcast #winehistory #plinytheelder #italianwine

Produced in Bordeaux along the Garonne River, Lillet is a refreshing aperitif composed of of Semillon grapes along with citrus liqueur from nearby Spain & Morocco. Lillet offerings are often served as a light “spritz” with tonic or club soda, garnished with strawberries or other fruits. Today we taste a white Lillet, which also is available in rose & red format. #wine #winepodcast #lillet #bordeauxwine

When Bruno Corneaux, a French vigneron hailing from Dijon, moved to Oregon, he pledged to bring a Burgundian style of winemaking to the region. Today we taste his unique take on “Passetoutgrain” red wine blend of Gamay & Pinot Noir grapes. Bruno’s Domaine Divio selection reflects an abundance of red fruits + spice tone, providing a true gem worth discovering. #winepodcast #wine #vinsbourgogne #gamay #passetoutgrain #oregonwine

With white Burgundy Chardonnay prices spiking, it is refreshing to discover value in the realm of Premier Cru Pouilly Fuisse offerings. Today we highlight a sublime selection from Domaine Perraud reflecting opulent notes of baked apple & hazelnut. #winepodcast #wine #vinsbourgogne #chardonnay #whiteburgundy #pouillyfuisse

Founded more than 400 years ago in 1588, Croft Estate produces port wines rich in dried fruits & figs within Quinta de Roeda region of Portugal’s Douro Valley. Today we taste a Vintage 2007 aged port that is drinking beautifully yet can still be cellared for future enjoyment. #wine #portwine #porto #dourovalley #croftport

David Kohl presents the Cognac region of France, located just north of Bordeaux. To produce Cognac spirits, grapes are distilled using the eau de vie process and classified in an aging range of VS, VSOP, XO, XXO. Tasting is best in a snifter so that the hand warmth can heat the glass and release aromatics that enhance the experience. #winepodcast #cognac #vsop #france #frenchspirits

When David Kohl attended ‘Salon de Vins’ conference in France’s Loire Valley, he singled out David Fourrier’s wine growing estate as the finest offering from Anjou region. A relatively new vigneron with an appetite for risk along with a strong agricultural background, Fourrier produces dry style Chenin Blanc selections that are rich in notes of Anjou’s signature pear terroir and other orchard fruit. #wine #winepodcast #loirevalleywines #anjou #cheninblanc

David Kohl describes his recent trip to Normandy, France and discusses current issues in the wine business. #winepodcast #wine #normandy

David Kohl is fascinated by the story of Chateau de Gayon in Sud Ouest France’s Madiran region. Founded in The 13th Century, the historic winegrowing estate was recently purchased by American architect David Ebert, who followed his dream to own + operated a vineyard in France. Located near The Pyrenees, Chateau de Gayon produces ferociously big wines that are typically aged 10 years prior to release. Today we taste a 2010 offering from Chateau de Gayon : Tannat blended with Cabernet Franc & Fer Servadou. This rich selection reminds David Kohl of a Napa Valley Howell Mountain Zinfandel. Typically retailing in the range of $40 Chateau de Gayon is a true gem for consumers focused on “big wines”. #winepodcast #wine #tannat #bigwines #madiran #redwine

Presenting a unique style of sweet wine from Chateau de Gaylon, produced within “Pacherenc du Vic Bihl “ in France’s Sud Ouest region. This Chateau was founded over 600 years ago but is now owned by American architect David Ebert, who followed his dream to own + operate vineyard in France. As 100% Petit Manseng grape, the offering is rich in notes of butterscotch & toffee with a deep apricot color. David Kohl is pleased to have discovered this selection through contact with the estate’s export manager Enio Milan. #winepodcast #wine #sweetwine #petitmanseng #sudouest #pacherencduvicbihl

David Kohl discusses some recent topics of note in the Wine Industry, including a 2022 vintage Bordeaux update & some highlights of a gourmet dinner hosted by Descas Wine merchants in Paris . Tune In to hear the content. #winelovers #winepodcast #bordeauxwine #wine #paris #winenews

Burgundy’s wine regions have lately been challenged by climate conditions which have impacted pricing. But there is still value to be found. David Kohl presents a Givry selection from Domaine Perraud. Not to be confused with the elite & pricey Gevrey Chambertin, the Givry region of Burgundy sits within Cote Chalonnaise and offers Pinot Noir with mineral expression reflective of its terroir. Typically retailing under $40, this is a consumer friendly experience. #winepodcast #wine #vinsbourgogne #pinotnoir #burgundyvalues

One of the top suppliers in David Kohl’s import portfolio is Domaine Perraud, located in Burgundy’s Macon region. Today we feature their “Pouilly Vinzelles” offering. Pouilly Vinzelles is a compact Macon region nearby to the better known area of Pouilly Fuisse. But while not well known, Pouilly Vinzelles provides cutting edge value of Chardonnay white Burgundy under $30 retail. with notes of peach & honey, a perfect cheese wine ! #winepodcast #wine #vinsbourgogne #chardonnay #whiteburgundy #pouillyvinzelles

The brother / sister team of Raphael & Beatrice Dubois hail from 11 generations of Burgundy winemaking and today run Domaine Dubois, a value-centric estate in Nuits St. Georges. With Burgundy prices escalating it is impressive to find offerings within the elite Cote de Nuits that provide consumers with gems that are ready to drink today. #winepodcast #wine #vinsbourgogne #burgundywine #cotedenuits

David Kohl holds a discussion of France’s Cooperative winemaking (Coops) vs. independent vigneron growers. Almost 40% of wine from France is produced by Coops who are able to supply European grocery stores and USA big box retailers with sizeable volume of product. Vineyard owners will bring their grapes to the Coop for processing & vinification as a group. The opposite spectrum is independent vigneron growers, who brand their own vineyard and market their own offerings. For a region such as Sancerre this becomes challenging for independent growers because their annual yields are small, thus competition with Coops centers on artisan craft methods vs. high-volume production methods. #winepodcast #wine #sancerre #artisan