Sicily’s Mount Etna, Italy, where fire meets finesse in volcanic wines. Hosted by Máté Vass (Wine Ghosts, DipWSET). Learn how altitude, ash, and ancient vines shape Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco, wines built on fire and finesse.
Perfect for WSET & CMS students and curious drinkers alike.
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E-mail: info@wineghosts.com
Tenuta di Trinoro was born out of Andrea Franchetti's vision in a remote yet absolutely dreamy corner of Tuscany. His son, Benjamin, carries his father's flame into the future nowadays. Listen to what he has to say.
Guest: Benajmin Franchetti / Tenuta di Trinoro
Contact me: info@winghosts.com
Topics:
- Legend of Andrea Franchetti
- The Beginnings on Sicily
- Momentum of Etna & Contradas
- Nerello Mascalese & wine profile
- Etna as a brand and even investment in the future?
- Passopisciaro Contradas in detail
- Visions for the future
Guest: Benjamin Franchetti / Passopisciaro, Sicily
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Or write me a mail to info@wineghosts.com
The Castello di Ama wine ghosts are some of the most elegant bottlings of Tuscany, thanks to their location in one of the highest parts of Chianti Classico. The estate was leading the way in the creation of the ‘Gran Selezione’ and in the single vineyard wines in the area. Oh, and they were also the first ones to bottle single-varietal Merlot in the region! You could also hear Lars Granat Jensen, the CEO of Rare Wine Invest, praising the estate in our last episode, which might leave you with an extra incentive to look into the Castello di Ama wines more intensely.
1:27 - Intro & Terroir & History
11:52 - Gran Selezione
14:27 - Sangiovese and its clones
23:23 - Warming Climate & New Varieties?!
26:54 - Single Vineyards Characters
31:35 - Elevage
35:30 - Who is the typical Castello di Ama drinker?
Guest: Lapo De Santi / Winery Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/castellodiama/ Follow the Wine Ghosts Instagram page for more content here: https://www.instagram.com/wineghosts/
Or write me a mail to info@wineghosts.com
Get 20% off your one-time-purchase by using the code 'WINEGHOST20' at the checkout on the Magic Mind website here: https://magicmind.com/
I've been thinking about properly investing in wine for years now. So I thought, I should ask someone who is really on the top of this game. The Danish company, RareWine Invest, is one of the largest and most trusted name in the industry. Mr. Jensen, the CMO of the company, has been delving deep into the topic with me and covered the ABC of wine investing in this hour-long episode. You can learn which allocation they recommend for a well-balanced portfolio, what makes a region or a winery eligible for investment, how it might change in the future, and of course: how you can start to invest. Fascinating insights, I learned a lot.
Topics in chronological order:
- Why and who should invest in wine?
- What are the criteria for investing in certain wines?
- Regions to invest
- Climate Change and what does it change for investment?
- Biggest surprises on the wine market
- How could one start with wine investment?
- Italy as the potential for growth
Guest: LARS GRANAT JENSEN / RAREWINE INVEST
Follow the Wine Ghosts Instagram page for more content here: https://www.instagram.com/wineghosts/
Or write me a mail to info@wineghosts.com
Get 20% off your one-time-purchase by using the code 'WINEGHOST20' at the checkout on the Magic Mind website here: https://magicmind.com/
The 'von der Vogelwaide' winery counts almost as a rebellion in almost every sense in the region of Wachau. They only use native yeast, planted Syrah, make cuvées instead of single varietal wines, don’t show the vineyard or the ripeness level on the label, vinify in small oak, not afraid of malolactic fermentation, you get the point. They are also one of the few gay vintner couples in the country and they built up their successful winery like a true start-up in the last couple of years by recultivating steep vineyards in often abandoned territories. I love to see more diversity in the Wachau as much as I admire the courage and perseverance of these two guys to bring a new taste to this wonderful region. Enjoy!
Guest: Daniel Vogelwaid & Michael Donabaum / Winery: von der Vogelwaide Winemaker's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vondervogelwaide Follow the Wine Ghosts Instagram page for more content here: https://www.instagram.com/wineghosts/ Or write me a mail to info@wineghosts.com Get 20% off your one-time-purchase by using the code 'WINEGHOST20' at the checkout on the Magic Mind website here: https://magicmind.com/
Réka Koncz dared to make natural wines where no professional winemakers labelled wine ever before. In this episode, she tells us her story how working in a Danish natural wine bar changed her approach towards wine and winemaking. I also tasted 3 of her vivid wines during the conversation and we talked Kékfrankos, Furmint, PIWI varieties, oak usage and so much more. I really enjoyed our dialogue and the way how her free spirit unfolded in these 50 minutes. Enjoy!
1:25 - How did Réka get into winemaking? 6:40 - The impact of Denmark on Réka 10:30 - Barabás, the terroir and the beginnings 19:36 - Varieties, and a case for PIWI 28:35 - Eastern Accents - White Cuvée 35:16 - Psychedelic labels 38:42 - Furmint Disorder 44:40 - Kékfrankos 50:00 - Who enjoys Réka’s wines? Guest: Annamária Réka Koncz Winemaker's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nussancs/ Follow the Wine Ghosts Instagram page for more content here: https://www.instagram.com/wineghosts/ Or write me a mail to info@wineghosts.com Get 56% off your first Magic Mind subscription here: https://www.magicmind.com/wineghost Or get 20% off your one-time-purchase by using the code 'WINEGHOST20' at the checkout on the Magic Mind website.
This is episode highlights the cold side of Australia with Emma Symington Master of Wine. Emma has been working with Wine Australia for more than 10 years now, and was kind enough to sit down with me for 2 episodes and introduce us first to the cool climate regions of Australia and then to the many faces of Australian Shiraz in the 2nd episode, coming up in 2 weeks. These shows are meant for both professionals as well as keen beginner wine lovers, who want to get an idea about the lesser known corners and strengths of the Australian wine world.
Guest: Emma Symington MW
Follow the Wine Ghosts Instagram page for more content here: https://www.instagram.com/wineghosts/
Or write me a mail to info@wineghosts.com
Get 56% off your first Magic Mind subscription here:
https://www.magicmind.com/wineghost
Or get 20% off your one-time-purchase by using the code 'WINEGHOST20' at the checkout on the Magic Mind website.
Lebanon wine is intertwined with the legendary Chateau Musar. A winery that survived almost a century of wars and obstacles, while gaining a worldwide reputation amongst the most authentic fine wines of the world with famed ageing potential. I met Marc Hochar a couple of months ago at a masterclass in Germany just before the latest war in the Middle East broke out. The wines were of course amazing and impactful as I expected, but Marc’s gentleman-like aura further elevated the experience with deep thoughts and eye-opening questions. I never took so many notes on a wine tasting before. So please listen to our conversation about Lebanon, a truck-fermented vintage, Sergism, what the future might hold for Chateau Musar and much more.
Please consider supporting the channel with a small monthly contribution on my Patreon channel in return for some extra benefits like submitting your own questions to my future guests, or have a monthly online roundtable with me.
10:09 - Serge Hochar’s heritage - Sergisnm
17:00 - What should Chateau Musar represent?
23:13 - Bekaa Valley
46:30 - 1984 and the truck
51:05 - Elevage
1:02:52 - What does Marc look for in a wine?
1:07:00 - Rosé
1:11:00 - Musar Vintage Library
1:17:05 - New coastal plantings
1:19:55 - Topics in 5 years
Guest: Marc Hochar | Chateau Musar
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Today’s episode will focus on a very special and not very well-known Spanish DO, the Vinos de Madrid. This area has started to get more attention thanks to a handful of enthusiastic Garnacha producers, but the region is still far from being well-developed. I sat down with Juan from the Bernabeleva winery that makes distinctive Albillos and Garnachas in the mountainous area west of Madrid. I’ve known his Albillo Cantocuerdas for a couple years now, which always a great surprise ghost at any blind tasting session it appears on, but we will get into more details in the conversation later.
Please consider supporting the channel with a small monthly contribution on my Patreon channel in return for some extra benefits like submitting your own questions to my future guests, or have a monthly online roundtable with me.
Guest: Juan Bulnes | Bernabeleva Wine Ghosts Instagram: @wineghosts | More content: www.wineghosts.com Support & Get Exclusive on the Wine Ghosts Patreon Site: https://www.patreon.com/wineghosts
Jorge Nunes is the regional manager of the Symington Family Estates in Asia, providing deep insider knowledge about the making of port wine as well as about the trade itself. Jorge has already appeared on the Wine Ghosts podcast in the 66th episode, when he gave tips about passing the WSET Diploma with an “A”, and I must say, he is an excellent communicator and professional. You can learn about varieties, the vineyard work in the Douro, the different extraction methods and styles, the contradiction around the “beneficio” and about current market trends regarding Port wine. I learned a lot and I hope you’ll do the same! To be able to continue making these episodes in the future and keep the Wine Ghosts podcast alive, you can help support the channel with a small monthly contribution on Patreon via the link in the description. In return for 4 dollars a month, you get to know my guest list in advance, you get to submit your own questions for them as well as joining our monthly remote drinking evening when we talk, drink and share our favourite wines with a passionate circle. Any help is greatly appreciated. But now, enjoy Jorge’s insides! 1:30 - Introduction & what makes Port Special 9:30 - Varieties 17:30 - Vineyard Work 28:10 - Extraction Methods 40:35 - Aguardente 44:00 - Maturation & Blending 51:45 - Classification 57:45 - Age Indications 1:02:35 - Beneficio 1:12:20 - Trends for Port Wine Guest: Jorge Nunes | Symington Family Estates Wine Ghosts Instagram: @wineghosts | More content: www.wineghosts.com Support & Get Exclusive on the Wine Ghosts Patreon Site: https://www.patreon.com/wineghosts
There are about 2 weeks till the next D3 exams in the WSET Diploma Program. On this occasion, I invited Alex Tsui as my next guest to the podcast to give tips and last minute encouragement for those who sit the exam on 25th of October. Alex has passed the diploma with distinction recently and won the SOGRAPE prize for his extraordinary achievement, plus he is the moderator of the most popular and active WSET Study Group on Facebook, and the creator of many helpful study guides. On the side, he is a PhD student at Oxford, so wine is basically just a hobby. I think it tells a lot about this humble man who I enjoyed talking to very much. You can also find some helpful links in the description that might ease some burden on your shoulders and help you get the most out of your preparation.
Please vote on the question asked in the show notes and share this piece with anyone who might get something out of it.
4:45 – Why does Alex help others pass the Diploma?
8:45 – How to approach the study material?
16:15 – Flash Cards and other methods to learn
24:45 – Chat GPT and other resources
41:20 – Frameworks and structuring
46:30 – What to do 2-3 weeks before the exam?!
53:40 - Predictions
More info: www.wineghosts.com
Diploma Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/5186994742/
Amble Wine Maps:https://amblewine.com/
This episode is one that I’ve been waiting for in the last couple years already. If you want to become a better blind taster, Nick Jackson’s book: Beyond Flavour is a must have in your library. Nick is a young British Master of Wine who studied Theology in Cambridge and now lives in the sunny Florida, where he imports artisanal European wines, helps private wine collectors and much more. In many ways, his approach to tasting is a rather unique, but most certainly a helpful one. But I let him explain the origin story and methodology of the ‘Tasting by Structure’ approach. We talked about the major updates in the second edition of his book, about minerality, sapidity and the two-texture situation. You hear his criteria for selecting recommended producers, his take on the Florida wine market and of course: how to understand varieties. It was a great experience to look behind the curtains and pick Nick’s brain a bit on how to structure something that probably never meant to be structured, but rather enjoyed.
Buy the book here: https://amzn.to/41PL5v3
2:10 - Starting with wine, Theology, Evolving Palate and wine world
10:24 - The 2nd edition of the book, Tasting for structure
18:26 - Concept of Acid Shape
22:45 - ‘Confusions’ section - One major update
28:10 - ‘Two-texture’ situation
32:37 - Oak Tannin
36:15 - Structure & Skeleton
41:00 - Minerality & Sapidity
52:26 - Producer Recommendations & Nick’s Criteria
54:34 - What Nick is doing nowadays?
58:40 - Florida Wine Market
1:02:00 - Nick’s emerging wine countries
1:05:00 - Is blind tasting getting more difficult?
1:08:25 - How do you take blind tasting skills to the next level?
Guest: Nick Jackson MW | @nickjacksn
Wine Ghosts Instagram: @wineghosts |
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A couple of weeks ago, dear friends of mine brought a particularly inspiring bottle to our usual blind tasting session: the first Welschriesling from the new venture of Christoph Polz. This wine simply blew me away. So, I was eager to talk to the man behind this magnificent wine and hear his thoughts on Hochgrassnitzberg, this is the vineyard where he works on in Styria, but of course also about the variety and his approach to winemaking. Christoph made the impression of a sincere, modest guy who admires fine details, heritage and exceptional quality overall. If you want to enjoy his wines, then hurry up, he didn’t make one for everyone.
1:00 - The Polz Story and How it All Began
4:28 - How Christoph acquired his special plot
10:35 - Styria and its sub-regions
13:33 - Ehrenhausen Terroir
19:42 - Morillon
26:40 - How do the wines actually taste?!
31:37 - The origin story of the label
35:15 - Welschriesling and its vineyards
44:10 - Plan for new wines, additional varieties
51:14 - Welschriesling vs Morillon Taste
Guest: Christoph Polz | Styria, Austria
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Today’s episode is particularly close to my heart. About 4 months ago, I was lucky enough to visit the mesmerising Tenerife, the biggest of the Canary Islands. That’s when I met Roberto Santos, the native Canary winemaker from the Envinate winery. The dreamy weather, warm winds and anywhere you are, you can either see the towering Teida volcano or the vast blueness of the ocean. Hell of a terroir, I would say. I’ve also wrote about my experiences on my new website, you can find the link to the article in the description. Back then, I’ve already decided that I want to interview Roberto on the show and spread the word about the magical wines of Tenerife and the honest Envinate bottlings. This time, Roberto was also joined by Alfonso Torrente, a fellow winemaker at Envinate. In this episode, you’ll learn about the centenarian ungrafted vineyards, the indigenous varieties of the island, the story of Envinate, why the Canary wines didn’t reach more fame yet, and which 3 driving forces are the 4 winemakers thrive in a wine for.
My experiences on the island: https://www.wineghosts.com/somm-on-tour/tenerife
Timeline:
1:40 - Story of Envinate and its values
7:30 – History and wine culture on Tenerife
18:15 – How come Tenerife is not full of excellent winemakers?
25:00 – Envinate Wine Style & different Approaches in different Envinate Terroirs
30:40 – Native Varieties
Guest: Roberto Santos & Alfonso Torrente | Envinate Winery
Wine Ghosts Instagram: @wineghosts |
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In this episode you can hear my conversation with Jorge Nunes, who had become the most successful WSET Diploma graduate (winner of the Vintners' Cup) in the 2021 calendar year. As a diploma student myself, I wanted to pick Jorge’s brain about how he got to achieve this honourable title. Most helpful techniques, tasting tips, surprising challenges and the power of motivation are all parts of this episode. Other than that, Jorge is currently working as the Asia Pacific Market Manager at great Symington Family Estates in Singapur, so you can also hear his perspective about the current state of the Asian and sweet wine market in the beginning of our conversation. I’ve learned a lot from Jorge during this hour-long talk and I hope you’ll do the same as well.
Please get in contact if you have any questions or comments about the episode.
Timeline:
1:07 - Personal story, Asian market nowadays, Sweet Wine Market
8:20 - Most Helpful Study Techniques, Power of Tasting Groups, Know Your Bankers
18:55 - Wine Description Advice & Best Sources for Study
35:47 - Revision & Practice
37:03 - What happens when you finish and the road to MW
Guest: Jorge Nunes | Symington Family Estates
Wine Ghosts Instagram: @wineghosts |
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As I’m writing my essay for my WSET diploma about sustainable Bordeaux, I wanted to hear and share with you some insider knowledge from a prestigious chateau in the area. Château Lagrange is a classified Third Growth estate with the largest single vineyard among classified estates in the Médoc. My guest was Matthieu Bordes, general manager and winemaker at the estate since 2006. In this episode, you’ll hear why organic farming might not be sustainable, which are the biggest most surprising contributors to the environmental pollution by a winery, why and which environmental certifications would be beneficial for further development, whether or not the 2030 Bordeaux plan can be achieved, how the appellation evolved in the last decades and how the typical Bordeaux might change in the future, and why you might be the reason that the estate isn’t 100% organic yet. Enjoy!
Timeline:
3:50 - Lagrange’s approach to a sustainable winemaking
26:43 - How the Lagrange Portfolio Changed in the recent decades
35:12 - What is happening to the Bordeaux Blend in the future?!
40:31 - Collection Remarquable - a unique wine box
45:25 - What about white wine?
Guest: Matthieu Bordes | Château Lagrange
Wine Ghosts Instagram: @wineghosts |
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Santa brought a hell of christmas present recently, the wine workbook from Amble Wine. A paramount help for wine students that I certainly wanted to spread the word about on the channel. The founder, Lea Gatinois has missed a comprehensive workbook to practice her knowledge during her WSET Diploma studies, so she created her own. And thanks God she did, because these maps, infographics, varietal descriptions and alike, are great helping hands preparing for the scary D3 exam this year. We’ve talked about the motivations behind starting the company, the product portfolio, future projects, life as young wine entrepreneur and other silly things. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Lea and don’t forget to order your workbooks on amblewine.com.
1:30 - Origins, motivations and business model
7:00 - Product portfolio and their making
27:35 - Future Products
29:45 - Wine-Entrepreneur Life
Guest: Lea Gatinois | Amble Wine
Wine Ghosts Instagram: @wineghosts | More content: www.wineghosts.com
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My first encounter with the Donatsch wines was in April 2022 in a masterclass, and I was deeply touched. Martin is a truly honest guy who makes mesmerising Pinots, Chardonnays and Completer in Mali s, Graubünden, Switzerland. He not only wants his own wines to be enjoyed by people who can appreciate great wine made in his exceptional region, but he is also eager to make Swiss wines more known and recognised all around the world. Martin talked about the history of their 125 years old winery, his beautiful terroir, why almost no Swiss wines leave the country and his philosophy behind the (self-made) labels.
CONTENT:
0:55 - Swiss market and why you can’t find any Swiss wine in your country?
6:55 - How Burgundy influenced the modern Donatsch craze
16:40 - Mood of Graubünden
30:35 - Completer for the future!
44:00 - Martin’s idea of a great wine
53:15 - Introduction to Swiss wine country
Guest: Martin Donatsch | Donatsch Winery
Wine Ghosts Instagram: @wineghosts | More content: www.wineghosts.com
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