▻ Omnibus Second Edition

Omnibus Edition

1 Feb

Episode Summary:-

Sarah Kemp and John Stimpfig discuss the impact of Brexit, which has resulted in a substantial administrative burden for the UK wine trade, and asks what it will mean for British consumers in terms of choice and price. They also fondly remember the great chef Albert Roux and discuss his contribution to British cuisine. John examines the ‘Clean Wine’ movement and asks if it’s all it claims to be. Nelson Pari and Federico Moccia, 67 Pall Mall’s popular Italian sommeliers, join The Wine Conversation to discuss Barolo. They talk about the different vineyards, styles, which producers to look for and which vintages are best for drinking now. Elin McCoy, US Editor, looks back on 2020, “a year of change and chaos,” and predicts major wine trends for 2021, including Rosé Prosecco, the way we shop for wine (including pix.wine, a major new player entering the market), and virtual wine tourism and sustainability. John rounds up the programme by recommending the best Australian Rieslings, which he describes as a style that offers terrific value for money.

““Younger people want to drink wines they feel are doing good in the world, and that is the ultimate luxury” ”

— Elin McCoy

Running Order:-

0.00 – 5.59
Jan 2021 - the wine stories which made the news

“I have a horrible feeling that wine prices of European wines will increase because of Brexit”

Sarah Kemp and John Stimpfig discuss the month’s main wine stories, starting with the impact of Brexit on the UK wine trade, which is now facing a huge administrative burden that threatens to increase the cost of European wine to the UK consumer. They reminisce about Albert Roux, the great chef, who died in January and remember his extraordinary contribution to British cuisine, and how he made The Gavroche the wine trade’s favourite restaurant.
6.00 – 19.27
John Stimpfig talks about the new 'Clean wine movement' which is gathering pace in the US

“'Clean Wine’ is the bastard child of the small natural-wine movement and the massive US wellness market.”

John explains how the movement is on a mission to clean up wine and claim that their organic vegan wine is healthier, better for the planet, and may not give you a hangover. The movement enjoys the endorsement of the actress Cameron Diaz, who is behind the Avaline wine brand, and other clean wine brands are making serious profits. Sarah and John examine their claims, and are not convinced. Not all of the companies are transparent on where the grapes come from and some of the health claims are questionable. “For me it’s about the marketing,” says John
19.28 – 30.11
All about Barolo

“Barolo is Burgundy made by Italians; it is the worst thing that could happen in life.” – Nelson Pari

Nelson Pari and Federico Moccia are known as the “Barolo Boys,” and they are on a mission to educate consumers to the joys of Italy’s “king of wines”. They describe the different areas within the region, the styles, which producers they admire and which vintages are ready for drinking, depending on the style of Barolo produced. To read their recommendations click here.
31.12 – 50.06
Elin McCoy predicts 2021’s major wine trends

“Shop-ability is about to get a whole lot better”

Elin McCoy looks back on 2020, a year of change and chaos, which changed our habits on how we bought wine, where we drank wine, and where we learnt about wine. She predicts major wine trends for 2021, which include the merging of two major trends--the rise of Rosé and the rise of Prosecco--merging into one mega-trend, Pink Prosecco. She discusses canned wines (Elin is about to attend the first vertical tasting of and will report back in a future edition), climate change, and the 25% US tariffs, which have had a dramatic effect in the US on consumer choice. Everything moved online in 2020, and Elin predicts that will continue in 2021. Shopping online is a major trend with a major new player, www.pix.wine about to launch, as a one-stop shop for finding and buying wine. Online tastings are another trend, with many companies offering them as perks, leading to new online players, including www.virtualwithus. Elin looks at the rise of “oeno-tourism” and the company Vivant.eco, who are offering a new platform streaming live wine experiences around the world. Elin’s last prediction is that “sustainability” will be the eco-word of 2021, and will become more than a marketing slogan, with young consumers wanting to buy wines which reflect their values.
50.16 – 58.13
Recommended Australian Rieslings

“It’s one of my all-time favourite wine styles.”

Australian Riesling is one of John’s favourite wine styles and in this episode he talks about the reasons why he loves it, which apart from its flavour profile, its food friendliness and its ability to age, is that it offers tremendous value for money. John discusses the main regions to look for on the label and names some of his all-time favourite producers.