▻ Omnibus Third Edition
Episode Three
Episode Summary:-
Sarah Kemp and John Stimpfig discuss the latest wine news, including the six new grape varieties allowed in Bordeaux, the problems the Wine & Spirit Education Trust is facing in China, how wine has overtaken vodka in Russia, the crisis in the South African wine industry today, and John’s discovery of a new wine word: “Cloop” (importantly, it is allowed in Scrabble). Elin McCoy reports on how wine tariffs have been extended in the US, causing more pain for wine retailers and consumers alike. Matt Walls, author of the new book “Wines of the Rhone,” talks about the book and the wines, and recommends the appellations which did well in 2019 and reveal producers to watch. Then, Sarah and Elin ask how many wine glasses do you need, and Elin reviews Karen McNeil’s new range, as well as looking at other wine manufacturers.
““The next best thing to drinking wine is talking about it.””
Running Order:-
-
0.00 – 10.00
Sarah Kemp and John Stimpfig discuss the latest wine news
“'Cloop', the new wine word that is allowed in Scrabble”
John reveals he has discovered a new wine word: “Cloop,” the sound made when a cork is drawn from a bottle. Scrabble will not be the same in the Stimpfig household again! Sarah and he discuss the problems the leading wine educators, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, are facing in China, how wine sales have overtaken vodka in Russia, the new grape varieties allowed in Bordeaux, and why one South African producer is describing the current state of the industry as a “bloodbath.” -
10.00 – 15.41
Elin McCoy reports on how wine tariffs have been extended in the US
“One importer had $7.5 million worth of wine in ships in transit when extra tariffs were announced, and now he has to pay half a million dollars in tariffs.”
Elin McCoy discusses the problems the tariffs in the US are causing retailers and consumers, and how they have now been extended to wines over 14% alcohol from France and Germany, in retaliation because of the EU subsidy row over Airbus. She describes how one importer is facing a quarter of a million dollars extra costs for a shipment which was on the water when the new tariffs were announced. -
15.42 – 23.59
Matt Walls, on his new book “Wines of the Rhone"
“The Southern Rhône is still a region finding itself,” says Matt Walls
John Stimpfig talks to Matt Walls, who has just published a new book, “The Wines of the Rhône.” Matt moved his young family to the Rhône for two years while researching the book. They discuss which grape varieties are the most promising for quality and for coping well with climate change. -
24.00 – 42.05
Matt's recommended Rhône producers
“Look at Châteaneuf-du-Pape in 2019” Matt Walls
Matt talks about the 2019 vintage, when temperatures reached 50 degrees. He tells John, “It’s a surprisingly good vintage, I was expecting it to be a re-run of 2003, opulent and often jammy.” Matt names the appellations and producers who excelled in 2019 and discusses which offer the best value for money [see below for more details]. -
42.05 – 63.50
The question of the wine glass
“Just how many wine glasses do you need?”
As Karen McNeil, author of “The Wine Bible,” launches a new set of wine glasses, Elin McCoy and Sarah Kemp wonder how many wine glasses do we need? They discuss how Riedel revolutionised wine glasses, and how several wine writers followed by launching their own range. Elin reviews the newest glasses, which are based on flavour profiles, and talks about the pros and cons of the various ranges.
Wines Worth Talking About | Matt’s Rhône Recommendations:-
Saint Jean du Barroux 'La Pierre Noire' 2017 AOC Ventoux (Grenache, Syrah)
Meaty, bloody, floral nose; the Syrah to the fore for now. Generous but not thick, this has a captivating texture, it really makes an impression on the palate. Perfect balance, with real intensity and concentration. Great freshness and energy, full of character, but also such precision. Every sip is a pleasure. I can't wait to see this with some age. Winemaker Philippe Gimel has the touch. Drink now or hold until 2030. Laywheeler.com currently stocking 2016
Chapoutier 'Sicamor' 2018 AOC Crozes-Hermitage (Pure Syrah)
This opens proudly with decanting, revealing a vibrant and intense aromatic display of blackcurrants and smoky bacon. Ripe and bright but subtle, with a touch of polish from the oak. The acidity is quite marked, providing a good sense of freshness and vibrancy. Drink now or hold until 2024. www.chapoutier.com
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Further Information:-
Matt’s recommended producers:
Saint-Joseph: Lionel Faury, Domaine Xavier Gérard, Domaine de Gouye
Côte Rotie: Domaine Stéphane Ogier
Crozes-Hermitage: Domaines Laurent Fayolle Fils et Fille, Domaine Laurent Habrard, Domaine Gaylord Machon
Gigondas: Moulin de la Gardette, Domaine du Terme
Rasteau: Domaine Gourt de Mautens
Cairanne: Domaine Alary
Philippe Guigal is the third generation of the illustrious Guigal wine family from the Rhône. A fascinating interview with one of France’s most dynamic producers, whose family is at the heart of everything.