Ep 223: North Canterbury, New Zealand's Hidden Gem with Simone Madden-Grey
Release Date: 03/10/2018
Ep 593: Fronsac and Canon Fronsac - The Past & Future Greats of Bordeaux
Wine for Normal People
In the show I discuss these two outstanding appellations that once were Greats in Bordeaux and should be once again -- these are wines we should all be drinking more often, especially at the price we pay (you can get a great bottle for US$30). Located at 44.5°N, northwest of the city of Libourne, Fronsac and Canon Fronsac sit on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, overlooking the Dordogne River. These two red-wine-only appellations share some of the best limestone terroir in Bordeaux. And despite the beauty and high quality of the vineyards that cover rolling hills and plateaus, AOC Fronsac and the much...
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Ep 592: The Next Frontiers of Wine Production - New heights, techniques, regions
Wine for Normal People
This week I discuss the current challenges facing wine due to climate change. I cover some strategies the industry is undertaking to address the major issues -- from vineyard and tech solutions to new varieties (Pilzwiderstandsfahige Reben or PiWi grapes!). Then I cover emerging regions that are doing a surprisingly great job making innovative wines! From Normandy, France to the UK, Tasmania, and countries in Scandinavia, you will get a great idea of what is happening on the cutting edge of wine! As promised, here are some names of Danish and Swedish Vineyards: Denmark: ...
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Ep 591: Grape Mini Series - The Zinfandel Refresh
Wine for Normal People
After 14 years, I felt like it was probably time to do another show on Zinfandel! Known as America's heritage grape, the story of the quest for its European origins is like a mystery novel with an interesting end. It is a great grape and so historic! Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons In this show I cover the massive history of the grape and the unbelievable decades-long search for its origins, which were finally discovered after a dogged group of researchers did a painstaking...
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Ep 590: Back to Basics - Defining Terroir (2026 Remix)
Wine for Normal People
Many, many years ago (like 15 years ago when I started the pod! ) I did a bunch of shows to define terroir. This was when there was a lot of controversy over whether or not terroir was “real”, with people lining up on various sides – terroir is a bunch of bunk made up by snobby French people, wine from anywhere can be made to taste the same regardless of place, the winemaker is more important than the land, and on the other side – terroir is magic that can’t be explained, only European wines have a sense of place, etc., etc. In this show I discuss some of the newer definitions...
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Ep 589: The Monticello AVA of Virginia- The Birthplace of American Wine
Wine for Normal People
Located about 2.5-3 hours southwest of Washington DC, in the southeast of the United States, the Monticello AVA is making world class wines that you need to know about! Photo: Afton Mountain Vineyards. Credit: WFNP Although California is the state for which American wine is known, the first place to tirelessly attempt to make premium wine was, in fact, Virginia. In the land Thomas Jefferson, the greatest wine advocate in American history, called home, the third president never realized his dream of making great wine. But in 1976 a couple of prominent Italians made a go of it and since...
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Ep 588: The Greats of Bordeaux – Pomerol
Wine for Normal People
As our last in the series of the Greats of Bordeaux, I tackle Pomerol -- land of the hedonistic, silky, velvety, complex wines. The name of the game in Pomerol is terroir, and what the excellent, dedicated producers do to express it in the glass. I cover the history of Pomerol, its variable terroir and what that means for the wines, discuss the main grapes in the blend, viticulture and winemaking and then go over some of the top châteaux: Petrus, Le Pin, Château Lafleur, Château La Conseillante, Château Trotanoy, and more! Full show notes and all back episodes...
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Ep 587: The Thanksgiving Show 2025 - Two-Wine Strategies to Rule the Feast
Wine for Normal People
Thanksgiving is one of the most difficult meals to pair with, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try! Source: Canva This year, for one of our weekly discussion questions I asked the Patrons how many wines they would be serving with their Thanksgiving/holiday feasts and the answer was overwhelmingly 2-3. Given that, in this show I talk about combinations of two wines you can purchase for your table that will pair with many types of Thankgsivings. Some examples: If your dishes tend to be on the sweet side… honey glazes, marshmallow sweet potatoes, candied sweet...
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Ep 586: The Five Paths to Bubbles - The 5 Sparkling Production Methods & Styles to Try
Wine for Normal People
Just in time for the holiday season, I review the five ways to get fizz in a wine (on purpose) -- and the wines that result. I discuss regions and styles of different wines in each of the three major categories: Ancestral Method/Pétillant Naturel, Méthode Champenoise/ Metodo Classico, and the Martinotti/Charmat/Tank Method. From Col Fondo to Method Cap Classique to German Sekt, I offer you new possibilities and sparkling wine types you may not know or think of off the top of your head, but which are all great in their own right and many which are ridiculously affordable (and...
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Ep 585: Ten White Wines for Winter
Wine for Normal People
At the suggestion of Patron John D., in this show I give you a list of 10 great winter whites and review each in detail! I discuss the varied styles, since most regions have multiple versions of these wines, and how to get the bone warmers, not the light sippers. I offer food pairing ideas to boot! From white Burgundy to Poşip to Savienníeres and Fiano, I've suggested a great white bottle for almost every week of winter! I hope you find the list useful. Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. ...
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Ep 584: The Grape Miniseries Refresh - Riesling
Wine for Normal People
This time in the grape miniseries -- a refresh on one of my all time favorite grapes -- Riesling. This versatile grape has a long history of quality, and is highly misunderstood by most people. I review the long and noble history of the grape, starting in 1435 and talk about how it wound up in places like the US and Australia, where it makes world class examples. I cover Riesling in the vineyard, in the cellar, and what makes a wine sweet or dry. I even explain a bit about the International Riesling Foundation scale! I hope this overview gives you a new apprecaition for this...
info_outlineFresh off an amazing trip to the North Canterbury region, just north of Christchurch on the South Island of her homeland, New Zealand, Simone Madden-Grey let's us in on a little known region that we all need to try (and visit): North Canterbury.
Here are some quick notes from the show:
- The Alps are to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east.
- Cool, dry climate with high sunshine and a long growing season means pure, flavorful wines -- especially aromatic whites like Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer since the climate is similar to Alsace. Pinot Noir is also stunning from here
- 3% of NZ production
- Wines are grown on the valley floor and vineyards (top ones) are being planted on the hillsides and foothills
- The stunning subregions of Waipara and Waitaki Valleys are the hot spots for quality wine in the region.
- Waipara Valley is 40 minutes north of Christchurch
- About 30 wineries in the valley
- We discuss the beautiful produce of the ares and how the food and wine are so fully integrated into the culture here, as it is no where else
- For a list of all the wineries, with links go here: Wineries and Vineyards of North Canterbury and Waipara
- And the list of wines Simone mentions --
Bell Hill Vineyard – http://www.bellhill.co.nz/
Bellbird Spring – http://www.bellbirdspring.co.nz/
Black Estate – http://blackestate.co.nz/
Greystone Wines – http://www.greystonewines.co.nz/
Pegasus Bay – http://www.pegasusbay.com/
Pyramid Valley – http://pyramidvalley.co.nz/
Tongue in Groove – http://tongueingroove.co.nz/
As a wrap up for Women's History Month, we talk about our experiences as women in wine.
Thanks to Simone and to our sponsor this week:
The Great Courses Plus -- who makes you smarter and more well rounded! With thousands of outstanding video lectures that you can watch or listen to any time and anywhere, The Great Courses Plus is an easy way to stimulate your brain and make you smarter! For a free trial, go to thegreatcoursesplus.com/wine