Another Bottle Down
Revived from a previous iteration in 2022, Another Bottle Down explores the when, what, why, and how of the wine and spirits world. Join us as we share the ins and outs, the stories, and our honest insights one bottle at at time.
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Marco Balsimelli, Ornellaia's New Director of Winemaking
09/23/2024
Marco Balsimelli, Ornellaia's New Director of Winemaking
On today's show, Jessica visits the icon property of Ornellaia, situated on the Tuscan coast in Bolgheri. She tastes through their beautiful wines with the new Director of Winemaking, Marco Balsimelli. Marco joined the executive team at Ornellaia and Maseto in January 2024 and comes from a rich background that spans various wineries in Tuscany and Bordeaux, and most recently he worked for Eric Boissenot's oenological consultancy that advised on winemaking for more than 150 properties in various countries. More on the wines of Ornellaia . US Importer Vintus's producer profile with Marco's full Bio . Tickets for the Wine and Food Foundation's Rare and Fine Wine Auction .
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Pietro Russo MW and the Brilliance of Grillo
09/01/2024
Pietro Russo MW and the Brilliance of Grillo
Pietro Russo is the third Master of Wine in Italy and part of the group of Italian MW's who are now being referred to as the "Three Muscateers" (coined by Stevie Kim of VinItaly). He grew up in the region of Marsala and after travelling the world and making wine in other countries returned to Sicily to make wine at Donnafugata. In 2024, he transitioned from official winemaker of Donnafugata to consultant and started a project based on old vine Grillo called Officina del Vento. Jessica digs into all facets of passing the MW exam along with the genesis of this new project all about high-quality and camaraderie. Donnafugata website: Pietro Russo on the Master of Wine website: Announcement of Officina del Vento: .
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Jeremy Hart and Somm.AI
08/14/2024
Jeremy Hart and Somm.AI
On today's show, Mark catches up with Jeremy Hart, co-founder of Somm.ai. Jeremy Hart is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in sales, brand management, and strategic marketing. He managed over 400 SKUs from 56 brands across six states while covering national accounts for a renowned importer for seven years. He co-founded Inknowlogy Marketing Agency, created his wine brand Explicit Content, and holds the significant role as the Chief Strategic Marketing and Co-Founder at Somm.ai. Jeremy is dedicated to pushing the beverage industry's growth and promotion through data-enhanced methods. Somm.ai website:
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Pierangelo Tommasi and the Contemporary Amarone
08/05/2024
Pierangelo Tommasi and the Contemporary Amarone
On today's show, Jessica catches up with PIerangelo Tommasi who is the Managing Director of Tomassi Family Estates and one of nine family members who make up the 4th generation of the wine company. Pierangelo delves into the family history, how their roots are planted in the Valpolicella, and the family's need and desire to expand to other regions across Italy. Currently, there are 8 different estates across Italy with 800 hectares (close to 2,000 acres) of vineyards and various partnerships in other regions. Pierangelo is such an advocate for the region and what he calls the 'contemporary' style of Amarone, which focuses more of freshness and elegance. He also believes the message of Amarone should the emphasis of vineyards and terroirs over the process of appassimento (the drying of the grapes). References:
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Erika Abate with Enrico Serafino
07/09/2024
Erika Abate with Enrico Serafino
Jessica and Mark follow up the on Piedmont with a more in depth discussion of Alta Langa while focusing on one of the pioneers of sparkling wine in Piedmont, Enrico Serafino. Our guest, Erika Abate, is the export manager of Serafino and has spent her entire life steeped in the wines of Piedmont. We dig into the origins of the Alta Langa apellation, the particulars of growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this non-continguous and high-elevation region, and the how these sparkling wines are positioned to be some of the most prestigious in Italy. We cap off the conversation with Serafino's work with the unique biotype of Nebbiolo, Picotener. More info on Enrico Serafino here:
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David Way and the Study of Piedmont
06/16/2024
David Way and the Study of Piedmont
On today's show, Jessica digs into Piedmont with wine writer and educator David Way. David spent the last 4 years traveling to Piedmont and researching the widest array of topics including the famous icons of the Langhe, the more obscure regions and varieties further afield, various winemaking technologies, and the fascinating story of the sparkling wines of Alta Langa. With various anecdotes from the book writing process and some travel tips, David and Jessica bring the piedmont with all of its complexities alive. David is also one of the people responsible for writing and editing the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) reference books. Jessica and David chat about the book writing process and the need to stay on top of this ever changing and evolving industry. More information and useful links:
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Matt Dees and Extreme Winemaking in Santa Barbara
05/17/2024
Matt Dees and Extreme Winemaking in Santa Barbara
Matt Dees is the winemaker for sister properties Jonata and the Hilt. Matt and Jessica catch up about all things Santa Barbara from soils and geography to the more philosophical approach to wine. Useful links referenced in the episode:
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Manfred Ing, Winemaker of Querciabella, on the Diversity of Chianti Classico
04/29/2024
Manfred Ing, Winemaker of Querciabella, on the Diversity of Chianti Classico
Manfred has been the winemaker at Querciabella since 2010. He comes to Italia via his home country of South Africa, to New Zealand, California and beyond. Based on his passion, he has clearly found a home in Chianti Classico. Jessica and Manfred dig into the history of his winemaking path along with that of Querciabella and the new laws governing the new premium category of Gran Selezione. We can't wait to try the several Gran Selezione designated as Greve, Lamole, Radda, etc. Links referenced in the episode:
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Chris Brundrett and Growing Wine in Texas
04/22/2024
Chris Brundrett and Growing Wine in Texas
Chris Brundrett is co-founder and CEO of William Chris Wine Company and William Chris Vineyards. Chris and Jessica catch up on the state of the Texas industry and the origins of William Chris Vineyards. This is Texas Wine Podcast with Shelly Wilfong: The book that Mark forgot that Jessica wrote:
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Somm Secrets: Patrick Olds on Blind Tasting, Restaurants, and Enjoying the Journey
03/28/2024
Somm Secrets: Patrick Olds on Blind Tasting, Restaurants, and Enjoying the Journey
On today's show, we have Patrick Olds, wine director of MML Hospitality based in Austin, TX. Patrick digs into the roll of a wine director as mentor and educator, as well as his passion of blind tasting. He feels that blind tasting is not just a parlor trick, but a way to understand the world of wine and the experience of the guest to a greater degree. Links from the show: MML Hospitality website: Patrick on Instagram: Jessica's article on the
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Somm Secrets: Brandon Kerne and the Art of Retail
02/14/2024
Somm Secrets: Brandon Kerne and the Art of Retail
On today's show, Jessica and Mark take a deep dive into buy and collecting wine with Brandon Kerne MS, chief of operations at the AOC Wine Group. This is a multi-faceted organization that includes the Art of Cellaring (wine storage), AOC Selections (retail), and the Texas Wine School. Brandon cut his teeth at the Houston institution Pappa's Bros Steakhouse, and after passing his Master Sommelier Diploma and the pandemic hitting, changed courses into the retail and collecting sphere. He brings great perspective on a host of subjects in this discussion from the value of reading wine reviews to the vast differences of buying wine for a restaurant program vs for retail and AOC Selections. Links for the show: Referenced:
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Somm Secrets: Molly Austad on Sicily and What's Hot at Bludorn
01/25/2024
Somm Secrets: Molly Austad on Sicily and What's Hot at Bludorn
Molly Austad is wine director at one of our favorite spots in Houston: Bludorn, Navy Blue, and the upcoming Bar Bludorn. She digs into the process of being a wine director for a multi-location restaurant group and talks about her 'guest-driven' approach. Additionally, she breaks down why Sicily and Mt. Etna are some of her favorite wines. Pass the pavlova please!
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Somm Secrets: Steven McDonald MS talks world-class lists, Piedmont, and Madeira
01/11/2024
Somm Secrets: Steven McDonald MS talks world-class lists, Piedmont, and Madeira
On today's show, we have on Steven McDonald Master Sommelier and Executive Wine Director of Pappa's Bros. Steakhouse in Houston and Dallas. We dig into so many topics from learning wine from a music backround, crafting a wine list and cellar that is ever-evolving, and to a couple of Steven's favorite wine regions, Piedmont and Madeira. Some useful links from the conversation: Another Bottle Down is proud to be media sponsor for the upcoming Big Reds and Bubbles event on March 1 from 7:15-9:45 pm at the Skybox in Austin, TX. Listeners get $20 off with code: ABDPOD. Visit for tickets.
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Holiday Book Series: Ray Isle's The World in a Wine Glass
12/23/2023
Holiday Book Series: Ray Isle's The World in a Wine Glass
We cap off our holiday book series (and what an incredible guest to end on!) with Ray Isle, the long time Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine magazine and Wine and Spirits editor of Travel and Leisure magazine. Ray and Jessica talk about his recently published book, World in a Wine Glass: The Indsider's Guide to Artisinal, Sustainable, Extraordinary Wines to Drink Now. This our last episode of 2023, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year's to all of our listeners! Links: Purchase World in a Wine Glass on Purchase World in a Wine Glass on
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Mark Davidson: More than Australia's Wine Ambassador
12/22/2023
Mark Davidson: More than Australia's Wine Ambassador
As a special pre-holiday series, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today’s episode, Jessica catches up with Mark Davidson about his recent book, The Wines of Australia. Purchase Born in London, raised in Sydney, Mark has over 40 years of experience in the hotel, restaurant and wine business, fifteen of those as a Sommelier. In 2001, he was named Sommelier of the Year at the Vancouver Wine Festival- also won the Spirited Industry Professional award in 2014. As a Department Head and instructor with the International Sommelier Guild he was instrumental in the on-going development of the curriculum and has taught classes in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. Since 2008, he has served as Head of Education Development with Wine Australia.
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Champagne with Mathieu Billecart
12/21/2023
Champagne with Mathieu Billecart
Mathieu Roland-Billecart left a 14-year career as a financial analyst in London to become the 7th generation CEO of his family's 200-year-old Champagne house, Champagne Billecart-Salmon, in January 2019. Though not originally groomed to take over the business, he was invited to return to Epernay, France several years ago to work with his family. With his background in finance and strategy, Roland-Billecart now leads the renowned champagne company, known for its focus on quality and gastronomy, into the future while honoring its legacy as one of the few remaining family-owned and operated houses. On this episode, Jessica and Mathieu talk all things Billecart Salmon during her visit to the historic Champagne House this past fall. Find out how Billecart sees his place with the brand and where the brand makes special points of differentiation in the market. Useful links:
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Holiday Book Series: How to Drink Australian with Jane Lopes
12/18/2023
Holiday Book Series: How to Drink Australian with Jane Lopes
As a special pre-holiday series, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today’s episode we catch up with Jane Lopes about her recent book, How to Drink Australian: An Essential Modern Wine Book. "The landscape of Australian wine is cracking with new energy and historic traditions that make it one of the most exciting wine-producing countries in the world right now. But the scholarship on Australian wine hasn't always matched the output. How to Drink Australian corrects that. It takes readers on a journey around the country, state by state, region by region. Each state has an introduction. And the most significant regions have their own separate chapters within each state. Purchase Purchase Jane's first book,
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Holiday Book Series: Tim Gaiser's Message in the Bottle
12/13/2023
Holiday Book Series: Tim Gaiser's Message in the Bottle
As a special pre-holiday series, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today’s episode we catch up with Tim Gaiser about his recent book, Message in the Bottle: A Guide to Tasting Wine. . Tim Gaiser is an internationally renowned wine expert, educator, and blogger, and one of less than 300 individuals worldwide to ever attain the Master Sommelier title. He is the former Director of Education and Education chair for the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. You can find more information on Tim at And, you can subscribe to his substack newsletter:
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On the Road with Brian Freedman in Italy: Piedmont and Tuscany with Gaja and the Sannio DOC
12/07/2023
On the Road with Brian Freedman in Italy: Piedmont and Tuscany with Gaja and the Sannio DOC
Earlier this fall, Jessica had a chance to explore a few Italian wine regions including Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sannio. Joining her on these trips was the every charming and loquacious Brian Freedman, a fellow wine writer, educator, and author of Crushed: How a Changing Climate is Altering the Way We Think. In this episode, Brian and Jessica rehash their time with the renowned Gaja family who shared their properties with them in Barbaresco, Barolo, Alta Langa, Bolgheri, and Montalcino. Not only were the wines impressive, but undertanding the method behind how the family operates was a crucial part to understanding the Gaja brand. They also talk about the historic Sannio DOC, a lesser known region in the U.S., but one worth exploring for excellent wines made of Fallenghina, Fiano, Aglianico, and more. Tune in to this travelogue of these amazing wine regions and be sure to check out the wines of Gaja and Sannio in the near future.
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Eugenio Jardim breaks down Portugal and so much more
11/28/2023
Eugenio Jardim breaks down Portugal and so much more
Eugenio Jardim is the US ambassador for Wines of Portugal and wears several additional hats in his private companies WiFi Wine Time and My Private Somm. He is also Brand Ambassador for Ernest Vineyards in the West Sonoma Coast and Loco Tequila. Jessica describes Eugenio as the "one man party," and this conversation couldn't be more fun and informative. Eugenio brings an overall expertise of the entire world of wine to his stories and descriptions of Portugal, the diversity of styles, and the incredible value the wines offer. It's a good life when "on a bad day you're talking about wine, and on a great day, you're talking about Champagne!"
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Thanksgiving with Ali Schmidt
11/20/2023
Thanksgiving with Ali Schmidt
Thanksgiving Wine Pairings. It doesn’t have to be that complicated. The easy go-to options include Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are pretty safe bets. But what about Etna Rosso for Smoked Turkey or White Lambrusco to kick off the meal? I’m this special episode, we’re joined by Austin sommelier Ali Schmidt who serves as the wine director for Emmer & Rye Hospitality who has all sorts of hints and tips for how to select some of the best wines for Thanksgiving Dinner. Tune in to hear some of our picks including the aforementioned Etna Rosso and White Lambrusco along with a South African Chenin Blanc, French Cider, and a Texas Syrah!
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Holiday Book Series: Italian Wine with author and sommelier Shelley Lindgren
11/17/2023
Holiday Book Series: Italian Wine with author and sommelier Shelley Lindgren
As a special pre-holiday series, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite new wine books - perfect gifts for the holiday season… On today’s episode we catch up with Shelley Lindgren about her latest book, Italian Wine. Shelley Lindgren is the wine director and owner of San Francisco’s beloved Italian restaurant, A16. She has received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program and has been knighted by the Italian government, receiving the prestigious "Cavaliere dell'Ordine Della Stella Italia" (Dott.ssa) distinction for her work promoting Italian wine. Shelley’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Punch, San Francisco Chronicle, and many other publications. She served on the board of La Cocina, the Guild of Sommeliers, and Slide Ranch and is a member of Les Dames d’ Escoffier. A16 is also located in Oakland and 2 locations in Japan. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, two sons, and a border collie.
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Amarone Academy with Italy's Latest MW, Andrea Lonardi
11/09/2023
Amarone Academy with Italy's Latest MW, Andrea Lonardi
We already had a chance to hear from Andrea Lonardi last winter regarding the . As the COO and director of winemaking for Angelini Wines and Estates, Andrea balances business sense with his viticulture and winemaking expertise to drive marketing and sales for the company while also innovating production in numerous Italian wine regions where Angelini holds estates, namely Valpolicella (), Brunello di Montalcino (), Chianti Classico (), Vino Nobile di Montalpulciano (), Friuli (), and Castelli de Jesi ( and ). In September, Jessica had a chance to attend Bertani's Amarone Academy, gaining in-depth exposure to the vineyards, soils, grape varieties, harvesting, and process of making Amarone della Valpolicella. While there, she sat down with Andrea, who had recently earned the esteemed credential of Master of Wine. In this discussion, Jessica and Andrea talk about Amarone, his work ethic, and a particular unique identity for Italian wine. Expanded Bio: Since joining the company in 2012, Andrea has been instrumental in orchestrating a relaunch for the historic brand Bertani, reinstating a strong stylistic identity to Amarone and Valpolicella, zoning Montalcino through distinctive vineyard selection, shaping new labeling guidelines in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti Classico, and connecting with key international fine wine distributors. Andrea started his career in marketing and sales for the largest Italian wine group (GIV), expanding indigenous southern Italian grape varieties to the US market, and was promoted to viticulture director, responsible for more than 1,000 hectares and 13 estates from the Alps to Sicily.
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The Elegance of Lambrusco with Alicia Lini
10/26/2023
The Elegance of Lambrusco with Alicia Lini
On today's show, we delve into all things Lambrusco with Alicia Lini, 4th generation of Lini 1910. We highlight why Emilia Romagna is so special, what makes quality Lambrusco, and the pleasures of enjoying this style of wine with food. I particularly enjoyed hearing Alicia talk about how the various varieties of Lambrusco lend different characteristics to the final blend. Coming out of a dark age of sweet and poorly made 'beverage' as Alicia calls it, Lambrusco is now in a veritable renaissance of artisanal sparkling wine. Lini 1910 Follow Alicia Lini on Instagram:
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Inside the Wine Industry with Matt Dulle, Part 2
10/18/2023
Inside the Wine Industry with Matt Dulle, Part 2
On today's show, Jessica welcomes back wine industry veteran Matt Dulle . Matt was on the show a couple months ago but has since taken up the post of Wine Director at Wolfgang Puck's Spago, Beverly Hills. Matt and Jessica tackle a variety of subjects from the interplay of wine and cocktails in fine dining to the challenges and joys of taking over an iconic wine program. We can't wait to dine with Matt at Spago!
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Tea at the Cultured Cup
10/01/2023
Tea at the Cultured Cup
On today's show, Jessica connects with Kyle Stewart, co-owner of the specialty tea shop in Dallas, the Cultured Cup. They discuss all things tea, from the mythology around the origins in ancient China to the various styles and methods of processing. Throughout the conversation, they draw very fascinating links to the wine industry in terms of terroir, human intervenion, and various modes of appreciation. Visit the Cultured Cup website
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Bonus Show: One Year Anniversary
09/26/2023
Bonus Show: One Year Anniversary
On today's bonus show, Mark and Jessica reflect on the one year anniversary of their partnership and the reboot of Another Bottle Down. They revist some of their favorite shows from the past year, reveal some intriguing statistics, and chat about what they'll be exploring in the year to come. Thank you for listening! As always follow along:
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Asturian Cider Masters
09/16/2023
Asturian Cider Masters
On today's show, Jessica and Mark dig into the rich culture, history, and production of traditional Spanish Cider, particularly from the region of Asturias. Jessica interviews Pepin Diaz Sanchez, a cider producer, followed by Eduardo Coto, a cider critic and judge, and David Menendez, the owner of La Tabla, a cider-focused restaurant. We discuss all aspects surrounding the cider industry from the different types of apples used for production, how cider differs from wine, and all the cultural aspects around cidrerías, or traditional cider bars, pouring cider and so much more. Sample video of pouring cider from the World Championship of Cider Pouring, in Spanish the specific word for this act is escanciar: Pepín's Cider Route: La Table Restaurant:
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Ryan Cooper on dismantling wine snobbery
07/28/2023
Ryan Cooper on dismantling wine snobbery
On today's show, we catch up with Ryan Cooper, owner and operator of Every Wine, a wine education and entertainment company in Houston, TX. Ryan is an innovative thinker in the world of wine and has developed unique protocol on how to connect with wine lovers of all levels. It starts by recoginizing we all know nothing, and from there can be free to like what we like and not alienate ourselves from other wine lovers of differing opinions. Check out Ryan at
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Beaumont Chenin and Cool Climate Finesse
07/02/2023
Beaumont Chenin and Cool Climate Finesse
In the second of a two part series on South African wine, Mark and Jessica catch up with Sebastian Beaumont of Beaumont Family Wines in the Bot River, which is part of Walker Bay in the South of the Western Cape. Located very close to the coast and benefiting from the cooling affect of the 'Cape Doctor' winds, Sebastian's family farm has been a beacon of wines in the area, perhaps most famous for their 'wooden' chenin called Hope Marguerite (named after Sebastian's Grandmother). Sebastian talks of the time when he doubled down on Chenin Blanc and some of the new varieties, such as Mourvedre, that are turning winemakers' heads in the area. Don't miss the new icon blends, Vitruvian and New Baby, that are just starting to come into the US. Before our conversation with Sebastian, Mark connects with Jessica via zoom to get an update on her month long journey in Spain. She's been steeped in Cider and day trips to various wine regions including Alsace. Useful links: Wine Spectator article on South African wine cited by Mark:
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