Ep 61 Building Community Through Wine at The Grape Choice (Part 1)

What is it like to master winemaking in both the historic vineyards of Burgundy and the dynamic terroir of Virginia?That’s exactly what today's guest, Michael Shaps, has done. Shaps and his daughter, Hanna, are navigating French wine traditions and pioneering diverse varietals in Virginia. Maison Shaps is a french-american winery that currently owns four hectares in the Côte de Beaune. Founded by Michael Shaps after his studies at the Lycée Viticole de Beaune, Maison Shaps focuses on making low-intervention wines. Currently managed by Hanna Shaps, Michael's daughter, Maison Shaps produces between 25 and 30,000 bottles each year. Michael also owns a winery in Virginia where he is considered one of the key figures in the modern Virginia wine industry. In addition to Burgundy traditions and extreme climate changes in Virginia, Michael dives into his excitement around the creativity and innovation of Virginian wine. Hanna shares how she is leading the way in Burgundy with enhanced tasting experiences.So, if you are ready to learn about the intricacies of Virginia and Burgundy wine production and how Hanna and Michael Shaps are at the forefront of the winemaking industry, press play!Connect with Hannah and Michael:Burgundy Website: www.maisonshaps.comVirginia Website: https://www.virginiawineworks.comCheese and Wine Pairing with Hanna: https://www.lactique974.com/Episode Highlights:Meet Hanna and Michael Shaps of Maison ShapsBackground and growth in the Virginia wine industryHow Michael Shaps got into winemaking in Burgundy as an AmericanSimilarities between their region in Burgundy and VirginiaDifferences between their region in Burgundy and VirginiaVirginia’s extreme weather conditions and the impact on grape growingMichael Shaps wine making and philosophyWine tasting in the US vs in FranceTheir Virginia wine business model vs their Burgundy business modelWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Ever wondered how the Melon grape from Burgundy transformed into the acclaimed Muscadet wines of Nantes?While in France, we visited Nantes! Located in the westernmost part of the Loire Valley, it is also home to the Muscadet region. Muscadet has some of the most intriguing, affordable and delectable grapes, primarily crafted from the Melon grape. I’m diving into the grape, Melon, which is known for producing high-acidity wines. We’ll discuss how this grape unexpectedly found its perfect home in Nantes and what gives it a distinctive, refreshing character.I’m also sharing my personal tasting notes from our amazing tasting experience at historic winery, Domaine Landron. So, if you are curious about Muscadet wines, their unique terroir, and the fact that these wines are just stupid good, this episode is for you!Episode Highlights:Where is the Muscadet regionWhat grape comes from MuscadetMelon’s characteristicsOverview of subregions of Muscadet - Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu, Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire, and Muscadet Sèvre et MaineHow the soil affects the wineSur Lie processWhy Melon de Bourgogne is now Melon BTasting notes from my trip to FranceHistory of Domaine LandronMy tasting notes of Amphibolite 2023, La Louvetrie 2022, Clos la Cariziere 2023, Les Houx 2021, Le Fief du Breil 2020, Haute Tradition 2018, Melonix, and AtmospheresWhat food pairs perfectly with Muscadet wineWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

I have wanted to visit France since I first fell in love with a white Burgundy.Mr. Cork & Fizz and I planned this bucket list trip in 2020. Of course that didn’t happen and since I don’t love to fly, it kept getting pushed down the list of places to visit. My final push to get this bucket list item back on my calendar came when my Mom and Dad gifted me a basket of wonderful French goodies because they knew how much I wanted to visit France. And I’m so grateful for that push they gave me!So, today I’m sharing my experience of the French wine country. We’ll dive into how I planned our trip and if you are a spreadsheet nerd like myself, you’ll want to check out mine at the link below. We’ll discuss the best time to visit France, how to get around to the different wine regions, and two amazing places to visit in Paris for wine.And I’m sharing all about the different regions we visited, including Nantes, Lyon, Burgundy, and Jura. So, if you are ready to plan a visit to French wine country and want insider tips on planning your perfect wine adventure, press play and listen in!Resources:Ep 19 - French Wine 101Ep 35 - French Wine 101 Part Deux - The Lesser Known RegionsEp 70 - The difference between Organic, Biodynamic, Natural and Clean WineHailey’s Travel Spreadsheet for France - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dlhWkCENNcqWd4XcBqAjcSI7zS_9Y7T6y0VUOcM0EHE/edit?usp=sharingEpisode Highlights:An overview of my bucket list trip to FranceMy France ItineraryHow to visit the different areas of FranceTips for traveling around FranceAn overview of the regions I visited - Paris, Nantes, Lyon, Burgundy and JuraWhy you need dining reservations in FranceHow to ship your wine home from FranceTwo of my favorite places I visited in Paris for great wineWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Are you curious about lesser known French wine regions and mastering tricky pronunciation?Today, I have Katie Melchior back on the podcast with me and she is helping us master French wine region pronunciation. Katie shares how to pronounce regions such as Champagne, Bourgogne and the tricky Languedoc-Roussillon. And how to understand letter combinations to get that French sound.She shares her top 3 regions that she feels deserves more attention, which one she considers the underdog of French wine, and where you want to get your Rosé from (and it’s not Provence).So, if you are ready to explore some lesser known French wine regions and how to pronounce those trickier French wine names then today’s episode is for you! If you haven’t listened to Episode 72, go back and listen in! In Part 1 of my interview with Katie Melchior of the French Wine Tutor, we talked about the intersection of language, culture and wine.Connect with Katie:Website: www.frenchwinetutor.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/frenchwinetutorEpisode Highlights:Recommendations for trying French wineThree French wines that Katie thinks you should look forHow to Pronounce French Wine regions such as Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy (Bourgogne), Champagne, Jura, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, LoireFrench Wine Tutor tips for better French pronunciationThree underrated French wine regions - Corsica, Alsace and BeaujolaisThe underdog of French wine - AlsaceWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

Who knew a road trip with influencers through the Loire Valley could ignite a passion for making French wine accessible?On this trip through the Loire Valley, Katie noted the poorly translated materials that were being used to educate the influencers. This would ultimately lead to Katie launching the French Wine Tutor!Katie Melchior, the founder of French Wine Tutor, is an American who has studied French since she was 11 years old and lived in France several times. After pursuing use of her French language in the professional world, she noticed that the wine industry had a general lack of understanding on how the French language worked. As a result, fewer people chose French wine to drink. In July of 2019, she started French Wine Tutor to help fellow Americans through her blog and instagram. The goal was to educate everyone, from U.S. consumers to sommeliers, about French wine – notably, how to pronounce all those tricky words on the bottle. Today, Katie is sharing her journey into the wine industry, where she found herself quickly learning to create wine content for social media and educating others about French wine. Katie shares invaluable insights into the art of French wine pronunciation. She notes how it’s more than just getting the names right, it’s about connection and appreciation. She also discusses the differences between how we learn about wine in America and in France.Listen in as Katie and I explore the intersections of language, culture, and wine. And don’t miss next week's episode where Katie shares practical tips on French pronunciation and insights into lesser-known wine regions.Connect with Katie:Website: www.frenchwinetutor.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/frenchwinetutorEpisode Highlights:Katie’s background and journey into French wineContent creation and challenges while working at SopexaThe creation of French wine tutorImportance of correct pronunciationContrasts between US and French wine selection criteriaCultural and shopping differences in wineKatie’s philosophies on wine and laWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

You’ve probably heard of old world and new world wines but have you heard about the ancient world?Lebanon is one of the lesser known winemaking regions, however, historians date Lebanese wine making back to 2700 BC with the Phoenicians!Today, we are going to explore the unique geographical and climatic nuances that make Lebanese wine so special, from its Mediterranean climate to the chalky limestone soils of the Bekkah valley. You will also learn about France’s influence on Lebanese wine and discover local grape varieties, including Merwah and Obaideh.So, if you are ready to take a journey through Lebanese wine, from its ancient origins to its more modern roots, and discover if your favorite wine may be from Lebanon, press play and listen in!Episode Highlights:History of winemaking in LebanonImpact of politics and war on Lebanese wineGeography of Lebanon and how it affects the flavor of wineBekkah Valley for Lebanese winemakingOther areas for winemaking - Batroun and JezzineClimate and its effect on Lebanese wineFrench varietals grown in Lebanon - specifically from Bordeaux, Rhone and South of FranceWinemaking styles and techniques in Lebanese wineMerwah - local varietal to LebanonObaideh - local varietal to LebanonEmerging trends and wineries in LebanonWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

There are a lot of buzzwords in the wine world and honestly, some of them are more marketing than anything else. However, there are a few that I think are important to talk about.Today, we are diving into the differences between organic, biodynamic, natural and clean wines? What does it mean when you see that a wine has been made sustainably?I’m breaking down the varying standards and certifications, exploring the unique practices in biodynamic winemaking, such as burying cow horns filled with compost, and clarifying the often misunderstood term “clean” wine.We’ll also explore the role of sustainability in winemaking and how it impacts the environment and communities. So, if you’re ready to demystify the world of organic, biodynamic, natural and clean wines while gaining a deeper understanding of sustainable winemaking practices, press play and listen in!Resources:Ep 22 - Interview with Natural Wine Expert, Molly Ringe of Molly’s Bottle ShopEpisode Highlights:What is organic wineWhat is the difference between regular and organic wineWhat is biodynamic wineWhat is the difference between organic and biodynamic wineWhat is natural wineWhy does natural wine taste differentIs it better to drink natural wineWhat is clean wineWhat is sustainable wineWhat is the difference between sustainable and organic wineWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

When you think of Spanish sparkling wine do you think of Cava?Today's guest, Pepe Raventos, is all too familiar with the Cava DO and its regulations because his grandfather was the promoter and creator of the Cava DO.However, Pepe is sharing the rationale behind his family’s bold move to depart from the traditional Cava DO where the standards are too broad and winemaking has shifted to mass production. Pepe and his family are creating a new, more rigorous appellation: Conca del Riu Anoia. This new designation focuses on terroir, indigenous grapes like Xarello and Sumoll, and stringent quality standards. Pepe’s commitment is clear: to offer a sparkling wine reminiscent of the world’s finest, without compromising on the authentic, mineral-driven qualities of the Penedes region and the Xarello grape.So, if you are ready to dive into the world of Spanish sparkling wines, learn why the wines from Raventos i Blanc are not labeled as Cava, and what brought about the creation of a new wine region, press play and listen in!If you haven’t listened to Episode 68 go back and listen! It’s Part 1 of my interview with Pepe Raventos where we talked about his family being in the wine industry for five centuries and the importance of biodynamic farming.Connect with Pepe:Website: https://www.raventos.com/Can Sumoi: https://cansumoi.cat/Mas Del Serral: https://masdelserral.com/?lang=en#wineResources:Raventos i Blanc - https://www.wine.com/list/wine/raventos-i-blanc/7155-104273Episode Highlights:Explanation and purpose of DO (Denomination of Origin)History and characteristics of CavaPepe Raventos’ family history with Cava DOPepe’s decision to leave the Cava DOCreation and goals for Conca del Riu Anoia appellationUse of indigenous grapes like Xarello and SumollPepe’s efforts to create mineral and terroir-driven winesHistorical context and challenges of growing SumollEfforts to revive and use Sumoll in winemakingCharacteristics and potential of Sumoll winesWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

I often ask my guests what made them decide to get into wine. However, today’s guest’s family has been in the wine business for five centuries, so I’m going to take a guess and say that has something to do with it. Today, Spanish winemaker, Pepe of Raventós i Blanc, is sharing how his winery has transitioned to producing 100% biodynamic wines, the challenges that he has faced in maintaining his family's traditions. He also shares his story from social work back to the family business and highlighting his deep connection between community and winemaking.Don’t miss out on next week’s episode when Pepe and I resume our conversation and talk about Raventos i Blanc leaving the Cava DO that his grandfather had created, why he chooses to embrace Spanish varietals over the more common French ones, and a grape that had almost been extinct which the winery was able to bring back and has been an absolute jewel in winemaking.So, if you are ready to explore the intricate world of Spanish wine, hear a unique perspective on the evolution of viticulture, the importance of biodynamic farming, and the transformation of Pepe’s family's winery, Raventós i Blanc, press play and listen in!Connect with Pepe:Website: https://www.raventos.com/Can Sumoi: https://cansumoi.cat/Mas Del Serral: https://masdelserral.com/?lang=en#wineEpisode Highlights:5 centuries of winemaking with Raventós i BlancChallenges and responsibilities of maintaining family traditionHistorical vs modern farming methodsImpact of biodynamic farming on wine qualityPepe’s approach to winemakingIntroduction of Spanish grape varieties: Xarel·lo, Macabeo, Parellada, and MalvasiaWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]

I’ve always cringed when watching those shows like house hunters when they show homes with kitchen wine storage right above the oven. Spoiler: that's one of the worst places to store wine!So, where should you store your wine at home?Today, we are diving into the best way to store wine at home. I'll guide you through creating the perfect home environment for your wine bottles, emphasizing a cool, dark, and stable setting. You don't need fancy furniture or expensive wine cellars to store your wine – a simple solution like the back of your closet or an unfinished basement can be perfect.And we’ll dive into more advanced options for long-term storage, like wine fridges and off-site wine storage facilities.So, if you are ready to up your wine storage game you will want to tune in!Resources:Ep 32 - Wine Faults 101 - How and Why does wine go bad?Wine bottle tags From Amazon- https://a.co/d/fgsBbVfEpisode Highlights:Why storing wine in the kitchen is a big no-noThe ideal temperature, humidity, and light conditions for wine storageSimple and practical home storage solutions that workMistakes to avoid when storing your wineIncorrect wine storage practicesBasics of proper wine storageShould you store wine bottles on their side or standing up?Common incorrect storage locations at home when storing wineRecommended wine storage locationsLong-term wine storage optionsWhat did you think of the episode? Text me!Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass Connect with me:Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/Email - [email protected]