Best Italian Dessert Wines from Vin Santo, Moscadello & More

Ep 110Why do millennials and Gen Z approach wine so differently from previous generations and what does that mean for the future of wine? And what does it really take to go from line cook to award-winning sommelier and industry leader?Today’s guest, Erik Segelbaum, is an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Food & Wine Magazine 2019 Sommelier of the Year, and 2020 Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40 Tastemaker with over 3 decades of industry experience. Erik is the founder of GoodSomm–a luxury lifestyle wine club, is the co-owner of Amalfi Beverage Company–luxury RTD cocktails, and SWIG Partners–an import and distribution facilitation agency. Plus, he has been Smithsonian’s national wine educator since 2019, hosting monthly consumer classes!Erik pulls back the curtain on what it really means to be a sommelier in today’s world and candidly shares the realities beyond the glamour, from managing wine lists and training staff to accounting and clogged toilets.Erik shares his thoughts on the generational differences between millennials and Gen Z in wine consumption and drinking habits. We talk about why these groups are adventurous yet disloyal to brands, and how their priorities, such as sustainability and social ethos, differ from the boomer generation. And, we dig into how the psychology of social media has shaped younger generations' approach to wine, often placing values and image above just the taste itself.So, if you are ready to dive into the ever-evolving tastes of today’s wine drinkers, then this episode is for you.Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!Connect with ErikInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/erik4wineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodsomm/Website: https://www.thesomlyay.comWebsite: https://goodsomm.com/Skip the waitlist and join GoodSomm: https://goodsomm.com/secret/Episode Highlights:Erik’s journey from chef to SommelierRealities of working as a SommelierWine consumer psychology by generationHow different generations select, appWhat 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]

Ep 109What makes wine from high altitude mountain vineyards taste so unique? How does elevation, sunlight, and dramatic temperature swings turn an ordinary grape into an amazing bottle of wine?I was inspired by a recent wine tasting that Mr. Cork & Fizz and I hosted with some friends. We hosted a wine tasting 40 floors up at a high rise in Seattle and the goal was for our friends to try and find wines that were made with grapes grown at higher altitudes. And what was really interesting was that everybody loved almost all of the wines and this does not always happen. Interestingly, there was somewhere there that is not usually a big fan of red wine but she loved all of the higher altitude red wines!This got me thinking, what is it about these wines that makes them different from wines that she’s possibly had before? So, today we are diving into how altitude impacts grape growing and winemaking as well as the 4 key elements that affect grapes at higher elevations. And I’ll share fun facts such as where you’ll find the world's highest vineyard (and it’s not where you might expect it to be). So, if you are ready to take your wine to new heights, learn which grapes and regions excel at high altitudes, and how elements like thick grape skins and diurnal shifts affect the taste of wines, then this episode is for you!Thank you to VoChill for sponsoring this episode. Go to Vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!Episode Highlights:Do high altitudes always produce better wine?Where high elevation works best for wineDefining high altitude vineyardsWhere is the highest vineyard in the world4 elements of high altitude vineyardsMajor challenges of high altitude vineyardsEffects of high altitude on wine productionWhat 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]

Ep 108Curious about which 2025 wine trends are truly worth the hype and which ones might fall flat? In today’s episode I’m discussing 7 trends in the wine industry and my hot takes on them!We will dive into questions like are natural and organic wines a passing trend or a lasting movement? Are low and no-alcohol wines really a good idea? What about sustainable and eco-friendly packaging? Is this a good idea and what if it compromises the wine? And wine lovers are moving away from faceless wine brands and craving connections through stories and hands-on-learning.So, if you are excited to stay ahead of what’s trending in wine and want to hear my hot takes on these current trends then this episode is for you!ResourcesUnderstanding the Differences: Organic, Biodynamic, Natural and Clean Wines Explained - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-70Exploring Sardinian Wine with Nikki Dickerson (Part 1) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-96Unique Sardinian Wines with Sip with Nik (Part 2) - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-97Embracing Hybrid Grapes & Creating Unique Wines w/ Erin Rasmussen - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-10Episode Highlights:Why the natural and organic wines are trending upwardsMy feelings about low and no alcohol winesTrend towards sustainability, waste reduction and practicalityReasons for increased interest in regional and lesser-known winesHybrid and experimental varietiesYounger generations seeking depth, stories and human connection through wineDebate over oversimplification versus making wine accessibleWhat 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]

Ep 107Are you curious about how one woman is shaking up the wine world by amplifying underrepresented voices and redefining what it means to be a wine lover?Today, I’m back with Jamila Conley, the founder of WeRise wines, a wine bar and movement dedicated to amplifying diverse winemakers and challenging the status quo in the wine industry.Jamila is sharing how she chooses the incredible wines, winemakers that are featured at WeRise wines, and four talented winemakers from Washington and South Africa. Jamila dives into what she looks for when partnering with wineries. Hint: It’s not solely about diversity but it’s also about quality and amazing stories. She also shares her ambitious dream for the future of WeRise wines.So, if you are ready to discover some incredibly diverse winemakers, learn what it takes to curate an inclusive wine selection, and get inspired by Jamila’s vision for the future of WeRise wines, then today’s episode is for you!This is part 2 of my conversation with Jamila so make sure you don’t miss part 1!ResourcesSo You Want to be a Winemaker with Damsel Cellars’ May Womack - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-7Connect with JamilaWeRise Wines - https://www.werisewines.com/wine-barInstagram - @werisewinesFacebook - @werisewineEpisode Highlights:WeRise wines missionJamila features 4 winemakers focusing on diversity and styleHow to access wines from WeRise winesJamila’s criteria and philosophy behind the wine she selectsFuture goals and vision for WeRise 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]

Ep 106What does it take to break barriers and amplify underrepresented voices in the wine industry?It takes someone to notice that there is someone missing and then work to bring those underrepresented people to the table. That someone is Jamila Conley.On today’s episode, Jamila Conley, discusses the challenges and opportunities for allyship in the wine industry which has long struggled with representation. She touches on what true allyship looks like both behind the scenes and as everyday consumers. Jamila dives into how WeRise Wines came to be and why her focus is not just on diversity but is also committed to making wine approachable and accessible to everyone.Jamila Conley is the founder of WeRise Wines, a new concept in wine and a movement dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented winemakers and reshaping perceptions of the wine industry. With a rich career spanning over 25 years in executive roles across technology, business transformation, and strategic leadership, Jamila has now channeled her passion for wine, social justice, and impactful leadership into creating a unique space that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and success for all.So, if you are ready to discover how the wine world is being reshaped by passionate changmakers like Jamila Conley and want to learn how you can be part of building a more inclusive, welcoming wine community then this episode is for you!This is part 1 of my conversation with Jamila so make sure you don’t miss part 2!Connect with JamilaWeRise Wines - https://www.werisewines.com/wine-barInstagram - @werisewinesFacebook - @werisewineEpisode Highlights:Jamila Conley’s career transition storyComparisons between tech and wine industriesPractical ways to advance diversity and inclusion in wineFounding WeRise winesChallenges for small and diverse wineriesNavigating wine industry logisticsOpening and operating WeRise wine barWhat 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]

Ep 105What does it really take to become a wine expert and do you need a fancy certification to do it? And is it really necessary to have one of these certifications?In today’s episode I am breaking down two of the most popular wine certifications, the WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS). I’m laying out how each one is structured, the different levels and what kind of wine roles each one is best for.And we’ll talk about the 2018 scandal that rocked the CMS which resulted in rescinding the Master Sommelier title from every single person who had passed that year.And we will dig into the Institute of Masters of wine, the Society of Wine Educators (SWE), the Wine Scholar Guild as well as free resources to help you build your wine confidence!So, if you are ready to discover which wine certification path is right for you, without feeling overwhelmed by all the options then this episode is for you!ResourcesTips for Smelling Wine with Cork Dork Author Bianca Bosker - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/tips-for-smelling-wine-with-bianca-boskerExploring Australian Wine with Jane Lopes - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-34The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Wine Tasting Party at Home - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-60Episode Highlights:The value of wine certificationsOverview of wine certificationsDeep dive into WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust)Deep dive into CMS (court of Master Sommeliers)2018 Controversies in CMS and subsequent falloutDeep dive into MW (Institute of Masters of wine)Society of Wine Educators (SWE)Wine Scholar guildWhat 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]

Ep 104What if I told you there’s a white wine that makes “cat pee” an absolute compliment? And you might already have a bottle of it chilling in your fridge!Today, I am continuing my Grape Deep Dive Mini-Series and it’s all about Sauvignon Blanc. The first wine I really fell in love with was the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Noblio. It’s such a fresh, easy drinking wine!We are digging deep into the key viticultural and winemaking factors that shape Sauvignon Blanc’s character, as well as soil types and the diverse styles that emerge from different regions. I’ll touch on Sauvignon Blanc hotspots like France’s Loire Valley and Bordeaux, New Zealand’s Marlborough region, California’s Sonoma Valley, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Casablanca Valley & Leyda Valley, Chile, and Adelaide Hills Australia.We will finish it off with some tips on what food to pair with Sauvignon Blanc, whether or not Sauvignon Blanc should be aged, and what you should expect to pay for a bottle.So, if you are ready to discover why Sauvignon Blanc is such a global favorite and find out which regions, winemaking style, and food pairings work best, then this episode is for you!Types of wine grapes episodesChardonnay - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-6Cabernet Franc - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-14Chenin Blanc - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-21Riesling - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-38Barbera - Episode 45Merlot - Episode 57Best Italian Dessert Wines - Episode 101Episode Highlights:Overview of Sauvignon BlancViticulture and grape characteristicsUnique aromas and chemical compounds of Sauvignon BlancStructure of Sauvignon BlancTerroir factors affecting Sauvignon BlancWinemaking styles and techniques of Sauvignon BlancNotable Sauvignon Blanc regions and theWhat 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 tired of feeling lost when choosing wine at a restaurant? Wish you had a sommelier’s secret to finding the perfect glass? Well, we are going to find out the one question Tyler Balliet swears by to uncover hidden gems on any wine list. Today is part 2 of my chat with Tyler and we are diving into why understanding the story and culture behind each wine region is just as important as knowing the grape varieties or tasting notes. We’re also digging into lesser known wine regions like Michigan, Colorado and Nebraska.And best of all, Tyler explains her genius wine team strategy that will help you get the best wine for your pallet and the best bargain for your budget. Plus, she shares an insider tip on the one question you should ask a sommelier if you want something delicious, different and usually pretty affordable.So, if you are ready to step up your wine game, connect with stories and people behind the bottle and build your own wine team, then today’s episode is for you!This is part 2 of my chat with Tyler. If you missed part one, head back to episode 102 where we talked about the inspiration behind Rebel School of Wine, what’s wrong with how wine is being taught and what wine is really about.Connect with TylerWebsite: https://rebelschoolofwine.com/Instagram: @tylerballietInstagram: @rebelschoolofwine ResourcesGo to rebelschoolofwine.com and use the promo code CORKANDFIZZ to get a signed copy of Tyler’s book and a free pack of wine stickers for only $30. That's $15 off.Episode Highlights:The importance of cultural context in wineExploring lesser-known wine region in the USNotable regions outside of the USImportance of supporting emerging wine regions to help them thriveHow to build your wine teamInsider questions for SommeliersThe secret question to ask a SommelierHow to discover unique, reasonably priced bottles of 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]

Ep 102How does someone from a beer-loving Wisconsin family end up creating a massive Rosé-themed wine playground in New York City? As well as writing a wine-themed book that is challenging the wine status quo?Today’s guest, author Tyler Balliet, is sharing her journey on how she’s helping to reshape the wine industry with events like Rosé Mansion and Wine Riot, as well as her inspiration behind her book, Rebel School of Wine. We also dig into the heart of what’s wrong with how wine is traditionally taught - think too pretentious, too focused on technical details, and not nearly welcoming (or fun) enough!Tyler Balliet is an entrepreneur and journalist who’s been reshaping how people experience wine since 2006. She co-founded Rosé Mansion, a massive rosé-themed wine playground in NYC, and Wine Riot, a touring wine festival, and named Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 and Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40. Her new book, Rebel School of Wine, is a bold, visually-driven manifesto for a new generation of wine drinkers.So, if you are ready to break free from stuffy wine stereotypes and lean into Tyler’s take on why wine education should be about fun, stories, and people, then this episode is for you!This is part 1 of my interview with Tyler so make sure you check out part 2 in episode 103!Connect with TylerWebsite: https://rebelschoolofwine.com/Instagram: @tylerballietInstagram: @rebelschoolofwine ResourcesGo to rebelschoolofwine.com and use the promo code CORKANDFIZZ to get a signed copy of Tyler’s book and a free pack of wine stickers for only $30. That's $15 off!Codeword: Listen to the episode to discover the code word and DM me on Instagram or email me at [email protected] for your chance to win a copy of Rebel School of Wine!Episode Highlights:Tyler Balliet’s wine journeyInspiration behind Tyler’s Rebel School of Wine bookTyler’s focus on the “why” and “who” behind wine and not just the “what”Exploring wine through people and cultureTyler’s frustration with technical, flavor/aroma-focused languageThe disconnect between how wine professiWhat 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]

Ep 101This is the last of my Italian wine mini-series and we have to talk about Italian dessert wines! Plus, I’m going to share with you my favorite dessert wine ever!From the late harvests, noble rot, and even frozen grapes, we will dive into the processes that give these Italian dessert wines their characteristic sweetness. Discover why certain wines retain their residual sugar and how methods like Passito enrich the wine's flavors.You’ll discover wines like Vin Santo, Moscadello di Montalcino, and Recioto della Valpolicella. Think maraschino cherries and dark chocolate flavors. And if you aren’t a fan of sweet wine, I’ll be sharing some other options that might just make you a fan of dessert wine after all!So, if you are ready to venture into the amazing world of Italian dessert wines then this episode is for you!Resources5 Lesser Known Italian White Wines You Must Try - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-99Is Vermouth a Wine or a Liquor? https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-90Trader Joe’s Snack and Wine Pairing Guide https://corkandfizz.myflodesk.com/dlyr59hllePassito WinesMarche - Verdicchio de Castelli de Jesi Passito, Lacrima di Morro d’Alba PassitoLombardy - Valcalepio Moscato Passito, Lugana Moscato PassitoPiedmont and Aosta Valley - Moscato d'Asti, Piemonte Moscato PassitoSicily - Erice PassitoSardinia - Carignano del Sucis PassitoEpisode Highlights:Understanding Italian dessert winesMethods for making dessert wines - late harvest, drying grapes into raisins, Noble rot, Ice wineVin Santo - flavor profile and pairing recommendationsIntroduction to Passito winesMoscadello di Montalcino - history and flavor profileRecioto della Valpolicella - history and flavor profileBarolo ChinatoWhat 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]