Ep 173: The Wines of Sicily with Beatrice Bessi, Head Sommelier of Chiltern Firehouse (Part 1)

To download the transcript CLICK HERE In part two of our discussion on regenerative viticulture, we're joined by a special guest, Wendy Outhwaite, co-founder of Ambriel nestled in the picturesque West Sussex countryside of England. Wendy, who transitioned from a career as a barrister to cultivating vineyards alongside her husband Charles, shares her personal journey of discovering the profound importance of land and soil stewardship. Today Wendy recounts her experiences, from the initial experiment with geese in the vineyards to embracing alternative methods such as biological controls over harmful chemicals like insecticides and pesticides. Discover the surprising role dandelions and wildflowers play in nurturing vineyards and fostering biodiversity. We'll delve into the nitty-gritty of vineyard management, exploring the nuances between tilling and hoeing, and gaining insights into what truly defines regenerative viticulture from Wendy's perspective. So, grab a glass of your favorite wine and join us for an enlightening conversation on sustainable winemaking practices and the journey towards a healthier, more vibrant ecosystem.   This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.   If you want to skip ahead: 02.24: From lawyer to Winemaker 06.52: Healthier soil with regenerative farming 09.16: Hoeing and tilling 13.05: Wildflowers and their contributions 17.36: Planting more trees 20.22: Weeding with Geese 24.10: What is a mulch? 26.00: Vermiculture - Earthworms 33.34: Challenges of regenerative viticulture 35.17: Wine tasting - Blanc de Noirs 2016 £36.99 43.47: Ambiel’s Demi-Sec   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat   If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you!   ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------- THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

To download the transcript CLICK HERE   In todays’ episode, join me as I chat with Justin Howard-Sneyd, a distinguished Master of Wine, wine consultant, and owner of the Domaine of the Bee winery in Roussillon. More importantly, Justin is a trustee of the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, where he's been leading two-day courses in regenerative viticulture across the UK for the past two years.   Justin walks us through the essentials of regenerative farming, distinguishing it from organic practices and biodynamics. We'll explore the certification process in this field and dive into the debated topic of whether to till or not. The crux of these decisions lies in maximizing soil health.   Discover fascinating insights into the importance of healthy soils. Did you know that the soils in the UK alone can sequester a staggering 10 billion tonnes of carbon annually? That's equivalent to one year's worth of global human emissions! The detrimental effects of practices like tilling and heavy pesticide use on soil's carbon storage capacity highlight the urgent need for viticulturists to adopt regenerative methods.   This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.   If you want to skip ahead: 03.40: How Justin got into teaching Regenerative farming  08.54: The pros and cons of Tilling 12.05: The many people plough and believe it to be a positive 15.15: Toxicity of copper  17.23: Using different mulches such as sheep fleece 20.27: Work principles of regenerative farming 24.39: Regenerative certifications 30.26: Applied biodynamic practices 32.15: Soil health and resilience 33.32: Justin’s intro into Regenerative Viticulture   Do go to https://www.regenerativeviticulture.org/ to sign up to their mailing letters to find out about all events and news   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you!   ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------- THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

To download the transcript CLICK HERE   Welcome back to part two with Beatrice Bessi, our dedicated head sommelier. Beatrice's passion for wine shines through in every word, making her journey a delight to follow. In this episode, we delve into her experience with the Court of Master Sommelier exams, her recent Australian adventures, and her fascination with old vines. But our main focus is on the two Italian wine regions: Alto Adige and Trentino.   Picture snow-capped peaks and charming landscapes—Alto Adige sits at the crossroads of Austria and Switzerland, boasting a predominantly German-speaking population. Yet, its wines speak volumes in Italian tradition. We'll explore indigenous grape varieties like Schiava and Lagrein, and did you know? A whopping 98% of Alto Adige's wines reach at least the DOC level, a testament to its quality.   Just south lies Trentino, home to renowned sparkling wine producer Ferrari. While Trentino may be smaller, it holds its own charm, and Beatrice's fondness for the region shines bright. Join us as Beatrice shares her insights and passion, painting a vivid picture of these remarkable Italian wine destinations.   This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.   If you want to skip ahead: 02.26: The Court of Master Sommelier exams 09.08: The James Busby Trip through Australia 13.37: Tim Wildman and his Pet-Nats 15.52: The oldest vines of Grenache is Australia 17.33: The oldest vines of Shiraz in Australia 21.00: The regions of Alto Adige and Trentino 23.32: Schiava - the cotton candy grape 25.03: Grape variety Lagrein 29.36: Older grape varieties - Teroldego 31.44: Sweet and fortified 34.11: Tasting notes and flavour profiles 35.31: Kerner - crossover between Schiava & Riesling 36.34: Destination recommendations in Alto Adige and Trentino   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat   If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you! ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST

To download the transcript CLICK HERE On today’s episode join us as we sit down with Beatrice Bessi, an accomplished CMS advanced sommelier and head sommelier at London's prestigious Chiltern Firehouse. With two decades of hospitality expertise and accolades including the International Wine and Spirits Competition's Emerging Talent in Wine Hospitality Award, Beatrice shares her journey from Grands Jours de Bourgogne to the exclusive 67 Pall Mall private members club for wine lovers. Today we journey into the delights of Sicilian wine, exploring native grapes like Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'avola, the volcanic soils of Mount Etna, and the allure of Passito di Pantelleria. Discover why Cerasuolo di Vittoria is poised to be this summer's standout sipper.   This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.   If you want to skip ahead: 02.39: Beatrice's trip to Burgundy 06.31: The Romanee Conti Vineyard 08.15: The Grands Jour de Bourgogne wine event 10.16: Working at 67 Pall Mall 13.14: Learning from the Master Sommeliers - Ronan Sayburn & Terry Kandylis 17.28: Head sommelier at Chiltern Firehouse 20.40: Guest preferences and building rapport 26.53: Grillo, Catarratto - white wines of Sicily 29.58: The volcanic soil of Mount Etna 33.07: The Carricante grape variety 38.03: The Nerello Mascalese grape variety 41.58: Nero d’Avola 44.45: Cerasuolo di Vittoria - the 2024 Summer Sipper 46.26: The single grape variety Frappato 47.58: Sicily - a leader in natural wines 52.29: Passito di Pantelleria Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat   If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you! ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST

To download the transcript CLICK HERE   Welcome back! Today we journey into the Southern Rhône Valley to explore one specific cru that deserves your attention: Lirac. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems beyond the typical Côtes du Rhône, discovering the value and sustainability behind these well-priced wines. Our guest, Rodolphe de Pins, winemaker and head of Château de Montfaucon, has played a huge part in elevating the reputation of the Lirac region. He shares his journey in revitalizing his family's winery alongside breaking down the distinctive style of wines from this Cru, highlighting its unique landscape and how it intricately molds these exceptional wines. Additionally, he provides insights into the optimal times of the year to experience the wonders of this remarkable place.   Gourmet walk of Lirac Gauges on Sat 25th May is one of them. Click here to know more.   And to know more in general, here are the links that I mentioned in the episode: https://www.vins-rhone.com/en/vineyard/appellations/lirac https://vin-lirac.com   This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.   If you want to skip ahead:   2.20: Rodolphe de Pins experience and stints around the world making wine 06.55: Returning back to Lirac, and taking over the family domaine of Château de Montfaucon 8.12: Where is Lirac and it’s size 10.20: When did Lirac became a cru 14.33: The 2500 hectares of woodlands in Lirac and how this affects the grapes 17.01: Best times to visit the old cave of Sainte Baume 18.44: Traditional food and wine pairings for Lirac wines 21.36: How does Lirac compare to Châteauneuf-du-Pape 23.32: The grapes of Lirac and grape varietal requirements in Lirac 27.01: The environmental charter in Lirac - Organic farming and sustainability 28.45: HVE certification in Lirac 31.41: The future of Lirac 33.22: Coming to visit Lirac 34.23: The annual balade - a walk through the vineyards Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat   If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you! ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST

To download the transcript CLICK HERE   In part 2 of this episode, we're diving deep into the world of drinks writing, specifically exploring Rob's experiences as a drinks writer for the Metro. Ever wondered what it's like to have that coveted gig? Well, wonder no more as Rob spills the beans.   But that's not all – alongside sharing some of his latest wine discoveries, we'll also be delving into Rob's intriguing book, "The Alcorithm." This fascinating read delves into the intricate flavors and compounds found in wines, beverages, foods, and herbs, offering insights into predicting your next favorite drink or product. Get ready to expand your knowledge on various grape varieties, discover similarities between them, and uncover some surprising wine trends along the way.   This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.   If you want to skip ahead:   02.02: What it’s like to write for the Metro (and how he tastes all the samples) 06.10 Exploring trends: Putting wine in a blender? 08.28: Exploring trends: Rosé with a Jalapeño? 10.22: Wine in Thailand 13.26: Vinos de Invierno, the winter wines in Sao Paulo 14.00: Focus from Provence to deseasonalize Rosé 15.01: The wines from Château d'Esclans 19.29: Rob's Book, The Alcorithm. Buy at Amazon /  Buy at Waterstones 21.35: Comparing Bordeaux Blends to Touriga National 24.30: Comparing Albariño to Assyrtiko  27.04: The vine training on Santorini called ‘Kouloura’. 29.23: Comparing Cabernet Franc to Mencia 32.33: Comparing Sauvignon Blanc to Bacchus 38.02: Brand Ambassador for Rathfinny, Sussex - how do you market a wine that won’t exist for another year? 40.03: Producing sparkling wine: Blending trials in the winery, clonal choices, and dosage decisions 45.33: Soil profiles in England and how they affect the flavours in the grapes 47.34: Wine Pairing with crips    Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat   If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you! ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST

To download the transcript CLICK HERE Today, we are embarking on a journey to Catalonia, Spain, guided by none other than Rob Buckhaven. You might recognize Rob as the Drinks Columnist for The Metro and author of 'The Alcorithm.' But in this episode, we're delving into his past as a brand ambassador for the renowned winery Torres. Torres boasts a strong presence in Catalonia, particularly in regions like Conca de Barbera, Costes del Segre, Cava, and Priorat. Join us as we explore these wine regions, discussing new regulations and labeling terms within Cava and Priorat, and Torres' focus on reviving pre-phylloxera Catalonian varieties. This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order. If you want to skip ahead: 2.09: Working a harvest in South Australia, adding wood chips, and destroying tanks 7.17: Working in the industry and doing a wine MBA in Bordeaux 8.51: Working for such a huge company as Torres 12.11: Cava grape variety Xarel-lo, made as still wine 14.51: The red grapes of Catalonia 15.42: Visiting Conca de Barbera 16.00: Describing the hills of Priorat and it’s magic 19.17: Why is Priorat often overlooked when quality is so high 22.24: The Noms de la Terra – new ranking system in Priorat 26.11: Old vines and sustainability in Spain 28.28: 100% Organic focus for Cava and Penedes 30.14: The changes in Do Cava with more traceability and the effect of the creation of Corpinnat 36.50: The Parajes Calificados of Cava and its Singularity 38.45: The pre-phylloxera vines that Torres is reviving Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat   If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you! ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST  

To download the transcript CLICK HERE In today's episode, I have more than your average wine story. I will be talking all about Super Tuscans: An Italian wine category created from rebellion and innovation when a group of daring winemakers decided to break all the rules, planting French grapes in Italian soil. In the 1980s, these wines took the wine world by storm and they still are some of the most highly desirable wines in today's wine scene. So, by the end of this episode, you will know the history behind this wine style, the key players and the desirable wines, but also I will be talking about some more affordable versions too.   And you should hopefully also feel more excitement when opening up a Super Tuscan knowing it is a wine that broke all tradition, represents innovation and is a perfect blend of history and modernity.  This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.   If you want to skip ahead:   2.19: What is a Super Tuscan 4.39: Context on how Chianti DOC used to be and it’s regulations 7.12: Some slightly more affordable Super Tuscan options 9.30: The story of Sassicaia 13.36: The story of Tignanello 15.38: The story of Solaia 16.28: Why is Tignanello considered the first Super Tuscan when it was made after Sassicaia? 17.37: The story of Ornellaia 20.14: The story of Masseto 21.25: What affect have the Super Tuscans had and how have they shaped Tuscany?   Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat   If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you! ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST

To download the transcript CLICK HERE   In today's episode, we continue our adventure into the region of Southern Rhône with Stage two Master of Wine student, Anna Spooner, who has immersed herself in Southern Rhône living.   This episode zeroes in on the intricacies of Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, and the Crus—unraveling the mysteries behind these classifications. Our spotlight falls on the renowned Cru, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as we draw comparisons to Gigondas. Exploring the intriguing Ventoux region, a rising star in the Southern Rhône, becomes a focal point of our discussion.   Anna shares insights into lesser-known areas, guiding us to hidden gems where exceptional value can be discovered and suggesting must-visit destinations.    This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.   If you want to skip ahead:   02.06: Why Northern Rhône is different to Southern Rhône 06.01: The 10 Crus in Southern Rhône 09.27: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the most famous Cru 12.45: Gigondas vs. Châteauneuf-du-Pape 14.40: Vacqueyras region and growing conditions 18.53: Anna’s tours in the Rhône region 21.30: Wines in Mont Ventoux 26.41: The search for value in Southern Rhône 30.47: Séguret, the most beautiful village the Southern Rhône Valley 34.25: Travel itinerary to the Rhône Valley    Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat   If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you! ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST

To download the transcript CLICK HERE   On todays’ episode, we sit down with Stage 2 Master of Wine student, Anna Spooner, who has recently made the move to the Southern Rhône. In this episode, our focus shifts to the grape varieties that thrive in this region, with Châteauneuf-du-Pape boasting a remarkable 13 permitted varieties. While Grenache is a familiar name, ever heard of Counoise or Terret Noir?   But before we chat about the details of these lesser-known grapes, the first half of the episode is dedicated to exploring Anna's wine journey. From her experiences at Freixenet, one of the largest Cava producers, to her eye opening experiences with Tablas Creek, in Paso Robles (Pioneers of the California Rhone movement) and the captivating story of Basilisco in the Campania region, we delve into the influences that have shaped Anna's path.   We not only unveil the secrets of Southern Rhône's grape varieties but also paint a vivid picture of Anna's rich and diverse experiences in the world of wine. From the renowned to the hidden gems, this promises a delightful exploration of both wine and the fascinating individuals who bring it to life.   This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.   If you want to skip ahead:   02.19: Working with Freixenet in Penedes, Barcelona 04.20: Discussing how to market Cava in the way that Prosecco achieved 06.03: Wine educating with Jimmy (His episodes on this podcast: Ep 123: Jura Region and Ep 124: Wines of Tenerife) 08.12: Anna winning the The Decanter Online Wine Experience Awards whilst working for The Wine Society  10.08: Virtual wine events hosted by The Wine Society on You Tube including The legendary Chateau Musar. You can watch HERE 11.57: Anna’s own video series online (coming soon). You will be able to watch HERE 14.25: What it is like to be a Master of Wine student 16.19:  Anna’s shortlisted article on Jancis Robinson website about Viviana Malafarina - the inspiring women behing winery Basilisco in the Aglianico del Vulture region, Basilicata. 20.14: The Storico Vineyard - a special place 21.39: Anna’s runner up aricle on Jancis Robinson’s website about Tablas Creek, the leaders of renewable viticulture (and founded in partnership with Chateau Beaucastel) 26.58: Châteauneuf-du-Pape varieties, Terret Noir and Counoise 28.44: Varieties and restrictions of grape varieties in Southern Rhône 32.20:’ Garrigue’: what does this wine descriptor actually mean 34.21: Grenache Rouge Read the study about why Grenache grows best in the Southern Rhone is HERE 35.46: Mourvèdre, known as Monastrell 39.00: The white wines of Southern Rhone and some interesting plantings and blends 44.43: Vin Doux Naturels: Rasteau & Muscat de Beaume de Venise 47.30: Tavel: The only 100% Rose Cru 52.34: Food pairings with darker Rosés Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [email protected] Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat   If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time, Cheers to you! ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST