Is it time to give Sauvignon Blanc another chance?
Send us a textRemember when you swore you'd never wear barrel-leg jeans again? That's how many wine lovers feel about Sauvignon Blanc – but just like those jeans eventually won you back, this misunderstood grape variety deserves a second chance.We're diving deep into Sauvignon Blanc's remarkable diversity, exploring expressions that go far beyond the familiar Marlborough style that flooded wine shelves worldwide. From an astonishingly good $8 Aldi find to a textural, oak-influenced Fumé Blanc and the mineral-driven elegance of Loire Valley classics like Pouilly-Fumé, we're rediscovering what makes this grape special.The differences between these styles reveal fascinating insights about winemaking approaches around the world. Learn how New Zealand winemakers revolutionized Sauvignon Blanc production through strategic harvesting and protective techniques, creating that signature tropical-meets-grassy profile that conquered global markets. Discover why French producers, who traditionally didn't even mention "Sauvignon Blanc" on their labels, are now adopting some Kiwi innovations while maintaining their distinctive terroir expression.Whether you're an avowed Sauvignon skeptic or simply looking to expand your palate beyond one familiar style, this episode demonstrates that quality and character exist at every price point. From machine harvesting debates to the cultural significance of French sugar regulations, we explore the technical and historical factors that shape these wines.Join us in our mission to rehabilitate Sauvignon Blanc's reputation. After all, as Meg wisely observes, "We don't want a 30-year lag on it coming back" like we experienced with Chardonnay. Your next favorite white wine might just be a style of Sauvignon Blanc you've never considered before.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
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Wine News: Is the industry at a turning point? The WHO make drastic alcohol proposals, Meghan Markle's new wine, Gen Z are back and drinking wine!
Send us a textThe Australian wine industry faces pivotal changes with new transparency regulations while debating the broader issues of health labeling and market fairness. We explore the Emerson Report's game-changing recommendations that could revolutionize how wine is sold and marketed across Australia.• Trying the viral jalapeno wine trend – is adding spice to rosé worth the hype?• Tributes to industry pioneers including Dr. Richard Smart, Simon Killeen, and Angela Muir MW• Celebrity wines and Meghan Markle's entry into the rosé market• The Emerson Report's key recommendations for the Australian wine industry• Mandatory labeling for retailer "own brand" wines within two years• New mandatory code of conduct for grape payments to protect growers• Gen Z finally entering the wine market as predicted• WHO's push for cancer warning labels on wine bottles• Debating responsible drinking promotion versus excessive regulationJoin us next week as we taste and compare Sauvignon Blancs from around the world!Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
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The MW Exam Papers: Can You Pass Wine's Ultimate Test?
Send us a textThe Master of Wine qualification represents the absolute pinnacle of wine education – a credential so challenging that only 5-10% of candidates ever pass. Since its creation in 1952, just 480 people worldwide have earned these prestigious initials. But what exactly makes this qualification so formidable?Taking you behind the curtain of this elite examination, we dissect real questions from this year's MW papers, attempting to answer them ourselves with varying degrees of success (and humility). The examination tests candidates across three grueling tasting papers requiring blind identification of wines from around the world, and four theory papers covering everything from technical viticulture to global wine business strategies.The tasting component requires identifying wines like a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon from Margaret River versus one from Pessac-Léognan, or distinguishing between Chardonnays from Chablis, Monterey, South Africa, and Margaret River. Theory questions range from highly technical matters – "How would you address 0.9 grams per liter of volatile acidity in a Chablis intended for lees aging?" – to philosophical challenges like creating a wine blend that represents "the essence of humanity's wine culture."We explore what makes someone a Master of Wine, beyond just encyclopedic knowledge. It's the ability to communicate effectively about wine, synthesize complex information, and form coherent arguments on multi-faceted issues facing the industry today. Whether discussing the impact of health warnings on wine labels or how producers can farm without agrochemicals, candidates must demonstrate breadth and depth across scientific, cultural, and commercial domains.Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes? Join us for this fascinating look at wine's ultimate challenge and share your thoughts on what wine blend would represent humanity's wine culture. Follow us on Instagram to continue the conversation and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in our final episodes of the year.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
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Uncorking Barbera: Italy's Bold, Acid-Driven Red
Send us a textMeg and Mel dive into the world of Barbera, exploring whether this Italian red variety truly deserves its reputation as the wine of choice for "cool kids."• Barbera comes from Piemonte in northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps• The grape produces wines with high acidity, minimal oak influence, and distinctive purple color• Typical flavor profile includes blackberry, blackcurrant, and herbal notes• Australian versions from Adelaide Hills and Alpine Valleys compared to Italian Barbera d'Alba• Even aged Barbera maintains a vibrant purple color due to low pH levels• Italian Barberas range from affordable everyday options to premium bottles at $50+• Best enjoyed with food, particularly fatty meats and pasta dishes• Alternative recommendation: Lange Nebbiolo offers better value for serious red wine drinkersCheck out our social media for updates and videos from McCleary Productions! Next episode, we'll dive into iconic Australian wines.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
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Australian Sparkling Regional Showdown
Send us a textAustralian sparkling wines showcase distinctive regional characters that rival champagne in quality while expressing unique Australian terroir.• Blind tasting of four Australian sparkling wines from three different regions: Tasmania, Yarra Valley, and Whitlands High Plateau• Traditional method sparklings have many variables beyond region, including aging on lees and fruit character• Yarra Yering (Yarra Valley) shows distinctive red apple fruit and rich brioche character from 100% Chardonnay• Chandon Vintage Brut (Whitlands High Plateau) displays remarkable mineral character, pristine acidity and surprising youth despite its age• Jansz (Tasmania) delivers exceptional value with perfect creaminess and the traditional autolytic character consumers expect• Handpicked (Tasmania) shows a simpler, more fruit-forward approach• Whitlands High Plateau (800m elevation) produces fruit with distinctive mineral quality and exceptional acid structure• Australian sparkling wines remain excellent value compared to increasingly expensive champagneJoin us next week when we explore Barbera wines from around Australia.Follow us on instagram @winewithmegandmel
The fun + frank podcast which helps you navigate the world of wine. Hosted by Australia's first female Master of Wine Meg Brodtmann, and self-titled Master of Sabrage Mel Gilcrist.
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