Why are pigs roaming up and down the rows of more and more vineyards? Do biodynamic preparations really help vineyards by treating them more holistically or is this junk science? How does fog help vineyards, especially in Napa and Sonoma?
In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with author Sophie Menin.
You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks
Giveaway
Three of you will win a copy of Sophie Menin and Bob Chaplin's terrific new book A Year In The Vineyard.
To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!
Highlights
What does "fixing nitrogen" mean, and why is it important for vines?
Do biodynamic preparations help vineyards by treating them more holistically?
How does the moon's gravitational pull influence the ideal time for pruning vines?
Why are shoot thinning and winter pruning necessary for improving vine architecture?
How have bats, pigs, and sheep become essential additions to many vineyards?
Why did one winery decide to plant vines in concentric circles rather than the traditional rows?
How does light influence wine production?
What are "crystalline cathedrals," and how do they help to protect buds in sub-zero weather?
What methods are vineyards using to warm the air and combat potential damage from frost?
How does fog help vineyards, especially in Napa and Sonoma?
In the Museum of Sophie Menin, what three objects would be in the central display?
Which wine would Sophie pair with her favourite childhood food, carrot cake?
What are Sophie's favourite wine gadgets?
Which bottle of wine would Sophie Menin want to share with Alice Waters?
About Sophie Menin
Sophie Menin is an author and journalist who has contributed to several top publications such as The New York Times, Wine Spectator, and more. Her wine writing focuses on the myriad ways that wine connects us with our senses and the rhythms of the natural world.
Bonus Interview - Ottawa Independent Writers | Writer's Workshop: Highlights
The five steps to tasting wine
What makes a good wine versus a mediocre wine?
Memoir mistake #1: Assuming that your story is the focus of the book. This is especially important if you're planning to write your own story someday, whether it's for broad publication or just for friends and family as a legacy.
About Ottawa Independent Writers
Ottawa Independent Writers (OIW) was formed in 1986 as a venue for people with a passion for creating fiction and non-fiction, for writing poetry and plays, and for stringing words together in a variety of other formats. OIW's members are involved in every aspect of the printed and electronic word.
To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/294.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com