No wine embodies Summer quite like rosé and sparkling rosé is truly the epitome of casual Summer elegance. To guide us on a Summer-inspired, sparkling rosé adventure and get you in the mood to “drink pink”, episode #25 features the fabulous Rita Jammet, lifelong Champagne lover and CBO (Chief Bubble Officer) of La Caravelle Champagne.
As co-proprietor (with her husband André) of one of New York City’s most iconic French restaurants for 20 years, Rita created exceptional dining experiences for some of the world’s most famous names (you simply MUST tune in for all the glamorous details!). It was her unique insight into hospitality and fine dining gained during this time that helped her to reinvent herself and establish La Caravelle Champagne when the couple decided to close the restaurant in 2004.
Today her delightful, food-friendly Champagnes are enjoyed in prestigious restaurants around the globe and her down to earth, drink-what-you-like approach to wine combined with her naturally warm, gracious personality make her the perfect Ambassador for the region and its iconic wines. So whether you’re wondering how these special wines are made, what glassware to use and/or what foods to pair with sparkling wine - Rita’s definitely got you covered!
So please pour yourself a glass of wine (preferably rosé!), kick back and relax and enjoy Episode #25 of The Wine Atelier Podcast featuring the delightful Rita Jammet as she gets us excited for enjoying rosé this Summer and shares the amazing story of La Caravelle Champagne!
1.) How Rita combined her love of Champagne and 25+ years of experience running an iconic French restaurant into La Caravelle Champagne.
2.) Rita’s concept of “double magic” when it comes to Rosé Champagne.
3.) The surprising way La Caravelle’s Brut Rosé Champagne is made and how it gets its gorgeous pink color.
4.) Why Champagne is SO food friendly and which dishes Rita loves to pair with Brut Rosé.
5.) Which glassware you should definitely stay AWAY from when serving Champagne!
- Champagne + Sparkling Wine 101
- All the details on the “saignée” method of making rosé
- Glassware mentioned: Zalto Denk’Art, The One by Andrea Immer Robinson, Gabriel-Glas
– To share your thoughts, please leave me a note in the Comments section below + click here to listen to previous episodes of The Wine Atelier podcast.
– To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this link on social media, in e-mails or anywhere else you like (Thank You in advance!).
– If you enjoyed the show, please click here to go to iTunes and SUBSCRIBE to so you don’t miss a thing – AND – your honest review on iTunes are greatly appreciated!
If there was ever a good time for a story that demonstrates the tenets of both “triumphing over adversity” and “rebirth,” I think you might agree, this is it! Bérénice Lurton is the Owner and Proprietor of Château Climens in Bordeaux and she hails from one of the wine region’s most esteemed winemaking families. Since 1992 she’s been producing some of the most delicious, critically-acclaimed sweet wines in the Sauternes region at Château Climens which are crafted entirely from the Semillon grape. And while Bordeaux is a wine region predicated on the art of blending, the unique terroir of the Chateau simply makes Semillon sing!
In 2017, however, her entire vineyard was damaged by frost, leaving her without any quality grapes to make her famous first wine. But rather than getting discouraged, Bérénice decided to focus her energies on an exciting new project she’d been thinking about for a long time. And, as the result of a chance encounter while traveling, she ended up collaborating with one of the Loire Valley’s most esteemed winemakers on this exciting project as well.
So pour yourself a glass of wine, kick back and relax and enjoy Episode #24 of The Wine Atelier Podcast featuring the fabulous Bérénice Lurton and the amazing wines of Château Climens!
1.) Why the unique terroir at Château Climens allows the Semillon grape to produce such amazing varietal wines!
2.) The importance of biodynamic farming and why’s it’s so important at the Château.
3.) Who Bérénice’s collaborator was for her new white wine project.
4.) The significance behind the name Asphodèle, the Chateau’s first ever dry white wine.
5.) Some of Bérénice’s favorite food pairing recommendations for Asphodèle and a few for her other sweet Barsac wines as well.
- For information on Noble Rot, aka Botrytis Cinerea, please click here.
- For information on purchasing Asphodèle, please click here. I will also be posting updates on its availability as well!
– To share your thoughts, please leave me a note in the Comments section below & click here to listen to previous episodes of The Wine Atelier podcast.
– To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this link on social media, in e-mails or anywhere else you like (Thank You in advance!).
– If you enjoyed the show, please click here to go to iTunes and SUBSCRIBE to so you don’t miss a thing – AND – your honest review on iTunes would be greatly appreciated!
There aren't many wines that can boast the popularity of rosé in recent years. Much like the Duchess of Sussex, this imminently appealing wine seemed to come out of nowhere and take the world by storm. Years later, we STILL can't seem to get enough, and our desire shows no signs of waning anytime soon.
But the truth is, rosé has actually been around for a veeeery long time - like, we're talking Queen Elizabeth long! And since Provence is considered the birthplace of this glorious, dry pink wine - just who HAS been producing rosé all of these years or at least pre-Brad + Angelina?
That timely question brings me to this episode of The Wine Atelier podcast featuring François Matton, Co-owner of Provence's revered Château Minuty. Located a mere 5 minute drive from the Mediterranean coastline on the Saint-Tropez peninsula, this estate has been crafting exceptional, terroir-driven rosé wine for over 80 years.
In this interview, the charming François dishes on the history of his family's famed rosés and shares details of his fascinating life growing up in Provence. He also discusses what it's like running the estate with his brother Etienne and the key to creating such consistently wonderful wines. Simply click the slider above to listen to the full episode or click here to listen in iTunes.
1.) Why Château Minuty's rosés are different from newer brands that've emerged over the past decade.
2.) THE single most important grape in making the Château Minuty rosés (and why) and which grapes are NEVER used.
3.) How François almost left the family business and why he ultimately changed his mind.
4.) What it's like running the family winery with his brother and WHO they rely on to settle any disputes.
5.) The fascinating stories behind three of the delicious Château Minuty rosés (M de Minuty, Rosé et Or and Château Minuty 281).
– What is a Grape Clone?
- For more info on the history of the Rosé Revolution, please click here.
– Click here for information on visiting Château Minuty. For help planning your itinerary or booking winery appointments during your travels, please contact Stephanie at Stephanie@theglamorousgourmet.com.
To share your thoughts + spread the word about the The Wine Atelier podcast:
– Please leave me a note in the Comments section below & click here to listen to previous episodes of The Wine Atelier podcast.
– To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this link on social media, in e-mails or anywhere else you like (Thank You in advance!).
– If you enjoyed the show, please click here to go to iTunes and SUBSCRIBE to so you don’t miss a thing – AND – your honest review on iTunes would be greatly appreciated!
Women in the wine world have made amazing strides in recent decades. Today, they are Sommeliers, winemakers, wine educators and even winery founders and owners and we have many brave and brilliant women to thank who paved the way for us. One of my favorite things about hosting this podcast is highlighting their amazing accomplishments and sharing the secrets of their success with you. Episode #22 of The Wine Atelier podcast features one such woman, vinous trailblazer and dynamo, Delia Viader, Founder and Owner of VIADER Vineyards and Winery.
This Argentine-born, European raised, single mother of four, forged her way into the Napa Valley during the 1980's. To the surprise of many (except herself and those who knew her well), she conquered the formidable slopes of Howell Mountain and established her successful, critically acclaimed winery that thrives to this day. So basically, while I was in college dancing to Madonna, sporting acid wash denim, and drinking more than my fair share of White Zinfandel, Delia was establishing her unique trellising system, pursuing her second doctorate degree, and crafting world class, Cabernet Franc.
In this fascinating interview, Delia shares her amazing story and how she overcame a variety of obstacles in order to pursue her life's passion, provide for her family and create a lasting legacy. And trust me, her incredible energy and passion for what she does will truly inspire you!
- The serendipitous way this student and Mom (who was born in Argentina and raised in Europe) discovered the special plot of land that was to become her future winery and which family member was intrinsic to her success.
- How she achieved a Master's degree from MIT and TWO doctorate degrees!
- How asking for help and being open to advice from trusted local and international advisors played an important role in her success.- Which delightfully unique grape variety (my personal favorite!) is the main focus of the Viader wines and which grape is conspicuously absent.
- How she acquired her well-deserved nickname, "The Wine Mother." - What it was like raising her children among the vines in Napa and what it's like now working with her son, Alan, Viader's current winemaker.
- How to visit Delia at Viader Vineyards and Winery during your next visit to the Napa Valley.
- The difference between Old World and New World wines
- What the heck is Phylloxera and why it's so devastating to grapevines.
- More info on what makes mountain fruit so special.
- Learn about legendary Bordeaux-based winemaker and consultant, Michel Rolland.
To share your thoughts + spread the word about the The Wine Atelier podcast:
– Please leave me a note in the Comments section below & click here to listen to previous episodes of The Wine Atelier podcast.
– To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this link on social media, in e-mails or anywhere else you like (Thank You in advance!).
– If you enjoyed the show, please click here to go to iTunes and SUBSCRIBE to so you don’t miss a thing – AND – your honest review on iTunes would be greatly appreciated!
As an Art History Major and wine lover, when I heard that Napa's FIRST Wine History Museum and Tasting Salon was opening this month I couldn't wait to find out more! I immediately reached out to its founder, wine industry icon and proprietor of The Boisset Collection, Jean-Charles Boisset and am thrilled to be able to share this interview with you.
While the Napa Valley is relatively new when compared to Old World wine regions, it's illustrious, colorful and undeniably fruitful 200 year history definitely deserves a fitting homage. Hence, the creation of 1881 Napa, the official name of the establishment which opens to the public later this month. And who better to helm this historic endeavor than enduring Napa champion, Jean-Charles Boisset.
Jean-Charles' flamboyant joie de vivre and passion for the Napa Valley make him perfect for the project. His excitement is readily apparent in our interview, and if you aren't already familiar with the charming Jean-Charles, you'll definitely want to learn more about his fascinating and multi-faceted life and career.
- How he was able to establish 1881 Napa on one of the Napa Valley's most historic properties.
- The legendary names he partnered up with to help realize his vision for 1881 Napa.
- The delightfully informative tasting experiences available to visitors as well as how to best plan your visit.
- All the deets on his exciting vinous partnership with singer, John Legend.
- How you can meet Jean-Charles on his upcoming book tour.
- His exciting plans for his 10th wedding anniversary with wife, Gina Gallo.
– Learn more about visiting 1881 Napa, Napa's first Wine History Museum and Tasting Salon, by clicking here.
– Learn more about Jean-Charles Boisset, Boisset Collection and his current projects and book tour by clicking here.
– Learn more about LVE wines, Jean-Charles partnership with John Legend, and their new Summer rosé by clicking here.
To share your thoughts + spread the word about the The Wine Atelier podcast:
– Please leave me a note in the Comments section below & click here to listen to previous episodes of The Wine Atelier podcast.
– To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this link on social media, in e-mails or anywhere else you like (Thank You in advance!).
– If you enjoyed the show, please click here to go to iTunes and SUBSCRIBE to so you don’t miss a thing – AND – your honest review on iTunes would be greatly appreciated!
I've always been fascinated by Chile as a wine region. So on this Memorial Day weekend, I'm thrilled to share my podcast interview with a member of the "First Family" of Chilean wine and Chief Winemaker of the iconic Viña Montes, Aurelio Montes, Jr.
Aurelio's father is a pioneer of Chilean wine who relentlessly pursued his vision of producing wines of superior quality to the ones being produced in Chile at that time. The result of his labor was ViñaMontes, the first Chilean winery to produce and export Premium and Ultra Premium wines including their acclaimed Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon and Montes Alpha M.
Although Aurelio, Jr. was born into the wine world, his story is anything but straightforward. Rather than automatically assuming the reigns of the family winery as one might expect, he took a circuitous and quite fascinating route to his current position as Montes' Chief Winemaker. During his vinous odyssey he gained valuable experience in both life and wine, essentially earning his way into his family's iconic winery in the process.
In this interview, Aurelio shares the details of his whirlwind journey through the vineyards of Australia, Napa and France and reveals the inherent and sometimes challenging intricacies involved in working with his legendary father.
Aurelio also shares a fascinating behind the scenes look at his approach to winemaking and rationale behind key decisions including the importance of sustainable farming over the long term, and why becoming a "partner with the vine" is so important for producing excellent wine. He also does a deep dive into some of Montes' best known wines, discussing their nuances in great detail from the importance of their estate vineyards and the trials and tribulations of working with Chile's signature red grape, Carmenere.
I think you'll come away from this interview truly inspired by Aurelio's passion for winemaking and his attention to every detail that goes into making it. This includes his rationale for implementing the Chinese art of feng shui and playing Scottish Gregorian chants for the wine in order to achieve the best wine possible!
Many thanks to the charming Aurelio Montes, Jr. for taking the time to chat with me! To listen to this interview, simply click the "PLAY" on the slider above OR click here to listen in iTunes. Please stay tuned for more interviews with the world's most interesting people in food and wine!
- Learn more about the infamous phylloxera epidemic that ravaged the vineyards of Europe in the late 1800's by clicking here.
- Learn about the importance of stainless steel fermentation and fermenting "on the lees" by clicking here.
- For more details about white wine production, check out my post White Wine 101, please click here.
- For more details about red wine production, check out my post Red Wine 101, please click here.
To share your thoughts + spread the word about the The Wine Atelier podcast:
– Please leave me a note in the Comments section below & click here to listen to previous episodes of The Wine Atelier podcast.
– To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this link on social media, in e-mails or anywhere else you like (Thank You in advance!).
– If you enjoyed the show, please click here to go to iTunes and SUBSCRIBE to so you don’t miss a thing – AND – your honest review on iTunes would be greatly appreciated!
It’s week three of Women's History Month and I'm happy to highlight an amazing lady in the food world, Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. Widely considered "the Oscars" of the food world, The James Beard Awards are among the highest commendations Chefs, restaurants and/or journalists can receive. So if you're a foodie, you definitely won't want to miss this interview with their delightful new CEO!
It's officially been a year since Reichenbach joined the Foundation, taking over the leadership role from previous JBF President, Susan Ungaro. And while she definitely had big shoes to fill, it was quickly apparent that, even without a formal culinary background, Reichenbach's lifelong passion for food, formidable skill set and impressive business experience, not to mention her exuberant personality, made her the perfect woman for the job.
Reichenbach also joined The James Beard Foundation during a tumultuous time in the food world. The #Metoo movement was in full effect and sexual misconduct allegations against a host of well-respected, award-winning, male Chefs were flying. In this interview, Reichenbach confidently addresses the issue and shares the many ways in which she is effecting positive change through a variety of strategic impact initiatives that are making the food industry a more welcoming, diverse and sustainable place for everyone.
In this interview, you'll thoroughly enjoy getting acquainted with the delightful and down to earth Reichenbach, a Brit whose passion for food began as a young girl and has continued throughout her life. She also shares how the skills she developed and honed during her impressive career prior to joining the JBF are coming in handy to further expand the foundation's mission of "Good food for good." She also offers helpful advice to women seeking a career in the food industry or who are trying to make a change in their current career path.
And folks, there's LOTS going on at The James Beard Foundation this month, leading up to the awards in Chicago on May 6th! Tomorrow morning (Wednesday, March 27) at 10am ET, the final Restaurant and Chef Award nominees, as well as the nominees for our Media and Restaurant Design Awards will be announced at a press conference in Houston (see below for details).
And for the remainder of March, the James Beard Foundation is asking everyone to support women-led restaurants through Grubhub’s annual RestaurantHER initiative. During Women’s History Month, when you round up your change on an online takeout or delivery order, the difference will be donated directly to the JBF's Women’s Leadership Programs. The proceeds from this campaign will work to ensure that more women step into leadership positions in kitchens, including expanding the number of women-owned restaurants. So the next time you order in, donate your change and help make a real difference in the lives of women across the country.
Many thanks to the charming Clare Reichenbach for joining me and to listen to this episode of The Wine Atelier podcast, simply click “play” on the slider above OR click here to listen in iTunes. Please stay tuned for more interviews with amazing women of food and wine as we continue our celebration of Women’s History Month!
To watch the live stream video of the James Beard Award finalist announcements on March 27th at 10am ET, please click here- For more information on the James Beard Award Ceremony in Chicago in May, please click here.- For information on the JBF's Women's Leadership Programs and other initiatives, please click here.- For purchasing information for the JBF's new cookbook, "Waste Not: How to Get the Most from your Food" please click here.- For information on attending a dinner at the James Beard House in NYC or planning a tour, please click the respective links and to view my blog post on our tour of the James Beard House, please click here.
To share your thoughts + spread the word about the The Wine Atelier podcast:– Please leave me a note in the Comments section below & please click here for previous episodes of The Wine Atelier podcast.– To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this link on the social media platform of your choice.– If you enjoyed the show, please click here to go to iTunes and SUBSCRIBE to so you don’t miss a thing – AND – your honest review on iTunes would be greatly appreciated!
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