▻ Omnibus First Edition
Episode One
Episode Summary:-
Sarah Kemp and John Stimpfig look back on some of the main stories that affected the wine world in 2020 and discuss the impact of Covid on the hospitality industry and the release of Rudi Kurniawan, who was convicted of wine fraud in the US. Elin McCoy, Bloomberg's Global Wine Correspondent examines the impact of the fires in Northern California's wine regions, and considers the impact of Global Warming, the problems vintners face in the future and what solutions there may be. On a lighter note, John Stimpfig recommends the best new wine books and reveals his favourite novels for wine lovers. In "Shhh don't tell anyone" Sarah Kemp talks to Bordeaux expert Jane Anson about her favourite place in St Emilion to visit. Plus John Stimpfig recommends his best sparkling wines and Champagnes.
““The next best thing to drinking wine is talking about it.””
Running Order:-
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0.00 – 7.50
2020 - the wine stories which made the news
"For the wine world it was a bit like the Hitler Diaries"
Sarah Kemp and John Stimpfig discuss two of 2020's main wine stories, the impact of Covid on the sommelier community and convicted wine fraudster, Rudi Kurniawan, who has just been released from jail. They debate whether he acted alone and ask what is next for the wine world's most notorious criminal. -
7.51 – 22.34
Elin McCoy on Northern California's fires and what it means for the future.
"People are now realising that Climate Change is having a dire effect"
The 2020 fires in Northern California were the most devasting the region has ever seen, with many wineries destoryed and cancelled grape contracts due to smoke taint. Elin McCoy describes the impact on the California wine industry and asks what are the solutions for the future if the fires become a regular occurence. -
22.35 – 36.47
Best new wine books and great novels.
John Stimpfig reviews "Inside Bordeaux" by Jane Anson and "The Story of Wine" by Hugh Johnson, plus three terrific novels where wine plays a central role, the ideal books to curl up with this Christmas.
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37.06 – 41.49
"Shhh don't tell anyone"
"I have a hidden picnic spot to share"
Bordeaux specialist Jane Anson tells The Wine Conversation about her favourite picnic spot in Saint Emilion, Les Cordeliers, a ruined monastry which was abandoned after the French revolution. -
41.49 – 60.05
Recommended Champagne and Sparkling wines for Christmas
"I am a great believer whatever the occasion a glass of bubbly will pick you up"
Napoleon said, and Winston Churchill repeated it, that "In victory you deserve Champagne, In defeat you need it". John Stimpfig recommends the sparkling wines and Champagnes which have impressed him most. From classy Prosecco to 2008 Prestige Cuvées - a guide to the best fizz around.
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Further reading:-
Bursting Bubbles, The Secret History of Champagne and the Rise of the Growers by Robert Walters
Champagne: The Essential Guide to the Wines, Producers and Terroirs of the Iconic Region by Peter Liem
Christie's Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine by Tom Stevenson and Essi Avellan MW
The Champagne Guide 2020-2021 by Tyson Stelzer
Inside Bordeaux by Jane Anson
The Story of Wine by Hugh Johnson
Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Sideways by Rex Pickett
My Italian Bulldozer by Alexander McCall Smith
Philippe Guigal is the third generation of the illustrious Guigal wine family from the Rhône. A fascinating interview with one of France’s most dynamic producers, whose family is at the heart of everything.