Ep. 63: Spotlight on Sparkling Wine and Champagne with Glass of Bubbly's Christopher Walkey

In this episode of the Vint podcast, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller interview Laura Rhys MS, Head of Wine, and Mary Bridges, Head Winemaker at Gusbourne Wines, a leading producer of English sparkling wine. The conversation dives into the history, challenges, and innovations of winemaking in England, emphasizing Gusbourne's commitment to quality and terroir expression. They discuss the evolution of the English wine industry, Gusbourne's diverse wine portfolio, and the reception of English sparkling wine in the global market, particularly in the U.S. The episode also touches on future directions for Gusbourne and the industry, including aging potential and experimental winemaking techniques. The guests invite listeners to explore Gusbourne's estate in Kent, promising an enlightening experience for wine enthusiasts. This engaging discussion offers a deep dive into the uniqueness of English sparkling wine through the lens of Gusbourne's expertise and passion.

Gusbourne Overview:
Gusbourne is an acclaimed producer of English sparkling wine, known for its commitment to quality and expression of terroir. Established in 2004 in Appledore, Kent, in the heart of the English countryside, Gusbourne has quickly risen to prominence for its exquisite range of sparkling wines that rival the best in the world, including those from Champagne. The estate meticulously tends to its vineyards, with a focus on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, the classic varietals used in traditional Champagne production. Their wines are celebrated for their complexity, precision, and elegance, reflecting the unique climate and soil conditions of the region. 

Time Stamps:

00:41 Special Episode: Interview with Gusbourne's Team

03:30 Diving into the History of English Wine

07:46 The Evolution of English Sparkling Wine

13:42 Gusbourne's Journey and Impact on English Sparkling Wine

25:55 Exploring Gusbourne's Wine Portfolio and Vineyard Practices

30:27 Exploring the Art of Vineyard Blending

31:29 The Intricacies of Harvesting and Fermentation

31:45 The Science Behind Sparkling Wine's Bubbles

32:05 Climate's Impact on Harvest and Wine Characteristics

33:43 The Craft of Selecting Yeasts and Aging Processes

35:38 Exploring the Landscape of English Sparkling Wine

37:04 The Evolution of Still Wine Production in England

38:41 A Visitor's Guide to the Estate Experience

41:49 Trends and Preferences in the UK Wine Scene

43:48 Defining the Unique Style of English Sparkling Wine

46:28 Personal Wine Preferences and Future Aspirations

50:11 Innovations in Winemaking and Aging Techniques

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!

Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more!

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In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Billy Galanko and Brady Weller interview Mathieu Roland-Billecart, the 7th generation leader of the prestigious Champagne house Billecart-Salmon, based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France. Established in 1818 through the marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, the house has been family-owned and operated for nearly two centuries, making it one of the oldest continuously family-owned champagne producers in the world. Billecart-Salmon is especially known for its Brut Rosé, which has gained international acclaim for its consistency and quality.

Mathieu represents the latest in a long line of family members dedicated to upholding the house's tradition of excellence, while also embracing modern techniques and sustainability practices to ensure the future success and integrity of the brand. Under his leadership, the house continues to focus on producing high-quality champagnes that reflect the terroir of the Champagne region and the unique heritage of the Billecart-Salmon name.

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!

Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more!

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In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Billy Galanko and Brady Weller interview wine critic Allen Meadows, also known as Burghound, and discuss various topics related to Burgundy wine. He shares insights into the business side of wine criticism and the advantages of being an independent critic. Meadows also provides advice on buying Burgundy wines and explores the highlights of the 2022 vintage. Additionally, he reflects on the changing culture of Burgundy drinkers and the potential impact of rising prices on the market. The conversation with Allen Meadows covers various topics related to Burgundy wines. Meadows discusses the aging potential and changing quality of wines, highlighting the challenge of creating wines that can be enjoyed both when young and after several decades. He also emphasizes the importance of training sommeliers to appreciate older wines. The conversation explores the continued interest in Burgundy and the challenges of affordability for consumers. Meadows mentions his plans for revising his past books and working on a terroir series. He concludes by encouraging wine enthusiasts to explore the diverse range of wines available in Burgundy.


Link to the Main Burghound Website

Takeaways

• Being an independent wine critic allows for unbiased reviews and the ability to say exactly what one thinks.
• When buying Burgundy wines, it is important to focus on the producer's competency and reputation.
• The 2022 vintage in Burgundy is considered a miracle vintage, with fresh, vibrant wines despite being the hottest and driest growing season on record.
• The culture of Burgundy drinkers is changing, and rising prices may require a reevaluation of the market to avoid becoming excessively elite. Creating wines with aging potential and consistent quality is a challenge for wineries.
• Training sommeliers to appreciate older wines is important for preserving the appreciation of well-aged wine.
• Interest in Burgundy wines remains strong, but affordability is becoming a challenge for many consumers.
• Allen Meadows plans to revise his past books and work on a terroir series to provide more in-depth information about Burgundy wines.
• Exploring the diverse range of wines in Burgundy can be a rewarding experience, and it is not necessary to spend a fortune to enjoy the region's offerings.

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!

Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more!

Disclaimer: https://vint.co/disclaimer

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko are joined by Mike Veseth, creator of The Wine Economist. As a Professor of International Political Economy at the University of Puget Sound, his expertise spans the global wine markets, detailing how economics influence wine trends and consumer behaviors. Mike is an acclaimed author with works like "Wine Wars" (and Volume 2) and "Around the World in Eighty Wines," offering insightful analyses that blend economic rigor with a deep appreciation for wine's cultural and historical significance. Through The Wine Economist, he educates industry professionals and enthusiasts, making complex economic concepts accessible and relevant to the wider wine community. This episode is a look inside the wine world through a macro (and micro) economics lens, exploring the factors that drive wine pricing, demand, and the business of selling wine around the world. Pick up one of Mike's books wherever you can!

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!

Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more!

Disclaimer: https://vint.co/disclaimer

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko chat with Bryce Wiatrak and Mary Collineau, co-founders of Vinalia, a bespoke wine retailer looking "to shed light on the people, regions, and traditions that make up the incredibly diverse world of wine today." Through curated selections of wines from around the world, and from regions that are, perhaps, underappreciated, by consumers in the US, Vinalia presents unique opportunities to explore hard-to-find producers, regions, and varieties from places like Canada, Romania, Hungary, and Macedonia.  You can access these wines through Vinalia's wine club, or by purchasing pre-set collections or individual bottles on their website. Bryce and Mary have an awesome vision for bringing unique wines and the stories of the people behind them to many more wine lovers!

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!

Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more!

Disclaimer: https://vint.co/disclaimer

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko talk with Madeline Puckette, Co-Founder of Folly Enterprises, Chief Designer of Wine Folly, and Author of the bestselling wine book by the same name. Madeline has a unique ability to demystify the complexities of wine, making it accessible and enjoyable for both novices and aficionados alike.

Her work through Wine Folly is particularly notable for its engaging, visual approach to wine education. The platform features a wealth of resources, including detailed wine guides, flavor profiles, and maps, all designed with Madeline's keen eye for clear, concise information presentation. Her innovative use of infographics and interactive content has revolutionized the way people learn about wine, earning her accolades and a loyal following around the globe.

Her influence extends beyond her written work and online platform. She is a respected voice in the wine community, known for her insightful tasting notes, comprehensive wine reviews, and educational videos. Her passion for wine, combined with a commitment to education, has made her a pivotal figure in democratizing wine knowledge, ensuring that the joy and complexity of wine are accessible to everyone. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did! 

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!

Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more!

Disclaimer: https://vint.co/disclaimer

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko host John Olney, the Head Winemaker and COO at Ridge. John has worked for this heralded California estate - founded in 1962 in the Santa Cruz Mountains - since 1996.  He studied oenology in Burgundy and held positions alongside renowned winemakers including Gérard Chave in the Rhône, Lucien Peyraud at Domaine Tempier and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. John started out at Ridge's flagship property, Monte Bello, and later oversaw the creation of perhaps the greatest wine in the United States, the "Monte Bello" Bordeaux blend, from those Santa Cruz vineyards. Then he moved over to Lytton Springs to work more with Zinfandel and helped to construct the beautiful facilities that now make the property a second home for the Ridge name. Appointed COO and Head Winemaker in 2021, John has etched his name in Ridge lore alongside his former boss and California winemaking legend, Paul Draper. John's vast knowledge is evident and he was exceedingly generous to share so much with us in this episode!

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!

Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more!

Disclaimer: https://vint.co/disclaimer

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko are joined once again by Rajat "Raj" Parr, world-renowned sommelier, winemaker, author, and wine educator with over two decades of experience in the wine industry. With a reputation for having one of the most refined palates in the world, Raj has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named Best Sommelier in America by the James Beard Foundation and Wine & Spirits Magazine's Sommelier of the Year.

In this episode, we check in on Raj as he works to continue building a sustainable ecosystem around Phelan Farm, his most recent project and the focus of much of his time and attention in the vineyard (and winery), including working with Palomino, a rarely-cultivated grape in California. He has imported barrels from San Lucar de Barrameda to mature his Palomino and even grows flor! We also hear from Raj about his recent travels to Spain and tasting with producers in Jerez, Galicia, and Ribera Sacra.

As always, Raj is a wealth of knowledge and I n inspiration to folks across the industry who are deeply passionate about the craft of grape growing and winemaking.


Check out Rajat's other projects, including Sandhi Wines, Domaine de la Cote, and Evening Land Vineyards.

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!

Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more!

Disclaimer: https://vint.co/disclaimer

In this episode of the Vint Podcast,  Brady and Billy interview Los Angeles wine guru Matthew Kaner. Matthew is a Sommelier, wine journalist, consultant, former producer and presenter on Somm TV, and restauranteur, opening some of the most beloved wine establishments in the Los Angeles area. Our conversation spans Matthew's background, vintage wine, and wine trends, with many fascinating stories peppered throughout the episode.   

Link to Matthew's wine writing in Men's Journal: https://www.mensjournal.com/wine/author/matthew-kaner

For more information on wine and spirits investing with Vint, please contact us anytime at brady@vint.co or billy@vint.co.

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. 

Cheers!

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!

Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more!

Disclaimer: https://vint.co/disclaimer

In this episode of the Vint Podcast,  Brady and Billy catch up with past guest Vince Anter, the producer and host of V is for Vino, the fast-growing web show for wine and spirits education, travel, and food experiences. Vince is a Certified Sommelier and musician with a passion for making great food and wine content accessible for more people. The most recent season of his flagship regional travel/wine series recently kicked off with a visit to Chile... His content is available for free on the V is for Vino website, and we are excited to have him on for a third time as a friend of the pod!

The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.

Cheers!

Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more!

Disclaimer: https://vint.co/disclaimer