Podcast Summary
Discover hidden gems by expanding your search: Exploring beyond the usual channels can lead to discovering high-quality products, professionals, and unique experiences.
When it comes to making important decisions or finding the right professionals for your business, expanding your search beyond the usual channels can lead to great discoveries. For instance, Blue Nile's lab-grown diamonds offer the same quality as natural diamonds, and their independent grading ensures authenticity. Similarly, LinkedIn can provide access to a vast pool of professionals who might not be actively looking for a new role but could be open to the perfect opportunity. In the world of wine, Matthew Dukes' passion and expertise developed from a young age, fueled by his family's love for cooking and entertaining. His unique journey led him to become a renowned wine writer, broadcaster, and founder of Duke's Cordialities, offering delicious non-alcoholic beverages for those maintaining high standards of taste. So, whether it's finding the perfect diamond or the ideal professional or the most delightful non-alcoholic drink, remember to explore beyond the obvious to discover hidden gems.
Australia's World-Class Wines: Professional, Diverse, and Affordable: Australian wines offer exceptional value with world-class quality, vast vineyards, and unique traits like a 'will to win' and diverse flavors. Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula is a notable example.
Australia's wine industry stands out for its professional production, diversity, and exceptional value for money. The speaker, an experienced wine writer and ambassador, has been championing Australian wines since his early days in the wine business due to their world-class quality and affordability. Despite the vast size of Australian vineyards compared to smaller regions like Burgundy, the value proposition remains unmatched. The speaker emphasizes the unique traits of Australian wines, such as their will to win and improve every year, resulting in world-class flavors. Additionally, the speaker shares his personal preference for Pinot Noir and highlights that while Burgundy is renowned for this grape, the Mornington Peninsula in Australia offers a similar flavor profile at a more accessible price point.
Discovering High-Quality Pinot Noir in Cooler Climates and Blue Zones: Explore cooler climate regions like New Zealand, Germany, and the UK for sophisticated, fruit-forward Pinot Noirs. Germany's southern climate is notable for Burgundian-perfumed wines at affordable prices. Natural wines, found in blue zones, offer unique characteristics and preserve their sense of place.
High-quality Pinot Noir can be found in cooler climate regions around the world, such as New Zealand, Germany, and the UK. These regions produce sophisticated yet fruit-forward Pinot Noirs, with Germany being particularly noteworthy due to its success in the south, which mirrors Burgundy's climate. The cost of production is often lower in these regions, resulting in affordable yet Burgundian-perfumed wines for consumers. Additionally, natural wines, which are unfiltered and uncooked, are found in areas known as "blue zones," where people live exceptionally long lives. The lack of scientific processing in these wines preserves their sense of place and unique characteristics. Overall, the traditional method of making wine by crushing grapes and letting them ferment is preferred, as technology can sometimes take away from the wine's authenticity and terroir.
Balancing bacteria and handling fruit in wine making: Natural wine making requires careful attention to bacteria, fruit handling, and acid levels for freshness and aging potential. Cooler climates and early harvesting can result in lower alcohol wines.
Making wine, especially in a more natural or homemade way, involves balancing beneficial and harmful bacteria, careful handling of fruit, and attention to acid levels. Natural wines may not have the ability to age as long as commercially produced wines due to their lack of preservatives. Acid is crucial for the freshness, vitality, and aging potential of wine. The level of alcohol in wine is determined by the sugar content of the grapes, which increases with longer growing seasons and sun exposure. To make lower alcohol wines, focus on cooler climates and early harvesting.
Climate's Impact on Wine Characteristics: Climate change affects wine regions differently, with some facing challenges while others see opportunities. For example, warmer climates produce meaty, big wines, while cooler regions may benefit from increased acidity due to climate change.
Climate plays a significant role in the unique characteristics of different wines. For instance, Spanish reds are meaty and big due to their warm climate, while Argentinian reds, made from thick-skinned grapes in high altitude vineyards, have a deep color but a cool, refreshing finish. However, climate change is affecting wine regions around the world, including champagne, which is losing its signature bright acidity. Farmers in cooler regions, like Dorset in the UK, may benefit from these changes as they can produce wines with natural acidity that champagne is struggling to maintain. The takeaway is that climate change is having a profound impact on the wine industry, with some regions facing challenges while others see opportunities. It's an interesting time for wine lovers and producers alike as they adapt to these changing conditions. Additionally, the speaker mentioned his personal connection to the topic as he started his career analyzing wine labels and has since founded an organization focused on food labeling. It's a reminder that our personal experiences and passions can shape our perspectives and lead us to interesting discoveries.
Understanding Alcohol by Volume and Sulfites in Wine: When choosing a wine, consider the Alcohol by Volume (ABV) for balance and the impact of sulfites on your sensitivity.
When reading wine labels, understanding the Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is crucial. ABV ranges from as low as 9% for very light wines, up to 15% and even higher for full-bodied, rich wines. The sweet spot is usually around 12-13.5%, offering a balance between elegance and depth. Sulfites, a byproduct of fermentation, can be added by winemakers to prevent oxidation. While naturally present in every wine, sensitivity to sulfites affects only about 1% of people, with white wines having slightly more due to their need for added preservatives. Remember, anything under 15% for big red wines is generally good, and 13.5% is a nice balanced choice. Don't be alarmed by sulfites, as they can be beautifully integrated when added in appropriate amounts.
Discovering the Unique Flavors of Natural Wines: Natural wines, made with minimal sulfur additions and hands-off winemaking, offer unique flavors and are popular for food pairing. They may be cloudy and have fruity aromas, not meant for aging, and are often priced around £20. Try the Cherubino Laissez Faire Riesling for a crisp, dry, and long-finishing wine.
Natural wines, which are made with minimal sulfur additions and hands-off winemaking, offer unique flavors and are gaining popularity. These wines, which may be a little cloudy and have interesting, fruity aromas, are not typically meant for aging but are great for food pairing. Winemakers like Larry Cherubino in Western Australia produce dry, energetic wines like the Cherubino Laissez Faire Riesling, which is a super dry and crisp wine with no added sugar. When tasting wine, it's important to swirl it in the glass, sniff it, and check the finish for a good balance and lasting taste. The Cherubino Riesling, which contains sulfites, is a fine example of a good wine with a long finish, and it's priced around £20.
Special Syrah wine X uses high-quality screw caps for better aging and consistency: The use of high-quality screw caps in special Syrah wine X allows for better aging, longer preservation of flavor, and more consistent results compared to traditional corks.
There's a special Syrah wine called X, sold in small quantities through independent merchants like XL Wines, for approximately £18. This wine uses a high-quality screw cap called Stelvin Luxe, which is easy to open and provides a better seal than corks, which can be inconsistent and potentially introduce off-flavors to the wine. The use of screw caps allows the wine to age more evenly and for longer periods, as opposed to the traditional corks which have a higher rate of failure. While some argue that corks add to the traditional wine experience, the industry is moving towards screw caps for their consistency and ability to preserve the wine's flavor. Despite this, some high-end producers still prefer traditional corks for the romantic experience they provide.
Eliminating cork taint through extensive process: Winemaker Roberto Conterno ensures cork taint-free wines by buying high-quality corks, checking density, branding with laser, and smelling each cork post-processing.
Roberto Conterno, the winemaker at Giacomo Conterno in Piemonte, Italy, has eliminated cork taint in his wines through an extensive and labor-intensive process. He buys the best quality corks, weighs and checks them for density, uses a laser machine to brand them with his name, vintage, and wine name, and has his staff smell each cork within seconds of the laser process to ensure no volatile smells are present. Despite the high cost and risk of purchasing unbranded corks, Conterno's top wine sells for £1,000 a bottle, and he refuses to accept the industry standard 5% failure rate. This dedication to perfection sets him apart from the rest of the wine trade and demonstrates the importance of going the extra mile to provide a superior product.
Deals on Mint Mobile, 1800 Flowers, Boll and Branch, Burrow Furniture, and Independent Wine Merchants: Mint Mobile offers new customers unlimited data for $15/month, 1800 Flowers provides high-quality gift offerings, Boll and Branch guarantees soft sheets, Burrow Furniture offers durable, modular seating with free shipping, and independent wine merchants sell unique, small-batch wines for a personalized experience.
There are great deals to be found for new Mint Mobile customers, with the price of unlimited data dropping from $30 to $15 a month. Meanwhile, 1800 Flowers continues to spread joy and love through their high-quality gift offerings. In the world of home goods, Boll and Branch guarantees softer sheets with every wash, and Burrow Furniture offers durable, modular seating with fast, free shipping. Lastly, discover unique, small-batch wines like Laissez Faire Syrah from independent merchants, providing a more personal and enjoyable wine-drinking experience. Remember, not all wines are created equal, but the best ones can truly capture our hearts and make us fall in love.
Organic vs. Biodynamic Wine Production: Organic wine focuses on chemical-free grapes, while biodynamic follows lunar phases and natural farming methods, resulting in unique, high-quality wines despite potential lower yields or no harvest.
Both organic and biodynamic practices in winemaking have their merits, with organic focusing on the absence of synthetic pesticides and biodynamic following lunar phases and natural farming methods. The former ensures the grapes are free from traces of harmful chemicals, while the latter relies on the vineyard's inherent ability to adapt and thrive. However, the challenges of biodynamic farming can result in lower yields or even no harvest at all, making it a more significant investment. While some producers may adopt these practices as a marketing tactic, those who truly believe in and practice these methods meticulously can create exceptional, high-quality wines.
Reviving dead soil with ancient farming practices: Ancient farming practices like using cow horns for natural fertilizers and organic methods are proven to benefit soil's microbiome, improving vineyard health and productivity. Consumers can support these practices by purchasing affordable organic and biodynamic wines from supermarkets.
Ancient farming practices, such as using cow horns for natural fertilizers and the use of organic and biodynamic methods, are now being scientifically proven to benefit the soil's microbiome and ultimately improve the health and productivity of vineyards. These practices, which may seem a bit mystical or "hocus pocus," are essential for bringing dead soil back to life and ensuring the vineyard performs at its best. Additionally, consumers can support these sustainable farming practices by purchasing reasonably priced organic and biodynamic wines from supermarkets like Waitrose and Booth's. For instance, the Terra da Vita organic Pinot Grigio from Sicily and the Domaine Mass Barrow Cabernet Franc from the Gard region in Southern France are both excellent options. These wines, which offer great quality and value, are perfect for those who want to enjoy delicious, organic wines while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Wine clarification agents and dietary preferences: Not all wines are vegan or vegetarian-friendly due to animal product use in clarification. Winemakers now use plant-based alternatives like clay and bentonite to maintain wine quality while catering to dietary needs.
Not all wines are vegan or vegetarian-friendly due to the use of animal products like egg whites or isinglass (fish bladders) during the clarification process. These agents help remove impurities and sediments, but for those following a vegan lifestyle, it's essential to look for alternatives. Today, winemakers use clay, bentonite, or other plant-based products to achieve the same results. These options may be more expensive but do not affect the taste of the wine. It's important for consumers to check labels for certifications or declarations regarding the use of animal products in wine production. Overall, understanding the wine-making process and its implications for various dietary preferences can help ensure a more enjoyable and inclusive experience for all.
People are consuming less alcohol during the week and opting for better quality drinks: Individuals, including wine professionals, are cutting back on alcohol during the week due to work demands and health concerns. The focus is on less and better quality drinks, but finding non-alcoholic alternatives that taste good is a challenge.
People, even those in the wine industry, are consuming less alcohol during the week and opting for better quality drinks when they do. During the week, many individuals, including wine professionals, are cutting back on alcohol due to work demands and health concerns. A friend of the speaker, who is an ex-banker, confirmed that people in the city are no longer drinking as much alcohol. The speaker herself, a rheintaster and wine writer, revealed that she only drinks wine on weekends and saves herself during the week. The less and better philosophy is crucial in this context, as consuming random or low-quality wine is not beneficial and can be compared to consuming a Mars bar. The challenge is to find non-alcoholic alternatives that taste delicious and satisfy the palate. Unfortunately, de-alcoholized wine is not a viable option due to the loss of depth and richness when the alcohol is removed. The speaker plans to come up with a philosophy and mantra to address this issue and find solutions for delicious non-alcoholic drinks for those seeking alternatives during the week.
New non-alcoholic beverage option: cordialities: Cordialities are sophisticated, dry, and complex non-alcoholic alternatives to wine, made with apple cider vinegar for gut health benefits, and come in elegant bottles for adults.
There's a new alternative to alcohol at social events or when avoiding it for personal reasons: cordialities. These products, created to resemble red and white wine in appearance, offer a dry, sophisticated option with low palate density and complex aromatics, unlike cloying and sweet cordials or alcohol substitutes. The creator, inspired by his wine background, spent an extensive period developing the recipes, which include significant amounts of apple cider vinegar for gut health benefits. With a focus on low calories and sugar, the cordialities come in small, elegant bottles and offer a sophisticated drinking experience for adults. The base is water, and they can be diluted to taste with still or sparkling water. The slow process of creation ensured a high-quality, adult-oriented beverage for those looking for a non-alcoholic alternative.
Creating Unique Non-Alcoholic Drink: Cordialities: The speaker creates a non-alcoholic, sophisticated drink called cordialities by macerating various fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and flowers. It comes in bespoke bottles and has a winey note with fruitiness. Versatile and suitable for various settings, it's a complex, 20-ingredient drink that doesn't require additional complexing agents.
The speaker is describing the creation and appreciation of a unique, non-alcoholic drink, which she has named "cordialities." This drink is made by macerating fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices, and flowers, and it comes in personal serve, bespoke bottles. The speaker is pleased with the drink's sophisticated taste, which she describes as having a winey note with fruitiness, and she imagines it being enjoyed on a hot summer's day or with plain grilled fish. The drink is designed to be versatile, suitable for various settings, from a Michelin-style restaurant to a casual outing. The speaker also mentions her fondness for numbers and the significance of number 6 in her creation. She compares her cordialities to shrubs, which are fermented mixtures used in cocktail making, but clarifies that her cordialities are not fermented, but purely macerated. The speaker emphasizes the complexity of her cordialities, which already contain more than 20 ingredients, making it unnecessary to add additional complexing agents. Overall, the speaker is excited about the unique taste and versatility of her cordialities and enjoys sharing them with others.
Discovering Refreshing Alternatives to Alcoholic Beverages: Duke's cordialities offer a transformative non-alcoholic drinking experience, appreciated for their clean taste, uplifting effects, and social appeal. Try them as refreshing alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages.
Duke's cordialities offer a non-alcoholic yet transformative drinking experience. The speaker enjoys his cordialities, particularly with tonic water, as refreshing and uplifting alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. He appreciates the clean taste and the way they change the appearance of the drink, making them perfect for social occasions. Despite not participating in Dry January, he incorporates Duke's cordialities into his weekly routine due to their design and intended purpose. The conversation also touched upon the speaker's feature in The Print Magazine about his favorite alcohol-free drinks, including Duke's cordialities, and the availability of biodynamic and natural wines in the current issue linked to greater longevity. Listeners were encouraged to subscribe to the podcast and check out the mentioned publications for more well-being wisdoms. Additionally, there were mentions of special deals for Mother's Day at Whole Foods Market and discounts on Mother's Day bestsellers at 1800flowers.com/acast. Lastly, Daniel from Pretty Litter introduced his innovative cat litter, Pretty Litter, which offers superior odor control, lighter weight, and health monitoring features.
