Jessica and Mark follow up the last episode on Piedmont with a more in depth discussion of Alta Langa while focusing on one of the pioneers of sparkling wine in Piedmont, Enrico Serafino. Our guest, Erika Abate, is the export manager of Serafino and has spent her entire life steeped in the wines of Piedmont. We dig into the origins of the Alta Langa apellation, the particulars of growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this non-continguous and high-elevation region, and the how these sparkling wines are positioned to be some of the most prestigious in Italy. We cap off the conversation with Serafino's work with the unique biotype of Nebbiolo, Picotener.

More info on Enrico Serafino here: https://www.enricoserafino.it/en/

On today's show, Jessica digs into Piedmont with wine writer and educator David Way. David spent the last 4 years traveling to Piedmont and researching the widest array of topics including the famous icons of the Langhe, the more obscure regions and varieties further afield, various winemaking technologies, and the fascinating story of the sparkling wines of Alta Langa. With various anecdotes from the book writing process and some travel tips, David and Jessica bring the piedmont with all of its complexities alive.

David is also one of the people responsible for writing and editing the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) reference books. Jessica and David chat about the book writing process and the need to stay on top of this ever changing and evolving industry.

More information and useful links:

The Wines of Piedmont. Published by the Académie du Vin Library

Wine Friend by David Way- David's personal website and blog

WSET Reference Books

Matt Dees is the winemaker for sister properties Jonata and the Hilt. Matt and Jessica catch up about all things Santa Barbara from soils and geography to the more philosophical approach to wine.

Useful links referenced in the episode:

www.jonata.com

www.thehiltestate.com/

AVA's of Santa Barbara

Manfred has been the winemaker at Querciabella since 2010. He comes to Italia via his home country of South Africa, to New Zealand, California and beyond. Based on his passion, he has clearly found a home in Chianti Classico.

Jessica and Manfred dig into the history of his winemaking path along with that of Querciabella and the new laws governing the new premium category of Gran Selezione. We can't wait to try the several Gran Selezione designated as Greve, Lamole, Radda, etc.

Links referenced in the episode:

https://www.chianticlassico.com/en/consortium/

https://querciabella.com/wine/querciabella-chianti-classico/

Chris Brundrett is co-founder and CEO of William Chris Wine Company and William Chris Vineyards. Chris and Jessica catch up on the state of the Texas industry and the origins of William Chris Vineyards.

https://www.williamchriswines.com/

This is Texas Wine Podcast with Shelly Wilfong: https://thisistexaswine.com/

The book that Mark forgot that Jessica wrote: https://www.jessicadupuy.com/shop/p/winessouthwestusa

On today's show, we have Patrick Olds, wine director of MML Hospitality based in Austin, TX. Patrick digs into the roll of a wine director as mentor and educator, as well as his passion of blind tasting. He feels that blind tasting is not just a parlor trick, but a way to understand the world of wine and the experience of the guest to a greater degree.

Links from the show:

MML Hospitality website: https://mmlhospitality.com/

Patrick on Instagram: here

Jessica's article on the Renaissance of Cava

On today's show, Jessica and Mark take a deep dive into buy and collecting wine with Brandon Kerne MS, chief of operations at the AOC Wine Group.  This is a multi-faceted organization that includes the Art of Cellaring (wine storage), AOC Selections (retail), and the Texas Wine School.  Brandon cut his teeth at the Houston institution Pappa's Bros Steakhouse, and after passing his Master Sommelier Diploma and the pandemic hitting, changed courses into the retail and collecting sphere.  He brings great perspective on a host of subjects in this discussion from the value of reading wine reviews to the vast differences of buying wine for a restaurant program vs for retail and AOC Selections.

Links for the show:

https://aocwines.com/

Wines by BK on Instagram

Referenced: Legends Portfolio

Molly Austad is wine director at one of our favorite spots in Houston: Bludorn, Navy Blue, and the upcoming Bar Bludorn.  She digs into the process of being a wine director for a multi-location restaurant group and talks about her 'guest-driven' approach.  Additionally, she breaks down why Sicily and Mt. Etna are some of her favorite wines.  Pass the pavlova please!

Bludorn Houston

Navy Blue

Molly on Instagram