EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A Wine Podcast Exploring Wine Regions, Grapes & Education

Can You Taste the Sea? In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina dives into the fascinating and potentially controversial idea of Oceanic Wine with wine writer, judge and educator Chris Howard. Chris has proposed that oceanic wine should be considered a category in its own right, exploring what happens when the sea becomes one of the dominant forces shaping a vineyard and the wine in your glass. But what actually makes a wine oceanic rather than simply coastal? Chris explains why proximity alone isn't enough, and how wind, fog, salt, temperature, exposure and geography can all influence vineyards in very different ways. From California's Sonoma Coast and coastal Chile to Tasmania, Margaret River, South Africa and New Zealand, this episode explores Wine Regions where the ocean may play a defining role. The conversation also asks one of the most intriguing questions in Wine Education: when tasters describe salinity, iodine, oyster shell or sea spray, are we genuinely tasting the ocean? Chris introduces ideas including merroir and airroir, considers how wind and fog affect Wine Grapes, and explains why science, imagination and our emotional response to place can all become part of the way we experience wine. For anyone looking to learn about wine from a completely different perspective, this Wine Podcast combines viticulture, geography, philosophy and tasting with plenty of inspiration for future Wine Travel. And towards the end, Chris recommends producers where he believes the ocean can genuinely be expressed in the glass before exploring one of wine's strangest experiments: ageing bottles beneath the sea. Shownotes 03:27 – How Chris Howard found his way into wine — growing up among the vineyards of Sonoma County, surfing the California coast and eventually discovering that wine had been part of his life all along. 06:28 – Why does wine need an “oceanic” category? — Chris explains how years of writing about coastal wine regions led him to propose Oceanic Wine as an umbrella concept connecting maritime, coastal and island wines. 10:37 – Oceanic wine vs coastal wine — why simply being close to the sea isn't enough, and how Chris distinguishes geographical proximity from vineyards where the ocean becomes a dominant environmental force. 14:31 – The world's most extreme oceanic wine regions — from West Sonoma Coast and coastal Chile to Tasmania, Margaret River, Madeira, the Azores and South Africa's windswept southern tip. 18:54 – Are we romanticising the sea? — Chris explores the balance between scientific evidence and the emotional, aesthetic and poetic experience of drinking wine shaped by the ocean. 21:27 – Can you actually taste the sea in wine? — salinity, iodine, oyster shell and sea spray come under the microscope as Chris considers where these flavours might come from and why they aren't exclusive to coastal vineyards. 23.40 - Fiefs Vendéens - located in western France, right on the Atlantic coast just south of the city of Nantes and the Muscadet wine region. 25:02 – Colares: vines growing beside the Atlantic — old vineyards planted in sand dunes, indigenous grape varieties and intensely saline wines offer one of Chris's clearest examples of an oceanic wine landscape. 29:28 – How far inland can an oceanic vineyard be? — why distance from the coastline alone cannot define oceanic influence and how geography can carry wind and fog surprisingly far inland. 34:11 – Introducing airroir — moving beyond terroir and merroir to consider the influence of wind, fog, light and the atmosphere surrounding a vineyard. 36:22 – What wind and fog actually do to vines — how cooling fog can preserve acidity and slow ripening while ocean winds reduce disease pressure, carry salt and place physical stress on the vine. 45:23 – New Zealand's most beautiful oceanic vineyard — Chris heads to the Bay of Islands and The Landing, connecting dramatic coastal scenery with some of the earliest history of wine in New Zealand. 48:13 – Three oceanic wines to seek out — Chris recommends producers from Sonoma Coast, South Africa and New Zealand where he believes the influence of the ocean can genuinely be experienced in the glass. 48:42 – Flowers Winery and the Sonoma Coast — why Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown just a few miles from the Pacific offer a powerful example of fog, wind and ocean exposure shaping wine. 50:00 – Hirsch Vineyards and Block 8 Pinot Noir — an extraordinary Sonoma Coast vineyard planted above the San Andreas Fault where oceanic influence meets ancient volcanic geology. 51:37 – Oceanic wine from South Africa and New Zealand — Chris highlights Trizanne Barnard of Trizanne Signature Wines, working with fruit from Elim, before travelling to te Pā and its vineyards beside Marlborough's Wairau Bar.  54:45 – Does ageing wine beneath the ocean really work? — underwater cellaring, pressure, temperature and constant movement: Chris considers whether this growing experiment can meaningfully change how wine develops. 55:26 – Putting underwater ageing to the test — Janina explores Exton Park's 60 Below project and the practical challenges, risks and additional costs involved in ageing wine beneath the sea. 58:47 – Veuve Clicquot and the science of underwater Champagne — historic bottles recovered from the sea inspire a long-term experiment exploring how darkness, temperature and pressure could affect Champagne ageing. 01:02:36 – The future of Oceanic Wine — Chris reveals plans for the inaugural Oceanic Wine Symposium on the Sonoma Coast, bringing together growers, sommeliers and writers to debate, taste and develop the idea further. 📩 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026) Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list

What makes a bottle of wine worth £10,000, £100,000 or even millions? Is it the vineyard, the vintage, the producer, its rarity or the extraordinary story behind it? In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina steps inside the fascinating world of fine wine auctions with Nick Pegna, Global Head of Wine & Spirits at Sotheby’s. From multi-million-pound private collections and rare bottles to intense bidding wars, Nick reveals what really happens behind the scenes of the international wine auction market - and what makes a wine truly valuable. Whether you're a wine enthusiast wanting to deepen your wine knowledge, fascinated by the world's most prestigious wine regions, or simply curious about the people willing to pay extraordinary sums for a bottle, this conversation offers a rare insight into the world of fine wine collecting. We explore how provenance, condition, rarity and maturity influence wine prices, why collectors are increasingly seeking mature wines that are ready to drink, and how the relationship between a wine's history and its market value can be just as fascinating as the wine itself. Along the way, we travel through Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and Napa Valley, discover how a new generation of collectors is changing the market, and explore why wine auctions are becoming about far more than buying and selling bottles. From winery visits and wine tourism to unforgettable food pairings and the stories that connect us to a place, this is a conversation about the culture, people and experiences that make wine so compelling. And if you've ever wondered what happens when two determined bidders compete for a legendary bottle, or why someone might pay more than £2 million for a single whisky, you're in exactly the right place.   02:35 – A day in the life at Sotheby’s — Nick reveals what it means to oversee around 60 wine and spirits auctions a year across cities including London, New York, Hong Kong and Paris. 06:59 – How do you sell a $15 million wine collection? — why major private collections can be divided across multiple auctions, countries and even several years to find the right buyers. 08:23 – What makes a bottle valuable? — provenance, condition, rarity and maturity: the key factors Nick and his team consider when appraising fine wine for auction. 12:16 – When provenance becomes part of the story — the extraordinary history behind an 1870 Château Lafite magnum and why a bottle's journey can dramatically influence its desirability and value. 14:22 – From Berry Bros. & Rudd to Sotheby’s — how more than two decades working in fine wine, including years building relationships with collectors across Asia, prepared Nick for the auction world. 18:40 – What are serious collectors buying now? — why mature, ready-to-drink wines are increasingly appealing and why patience for buying young wines and waiting decades to drink them may be disappearing. 20:21 – Which wine regions dominate the auction market? — Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne remain central, but changing prices, younger producers and new collecting habits are creating opportunities within and beyond the classic regions. 26:05 – The wines that can still surprise at auction — why mature German Riesling and other niche fine wines can attract extraordinary interest from small but highly dedicated groups of collectors. 28:15 – A new generation of wine collectors — how younger buyers are looking beyond prestige and price towards experiences, winery visits and stories, with the Hospices de Beaune auction offering a powerful example of how place and tradition can build a deeper connection to wine. 33:21 – Connecting collectors with the wineries — how Sotheby’s uses its relationships with estates to create visits, educational experiences and deeper connections between collectors and producers. 35:13 – Primary vs secondary wine markets explained — Nick breaks down what happens when wine is first released and how bottles later enter the secondary market as they mature, change hands and become collectible. 41:11 – Understanding the two-speed fine wine market — why two wines of similar quality from the same producer can have dramatically different values simply because one is ready to drink and the other still needs time. 44:14 – Inside an unforgettable bidding war — Nick recalls the electric atmosphere of a Distillers One of One charity auction as two determined bidders battled for an extraordinary bottle. 46:07 – When a bottle exceeds all expectations — from emotionally driven bidding to the legendary 1926 Macallan, Nick explains how rarity and determined collectors can push auction prices to extraordinary levels. 48:01 – Inside the minds of serious collectors — meticulous food pairings, carefully planned drinking schedules and even rules about when a wine glass can be topped up reveal just how deeply collecting can become part of someone's life. 49:20 – The future of fine wine collecting — why Nick believes producers will need to build stronger personal relationships with collectors through storytelling, hospitality, wine tourism and memorable experiences. 📩 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026) Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list  

Season 7 of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat begins in South Africa with one of the wine world's biggest personalities: Ken Forrester. Known as the “King of Chenin Blanc”, Ken joins Janina for a conversation filled with extraordinary stories, pioneering winemaking and plenty of laughter, while exploring what has made Stellenbosch one of the world's most exciting Wine Regions. Ken explains why this grape has thrived in South Africa and how decades of experimentation have produced wines ranging from vibrant traditional-method sparkling wine to the iconic FMC and the extraordinarily complex The Dirty Little Secret. For anyone looking to learn about wine through the stories of the people actually making it, this is wine education at its most entertaining. Ken also shares the story of planting Mourvèdre in South Africa, why he believes Pinotage should be celebrated as a fresh, juicy and even chillable red, and how Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre come together in his Three Halves blend. Along the way, Janina tastes several of his wines and explores just how diverse South African Wine Grapes can be. This Wine Podcast is also a reminder that wine doesn't need to be intimidating. From Sparklehorse and old-vine Chenin Blanc to Wagyu biltong and some truly outrageous stories, Ken's philosophy is ultimately about enjoyment, curiosity and sharing great bottles with good people. And if South Africa is on your Wine Travel list, expect to finish this episode wanting to head straight to Stellenbosch. Shownotes 03:15 – Ken's most outrageous wine story — a night out, a seventh-floor window and an extraordinarily lucky landing that Ken probably shouldn't have survived. 07:16 – The wild characters of South African wine — Ken remembers Charles Back of Fairview and other larger-than-life personalities who helped make the country's wine industry unforgettable.  08:35 – The people who shaped Ken's career — looking back at the pioneers and characters who influenced South African wine as the modern industry began to emerge. 13:24 – Why Chenin Blanc is so versatile — Ken explains how one grape can produce everything from crunchy sparkling wine to dry whites and intensely sweet dessert wines. 16:02 – What makes great Sauvignon Blanc? — why Ken believes truly exceptional sites need serious cooling influence and why only certain parts of South Africa deliver the right conditions. 17:32 – The accidental birth of Sparklehorse — how one troublesome patch of an old Chenin Blanc vineyard inspired Ken to create his traditional-method sparkling wine. £21(Mix 12) Great Wine Co 22:06 – Why wine should be fun — the philosophy behind Sparklehorse, Ken's team and his belief that enjoying what you do ultimately makes better wine. 25:30 – Affordable Chenin Blanc with serious personality — tasting Ken Forrester Petit Chenin and discovering why an everyday wine can still deliver freshness, clean fruit and real character. £9.90 (Mix 12) Great Wine Co 27:39 – The story behind FMC — how an old 1974 Chenin Blanc vineyard, ambitious winemaking and several failed attempts eventually created one of South Africa's most celebrated white wines. £38.70 (Mix 12) Great Wine Co 35:18 – When FMC became “Burgundy” — Ken recalls persuading a sceptical wine shopper to taste beyond price and reputation before revealing what was really in her glass. 37:26 – The Dirty Little Secret — how a remarkable high-altitude old-vine Chenin Blanc vineyard and a multi-vintage solera-style approach created one of Ken's most complex and unconventional wines. £81 (Mix 12) Great Wine Co 41:39 – Bringing Mourvèdre to South Africa — why Ken wanted this Mediterranean grape for his Rhône-style blends and how it adds earthiness, structure and power alongside Grenache and Syrah. 46:59 – Two South African reds to discover — Janina tastes Three Halves and Petit Pinotage, including a juicy, fresh style of Pinotage that proves red wine can be delicious served slightly chilled. Three Halves £26.10 (Mix 12) Great Wine Co Petit Pinotage £11.70 (Mix 12) Great Wine Co 48:14 – Wine and Wagyu biltong — because apparently making an entire range of wines wasn't enough, Ken also has his own Stellenbosch Wagyu beef. 49:39 – Why Ken started farming Wagyu — how unsuitable vineyard land led to an entirely different farming project supplying some of Cape Town's leading restaurants. 52:13 – What matters most after a lifetime in wine — after the vineyards, wines, travel and madness, Ken reveals what he is most proud of. 📩 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026) Ranked #18 in 2024, #22 in 2025 and #20 in 2026 on Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list

What are the Spanish wine regions and grape varieties you need to know beyond Rioja and Ribera del Duero? In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina heads to Spain with Sarah Jane Evans MW, one of the world's leading experts on Spanish wine, to explore the regions, grapes and wine classifications that deserve far more attention - from Jerez and Castilla-La Mancha to Valencia, Madrid and Extremadura.  At the heart of the conversation is Vino de Pago, one of Spain's most fascinating and misunderstood wine classifications. Sarah Jane explains what Vino de Pago actually means, how it differs from Spain's traditional regional classifications and why these individual estates have the freedom to explore distinctive terroirs, indigenous grape varieties and different winemaking styles.  We also explore some of Spain's lesser-known grape varieties, including Merseguera, Albillo Real, Bobal and old-vine Monastrell, as well as the country's extraordinary heritage of old vineyards. Sarah Jane shares the Spanish wine regions she thinks could be the next big thing, from Jerez and Utiel-Requena to Madrid, Extremadura, the Canary Islands and Catalonia, plus her recommendations for Spanish wines under £20.  If you're looking to discover Spanish wine beyond Rioja, learn more about Vino de Pago, explore lesser-known Spanish wine regions and find exciting Spanish grapes and great-value wines, this episode is a brilliant place to start.  This episode was sponsored by Pago Finca Elez. Their Wines available in the UK through Fareham Wine Cellars as well as through importers in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Philippines, Japan and Hungary, with additional smaller importers across Europe.    Shownotes 02:53 – What keeps surprising Sarah Jane about Spain — after decades of travelling through the country, why new generations, producers and wines mean there is always something new to discover. 03:58 – Jerez: The Spanish Wine Region Reinventing Itself Beyond Sherry — why Jerez is no longer just about traditional Sherry and how a new generation of unfortified wines is changing perceptions of the region. 06:30 – Jerez Beyond Sherry: Palomino, Albariza Soils & Unfortified Spanish Wine — how unfortified Palomino wines and the region's famous albariza soils could offer a new gateway into Sherry country. 10:05 – How to find the good stuff — Sarah Jane's advice for discovering exciting unfortified wines from Jerez through producers, specialist importers and independent wine merchants. 13:21 – What exactly is Vino de Pago? — understanding Spain's unique single-estate classification and why it was created for distinctive vineyards outside the country's famous denominations. 18:07 – Grandes Pagos de España vs Vino de Pago: What's the Difference?  — how this private association brings together leading Spanish wine estates, and why it should not be confused with the official Vino de Pago classification.  20:29 – A Vino de Pago beside Ribera del Duero — how Abadía Retuerta used the classification to establish its own identity just outside one of Spain's most famous wine regions. 23:15 – Why every Vino de Pago is different — individual grape varieties, altitude, terroir and winemaking mean there is no single style connecting these unique estates. 24:16 – Has Vino de Pago been a success? — how the classification has evolved and why producers can use its independence to experiment beyond traditional regional rules. 27:00 – Discovering Merseguera — the little-known Spanish white grape offering citrus freshness, herbal character and exciting potential in the vineyards around Utiel-Requena. 29:13 – The rise of Albillo Real — another traditional Spanish white variety finding renewed relevance as producers and consumers increasingly look beyond the country's famous red wines. 31:38 – Why is Vino de Pago so difficult to explore? — the surprising lack of a complete online resource covering all of Spain's recognised Vino de Pago estates. 32:35 – Pago Finca Élez — discover one of Spain's pioneering Vino de Pago estates, recognised in 2002 alongside Marqués de Griñón, and its high-altitude vineyards in Castilla-La Mancha.  35:28 – How to discover Spain's Vino de Pago estates — Sarah Jane explains where to research them, including her own guide to the wines of Central and Southern Spain. 37:23 – The Wines of Central and Southern Spain — the years of travel, vineyard visits and personal relationships behind Sarah Jane's detailed guide to some of Spain's most overlooked wine regions. 43:15 – Spain beyond the famous regions — why Madrid, Extremadura, Valencia and Utiel-Requena offer fascinating alternatives for adventurous wine lovers. 45:48 – Why Bobal deserves your attention — old vines, extreme growing conditions, freshness and texture are transforming perceptions of this once-overlooked Spanish grape. 48:02 – Spain's extraordinary old-vine heritage — why ancient vineyards and indigenous grape varieties could become increasingly important as the wine industry adapts to climate change. 51:25 – Which Spanish wine region will be the next big thing? — Sarah Jane looks to the Canary Islands, Catalonia and other emerging regions that could gain greater international recognition over the next decade. 56:59 – The Spanish wine region closest to Sarah Jane's heart — why Jerez, its people, food, bars and changing wine culture continue to draw her back. 58:30 – Spanish wine under £20 — Sarah Jane reveals an unexpected first recommendation. 01:00:07 – Sarah Jane's Spanish wines under £20 — six great-value picks including Marks & Spencer Found Balearic Islands Red, Waitrose No.1 Castillo Perelada Cava Brut, The Wine Society's Rafael Cambra Monastrell Garnacha, Morrisons The Best Albariño, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Fino Reserva Sherry and Bodega Cerrón Remordimiento from Majestic. 01:03:44 – Discover more with Sarah Jane Evans MW — find her book The Wines of Central and Southern Spain at Academie du Vin Library and use code EATSLEEP15 for 15% off. 📩 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026) Ranked #18 in 2024, #22 in 2025 and #20 in 2026 in Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list  

What does it actually take to become the UK Sommelier of the Year? And how do the world's best sommeliers blind taste wine under pressure? In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina sits down with Emma Denney, the newly crowned UK Sommelier of the Year 2026 and Director of Wine at Claridge's, to go behind the scenes of elite sommelier competition, blind tasting and fine wine service. Emma takes us inside the competition - from identifying grape varieties, regions and vintages in a blind tasting, to recognising wine faults by aroma alone, tackling food and wine pairing and serving Champagne under pressure. She also explains how professional sommeliers build their tasting knowledge, read the clues in a glass and develop the confidence to make decisions quickly. But this isn't just an episode about becoming a sommelier. Emma is a brilliant guide to some of the wine world's most fascinating regions and producers. We dive into Champagne and grower Champagne, Northern Rhône Syrah and Hermitage, Jumilla Monastrell, Ningxia Riesling, Margaret River and New Zealand Pinot Grigio, with plenty of bottles and wine travel ideas to add to your list. You'll also learn what RM and NM mean on Champagne labels, why Champagne's chalk soils matter, what Coteaux Champenois is, how lees ageing and late disgorgement affect Champagne, how to recognise common wine faults such as Brett, cork taint and oxidation, and why some of the world's most exciting wines are coming from places you might not expect. So whether you're already deep into wine, studying for a qualification, improving your blind tasting or simply looking for your next bottle, region or wine trip to explore, this episode is packed with things to taste, learn and investigate.   Shownotes 02:30 – What does it take to become UK Sommelier of the Year? Emma reflects on winning the competition and the preparation behind it.  05:03 – The Champagne that started it all — how one bottle sparked Emma's passion for wine and hospitality.  07:06 – Best value wine at Claridge's — Emma's recommendation: Casa Castillo Monastrell from Jumilla.  08:41 – Why Jumilla deserves more attention — modern Monastrell, old vines and one of Spain's most exciting wine regions. 09:27 – Unexpected wines at Claridge's — why Emma champions Canaan Riesling from Ningxia, China. 12:42 – Worth every penny — Emma highlights Northern Rhône legends René Rostaing and Jean-Louis Chave, explaining why mature Syrah can rival the world's finest wines. 14:12 – If money were no object — why Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage remains Emma's dream bottle. 15:52 – A must-visit wine destination — why every wine lover should experience Hermitage and the Northern Rhône. 19:23 – The best part of being a sommelier — introducing guests to new wines and sharing unforgettable wine experiences. 20:54 – Inside the theory exam — the extraordinary breadth of knowledge required to become UK Sommelier of the Year. 22:45 – Lessons from Vincenzo Arnese — how one piece of advice about listening carefully became Emma's biggest competitive advantage during the competition. 23:36 – Blind tasting without tasting — identifying wine faults using aroma alone during the competition semi-final. 25:30 – Recognising common wine faults — Brett, cork taint, oxidation, volatile acidity and how sommeliers train their senses. 27:53 – Train your nose like a sommelier — Emma discusses common wine faults, while Janina recommends Le Nez du Vin aroma and fault kits for improving your tasting skills.  30:26 – Spotting mistakes on a wine list — how sommeliers identify incorrect vintages, appellations and producer details under pressure. 31:13 – How to start a blind tasting — Emma explains the first clues sommeliers look for.  32:03 – Reading the clues in the glass — alcohol, oak, climate and terroir cues that help identify grape varieties and wine origins. 34:34 – Food and wine pairing under pressure — how Emma approached one of the competition's toughest practical service challenges. 37:05 – The visual challenge — recognising legendary winemakers, vineyards and wine tools from a single image. 38:12 – Caroline Frey's Swiss wines — Emma discusses the acclaimed winemaker's latest project beyond Bordeaux and the Rhône. 40:31 – The Champagne pouring challenge — one Jeroboam, twenty-four glasses and one of the competition's most nerve-racking tasks. 43:15 – Why Krug is so revered — barrel ageing, reserve wines and the philosophy behind one of Champagne's greatest houses. 44:46 – Champagne producers to discover — Emma recommends Eric Rodez and explains why grower Champagne deserves more attention. 48:07 – The Champagne riots of 1911 — how protests helped shape today's appellation system. 48:54 – What is sur pointe? — understanding long lees ageing and late disgorgement in Champagne. 50:01 – RM vs NM Champagne: What do the letters on Champagne labels mean?  51:32 – Why does Champagne have chalk soils? Understanding drainage, roots and Champagne's terroir.  52:26 – Who invented sparkling wine? — Christopher Merret and the origins of traditional method sparkling wine. 53:50 – Coteaux Champenois explained — discovering the still wines of Champagne and why they deserve more attention. 54:55 – Egly-Ouriet's still wines — the renowned Cuvée des Grands Côtés  55:14 – Pre-phylloxera Champagne — why Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises remains one of the world's rarest wines. 56:17 – Margaret River — why this remote Australian wine region belongs on every wine lover's travel bucket list. 58:46 – Pinot Grigio deserves a second chance — why New Zealand is producing some of the world's most exciting examples - such as Greywacke Pinot Gris. 📩 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026) Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing's Most Influential People in Drinks list.