Another Bottle Down

On today's show, Mark and Jessica kick off the holiday season and head out to the Texas Hill Country to check out an over-performing winery, Elisa Christopher.  They sit down with the owner/ winemaker, Elisa Jones, who is quickly making a name for herself in the Texas industry as a leader for quality sparkling wine both under her own label as well as a custom disgorging facility for other wineries.  They chat about Elisa's previous career in intelligence with the Department of Defense as well as all the challenges of setting up a dedicated in-house disgorging facility and growing Texas grapes for sparkling wine production.  Mark and Jessica are excited to continue to follow the evolution of Elisa Christopher wines and the overall sparkling segment of Texas wines. Check out Elisa Christopher Website Here Check out the Another Bottle Down Episode on the Texas Vintners Cup here.  

On today's show, Mark and Jessica have a meandering conversation based on some more abstract concepts that Mark has be exploring.  While it was originally intended to be a conversation about learning wine and wine education, Mark takes a different course and explores the relationship between wine and art.  "Do we find beauty in wine" and "can imperfect wines be attractive," are some of the larger topics Mark and Jessica tackle. Cited: What Art Does: An Unfinished Theory, by Brian Eno  

On today's show, Mark and Jessica celebrate October as Texas Wine Month with a recap of the 5th annual Texas Vintner's Cup.  Sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture's Uncork Texas Wines program, Jessica along with Master Sommeliers Jack Mason and Steven McDonald have judged hundreds of Texas wines to come up with a full case of the top 12 wines from this year.  Plus, there are an additional 30 wines that received honorable mention.  Listen in as Mark and Jessica dive into the trends, surprises, and the fun from behind the scenes of this year's judging.  Also, Mark and Jessica kick off this episode by talking about Jessica's forthcoming book Italianality, due to hit shelves in March of next year. Useful links: Preorder Italianality by Jessica Dupuy and Andrea Lonardi Full article on the Texas Vintners Cup at Texas Monthly Online article on the Texas Vintners Cup Sevenfifty Daily:  Jessica's article on Volatile Acidity

On today's episode, Jessica is joined by the Marchese Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga, the current owner and managing director of Tenuta San Leonardo in Trentino.  Over 1,000 years ago, San Leonardo was founded as a monastery, but it has served as the residence of the Marchese Guerrieri Gonzaga family for over three centuries.  Anselmo elaborates on the winemaking traditions of the estate, starting with his father the Marchese Carlo being drawn to Bordeaux and eventually working with the Marquis Mario Incisa della Rocchetta at San Guido (before Sassicaia was made). Anselmo is such an advocate for Trentino and the Bordeaux varieties in Northern Italy vs the coastal Bolgheri.  Additionally, he breaks down the fascinating history of Carmenere in the region and his uncompromising attitude to creating an honest and drinkable style of wine.  So many great stories in this episode, please enjoy! Fact checking: The weather is actually cooling off in Austin; we're currently experience a delightful Texas fall. Bordeaux and Coonawarra Australia are both Region II on the Winkler scale of 'Growing Degree Days' with Trentino being Region III on the valley floors and Region II on the higher elevation vineyards.  Links: San Leonardo Website    

On today's show, Jessica interviews Yannick Benjamin, a wine industry veteran who is outspoken about the injustices and inequities of the wine and restaurant industries.  Yannick's thoughtful approach to hospitality and inclusion is an inspiration to so many people who work in beverage and beyond. Born into a family of French restauranteurs, Yannick has worked at The University Club, Le Cirque, Oceana, Jean Georges, Atlas, Felidia, and Atelier at the Ritz-Carlton.  In 2021, he opened Contento, a barrier-free restaurant accessible to all.  Today, he is owner of Beaupierre Wine and Spirits in NYC and runs the non-profit Wine on Wheels, which strives to enhance the quality of life for people living with disabilities.  The annual Grand Tasting and Silent Auction brings together Yannick's passion for hospitality and awareness for people with disabilities. At this event, hundreds of esteemed sommeliers come together to pour over 200 wines from around the world for the charity. Discover more about Yannick Benjamin: Yannick's non-profit Wine on Wheels This year's Wine on Wheels Grand Tasting and Silent Auction- September 28, 2025 Yannick's wine shop:  Beaupierre Wines Yannick on Instagram

On today's show, Jessica and Mark host a special episode with Mandi Nelson, president and founder of ATX Somms, on the upcoming event, Grapes for Good, benefitting the Kerrville Floods relief effort.  On August 10th 2025, that's this upcoming Sunday, the Texas sommelier industry will get together at Wanderlust East Austin to show off some seriously amazing wine and celebrate community, and YOU are invited!  The biggest impact will be to buy tickets; 100% of the admission proceeds will go to relief efforts.  There will also be a silent auction and retail purchases with proceeds also going to Kerrville relief.  This is a great way for the Texas wine loving community to use what we love and have it go to a good cause. Buy tickets and more information at ATX Somms.com Benefitting organization: Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country The Wine and Food Foundation is matching up to $7,500 in Ticket Sales

On today's show, Jessica interviews Roberto Bruno, CEO and Commercial Director of Fontanafredda in the commune Serralunga d'Alba in Barolo.  Roberto has worked at this historic estate for 34 years and has even lived for a time in the eponymous village.  Roberto and Jessica get into the origins of Fontanafredda which is really tied to the origins of Barolo as a whole.  In 1858, King Vittorio Emmanuele II purchases a renowned hunting lodge and grounds as a gift to his mistress Rosina.  Shortly thereafter, the king also purchases vineyards and is the first to use the word Barolo on bottles.  Roberto also leads us through various other notable and historical moments in the region, such as the Barolo boys, promoting Seralunga as a communes, the organic movement and so much more. For more information: History of Fontanafredda Fontanafredda's US Importer:  Palm Bay Roberto Bruno on Instagram  

Mathieu Billecart, 7th generation owner and President of Champagne Billecart Salmon, comes on the show to talk about partnering in a new non-Alc project called Jukes.  Mathieu has been frustrated by a lack of options in the non-alc space.  For him, wine lovers who choose to abstain for a temporary or permanent time period deserve a beverage that provides an elevated tasting experience, similar to that of wine, but dealcoholizing wine is not the best option.  During a recent lunch with Matthew Jukes, a friend and British wine expert, he learned what Jukes was working on: an apple cider vinegar based product with various blended fruit and vegetable juices.  Mathieu was intrigued and a partnership formed. The second half of the show is dedicated to learning about the Billecart Salmon Prestige releases of Cuvee Nicolas Francois 2012 (Blanc), Elizabeth Salmon 2012 (Rose), and Louis Salmon 2012 (Blanc de Blancs).  Jukes Website Champagne Billecart Salmon- Prestige Cuvees Mathieu Billecart's first appearance on Another Bottle Down

On today's show, Jessica interviews Marcus Notaro, head of wine production at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.  In 1976, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars shocked the world by winning the famed Judgement of Paris which put Napa Valley Cabernets up again the famous Bordeaux estates.  It was the 1973 S.L.V. Estate Cabernet produced by Warren Winiarski that took home the price, and it was also the very fist vintage at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.  Jessica and Marcus dig into all things Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, from climate of the Stag's Leap AVA to soils of the particular single vineyards.  Marcus brings so much perspective having worked in Washington State at Col Solare, then moving down to Napa in 2013.  Make sure to catch some of the stories towards the end of the episode that Marcus tells about his friendship with Warren Winiarski, the founder and original winemaker of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars website Stags Leap Winegrowers Association More info on Warren Winiarski

On today's episode, Mark chats with Matt Crafton, head winemaker at the historic Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley.  Matt is the fifth winemaker at Montelena and has been at the helm since 2014 overseeing all aspects of winemaking, vineyard management, communication, and strategy.  Matt and Mark delve into the history of this historic estate as well as the vineyards that go into the core Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The conversation weaves in elements of the Napa Valley terroir, creativity in winemaking, and various challenges that face the industry in today's wine-loving world. Pertinent links: Matt Crafton's Bio Chateau Montelena's Website Napa Valley Vintners The Restaurant in San Miguel that Mark referenced:  Naakary San Miguel de Allende

On our second episode of a two part series on Montalcino, Mark interviews Daniele Marcone the Sales Director of Capanna Winery.  Capanna is located north of the town of Montalcino in the unofficial sub-region of Montosoli and is one of the more historic and traditional wineries producing Brunello.  The Cencioni family was one of the first share-cropping families to save up enough money to purchase the land they were working for generations.  Throughout the years, they have followed the Consorzio and bet on the success of the territory acquiring new land and leading the way with a more traditional style of wine.  This is a must-see stop to both the winery and their restaurant if you're visiting Montalcino: Capanna Winery Website Capanna Suites and Restaurant Jessica's article on the new Brunello rating system, FORMA  

On today's show, we have Riccardo Fratton, head winemaker of San Polo in Montalcino, Italy.  Riccardo was raised in the Veneto region but didn't really blossom as a winemaker until working in California.  He was so impressed by the level of experimentation and a sort of freshness to winemaking that he brought those points of inspiration back to his home country.  Meeting and working for Marilisa Allegrini, the Queen of Amarone, brought him to relocate to another Allegrini estate in Montalcino, San Polo. Jessica has spent a substantial amount of time in Montalcino over the last year and has the good fortune to taste the 2024 vintage and beyond with Riccardo.  They talk about all of the particularities of Southeast Montalcino and the diversity and history of the San Polo Estate.  Here are some pertinent links: Wineries of Marilisa Allegrini San Polo Montalcino website Jessica's article on the new Brunello FORMA Riccardo Fratton on Instagram    

On today's show, Mark and Jessica break down the current tariffs and other economic factors that are affecting the wine industry.  This episode was recorded on April 30th, 2025, perhaps the situation has changed by the time you listen. More information on the US Wine Trade Alliance. Here are some of the articles Jessica has published on the impact of tariffs: How Tariffs Will Impact the Wine Industry, Forbes, Jan 22, 2025 How Tariffs Could Make American Wine and Spirits More Expensive, Forbes, March 14, 2025 Tariffs and Trade Winds: VinItaly 2025, Forbes, April 10, 2025

On today's show, Jessica interviews Gus Zhu, a Master of Wine and author of the recently published book Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting.  Gus does an amazing job of breaking down complex topics involved in wine chemistry and sensorial analysis to be understandable by wine lovers of all levels.  In addition to talking about the book, Jessica and Gus delve into many misunderstood topics, from volatile acidity and cork taint to cultural shifts of flavor and aroma preferences within various populations.  In Gus's words, a deeper undertanding of how we perceive aromas will lead to a more colorful human experience. Purchase Behind the Glass through the Academie du Vin Library:  Here More about Gus Zhu from the Institute of Masters of Wine:  Here Gus Zhu's consulting company: Here

On today's episode, Jessica interviews Kelli White, a wine writer and educator, about her new book, Wine Confident.  Kelli's book was released in the latter part of 2024 and was part of Jessica's review of top wine books for last year with Forbes.  While we couldn't get this episode in last year, this conversation is so enjoyable and pertinent all year round, great for graduation gifts and other occasions that are coming up. This book is a culmination of Kelli's 20+ year career in wine, which spans literally every sector of the wine industry from restaurants, retail, winemaking, and finally, education.  There is no better person than Kelli to explore learning about wine, dispelling myths, and everything else you didn't even know was out there. Links referenced in the episode: Purchase Kelli White's Wine Confident here. Visit Kelli at the Wine Center at Meadowood here. Purchase Kelli White's first book, Napa Valley Then and Now, here. Jessica's article in Forbes on the top wine books of 2024, here. Kelli's first interview on Another Bottle Down, here.  

Mark and Jessica continue to gear up for the Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO) by chatting with Evan Davis about all the considerations in a retail setting of appreciating this iconic region.  Evan is Central Texas Wine Educator with Spec's Wine and Spirits and oversees the wine departments and staff in 34 different stores.  Mark and Evan dig into how the public sees Barolo and Barbaresco in a retail setting, the challenges of limited availability, favorite vintages, and so much more. Spec's Wine and Spirits: Website Purchase tickets for the Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening on March 25th, 2025: HERE "Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them."

On today's show, Mark and Jessica gear up for the big Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening event in Austin by interviewing Patrick Olds.  Patrick recently left MML Hospitality and started his own consulting firm, Sidecar Hospitality.  He's a big Barolo and Barbaresco fan and gives tons of juicy insights on the region, the grape (Nebbiolo), and how to approach a large scale tasting such as the World Opening. Purchase tickets to Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening on March 25th:  Here "Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them."

On this week's episode, Jessica visits a very iconic Scilian producer, Donnafugata.  She interviews the 5th and 6th generation of the winery, first José Rallo and then her daughter Gabriella Anca Rallo.  There's so much to talk about with Donnafugata from the western areas around Palermo to Mt. Etna to the rustic island of Pantelleria.  There's lots of history, legacy, and innovation wrapped up in these conversation. History on Donnafugata here. Buy a ticket for Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening on March 25th in Austin Here.  

Mark and Jessica take this episode to reflect on 2024 and dig into some trends in the broader industry as well as themes that have come up in their personal circle.  Front-and-center topics span non-alcohol wines, AI in wine journalism as well as the broader industry, and what regions are still performing well in a 'down market.'  Thank you for listening in 2024 and we're looking forward to a full and exciting program for 2025. Stay tuned!

On today's episode, Mark catches up with Morgan Twain-Peterson, owner, founder and winemaker of Bedrock Wine Company in Sonoma, California.  Morgan grew up in a winemaking family as his father Joel Peterson was founder and winemaker of Ravenswood.  Ravenswood started out as a side-hustle for Joel (as Morgan describes it), then it became the world's largest producer of red zinfandel. Since starting Bedrock in 2007, Morgan has become a bit of an old-vine guru and has rehabilitated numerous vineyards that would have otherwise been torn out.  He also wrote his Master of Wine research paper on the nurseries and dissemination of vine and rootstock post phylloxera in California from the 1880s onward.  Mark and Morgan get into the nitty gritty of California's history as well as recuperating these vinous treasures, soil health, regenerative farming, and so much more.   Useful links: Bedrock Wine Company Website: here Bedrock Podcast: here