The Wine CEO Episode #178: What wines are Keto? (And are they actually low sugar or just marketing?)

This week on The Wine CEO Podcast we dive into the topic of terroir and the question: "Does a particular region or soil type actually impact the flavor of a finished wine?" If you taste a pinot noir from California and one from Burgundy, can you actually taste a difference? This episode is short but sweet because honestly, I had the stomach flu this week. BUT it's an interesting topic nonetheless and a topic I get asked about often! Enjoy and next week we will continue our focus on The Pacific Northwest wine regions. -------------- thewineceo.com --------------- Recommendations for side by side regional comparisons: Sauvignon Blanc: Try comparing a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, California, and France  Syrah: Try comparing a Syrah from France and a Shiraz from Australia Pinot Noir: Try comparing a Pinot Noir from Oregon and Burgundy Zinfandel: Try comparing a Zinfandel from California and a Primitivo from Italy (primitivo is the Italian word for Zinfandel) Pinot Grigio: Try comparing a Pinot Grigio from Italy and a Pinot Gris from France or California (Pinot Grigio is the same as Pinot Gris - just different translations!) Riesling: Try a Riesling from Washington State and one from Germany   Don't forget to tell me what you thought of the comparisons! Could you taste a difference in the wines? Let me know on Social Media (@thewineceo) or send me an email (sarah@thewineceo.com)!

22 Syys 202110min

Oregon and Washington state make up the growing US Pacific Northwest wine region. These areas are booming and this week we are taking a quick look into the world of Oregon wines. In less than 30 minutes, we discuss the top regions throughout Oregon, the main grapes you need to know about, food pairings, amazing producers, and more! It's the perfect one stop shop overview of Oregon wine that you need in your life! Listen now and don't forget to subscribe to the show so that you never miss an episode. ----- thewineceo.com  Instagram/ Facebook: @thewineceo Today's Blog post for maps and more: thewineceo.com/blog/overview-pacific-northwest-wine-regions ----- Today's Sponsor: Wash & Wik Code: THEWINECEO for 20% off at washandwik.com ----- Amazing Oregon wine Producers: Erath Ponzi Eyrie Arglye Domaine Drouhin Order on Vivino.com or Wine.com today!

15 Syys 202118min

Meeting your significant others' parents for the first time can be intimidating! How do you know what wine to bring to their house? How many glasses are you allowed to have before you look like a lush? In today's episode, I discuss these questions and more details around this unique situation. Plus I give you specific recommendations for some creative wines to surprise them with! ----------------- Today's Sponsor: Wash & Wik Enter Promo Code: THEWINECEO for 20% off at washandwik.com ----------------- Show Notes Website: thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com How do you know what wine to bring when you're meeting the parents? Ask a few of the below questions: Do you know what they normally like to drink? (Or if they drink at all?) This shows that you took the time to find something that they would enjoy. What do you like to drink? Maybe you can share something special that you love! It can help them get to know you better. Do you know what you're having for dinner? Listen to Episode #3a and #3b for more info on making Food & Wine Pairings that complement perfectly! Is there a unique wine that you could bring? Maybe something that they won't be familiar with? Below are a few options: Tempranillo, a red wine from Spain that is delicious with burgers and charcuterie. Marques de Caceres is always a great, affordable option.  Albariño, a crisp white wine that is perfect with seafood, salads, and tacos. Try Martin Codax.  Chablis is a white wine from Burgundy that is crisp and refreshing. It's not your typical chardonnay and may surprise your SO's parents! I love Domaine Chenevieres. Learn more about Chablis in The Wine CEO Episode #19.  Beaujolais is a fruity and light red wine from Burgundy, France. It's akin to a Pinot Noir, but much more floral. A lot of folks have never heard of it, which makes it a fun wine to bring to a party. Duboef is a classic option, but Drouhin is also very good! Learn more about Beaujolais in The Wine CEO Episode #24.  Don't forget to subscribe to the show so that you never miss an episode! And please write me a review to help others find me (only available on Apple Podcasts)!

8 Syys 202116min

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a sommelier? In today's episode I chat about the top 5 wine accreditation programs and why you should choose one program over another. Be sure to tune in to learn all about The Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET, Wine Scholar Guild, and more. By the end of the episode, you will know what it takes to become a sommelier and why so few people carry the titles of Master Sommelier and Master in Wine around the globe! -------------- thewineceo.com Email: Sarah@thewineceo.com --------------- Link to great analysis of Wine Accreditation programs by Wine Folly: HERE Wine Enthusiast Magazine Compares Accreditation Programs: HERE Top 5 Programs: The Court of Master Sommeliers WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) Master in Wine Society of Wine Educators Wine Scholar Guild ------------------------- Don't forget that I offer a Wine 101 class where you can have 1 on 1 training with me. In this course, I teach the same fundamentals found in WSET Level 2 and the Master Court Level 1. My goal is to make the world of wine approachable and accessible to every consumer, so I offer this course at a fraction of what these other organizations charge you. Email me today to learn more about my Wine 101 class as well as my consultation services to help you study for a wine accreditation! Sarah@thewineceo.com

1 Syys 202142min

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a Master Sommelier (basically the PhD of wine)? How do they pass the test and retain all of that information? Do they ever drink anything other than wine? This week on The Wine CEO Podcast I interview Brian Koziol, Master Sommelier, and head of the Walt Disney World beverage program for years! Brian shares some unique tips on the Master Court of Sommelier exams as well as encouragement for anyone studying to become a Master. If you've ever wanted a glimpse into the life of a top wine educator, evaluator, and service industry professional - then press play now and listen to this episode! --------------- Subscribe to my Newsletter for a free guide to pairing Food & Wine! Click HERE to subscribe. Email me to request information about my in person and virtual wine tastings: sarah@thewineceo.com --------------- Sponsor for today's podcast episode: Wash & Wik Candle and Soap Co. Enter promo code: THEWINECEO for 20% off your purchase.

25 Elo 202143min

When most people think of American wine regions, they imagine California, Washington, Oregon, and maybe New York state. Michigan is not at the top of the list, but there has been a boom in the wine industry in Northern Michigan and it has become a hot spot for boutique wine travel. I had the chance to visit the Traverse City area earlier this summer and in Episode #37 we dive into what I found and why you need to add this wine destination to your bucket list. ------------ www.thewineceo.com/blog/guide-to-michigans-wine-scene ------------ Sponsor: Wash & Wik Candle and Soap Co. Enter Code: THEWINECEO for 20% off your purchase ------------ Traverse City Tour Companies: Wine & Beer Tours Traverse City Wine Tours Grand Traverse Bike Tours Traverse City Wineries: Chateau Grand Traverse Bonobo Winery Chateau Chantal L Mawby Winery 2 Lads Winery Check out my blog post HERE for more info on restaurants, breweries, and more in Traverse City!

18 Elo 202119min

Have you ever heard someone say that wine smells like cat pee? Gross, right? But they may actually be right! Believe it or not, "cat pee" is actually a sommelier term to describe the racy acidicty in many sauvignon blancs! Today in episode #36 we are diving into everything you need to know about the Sauvignon Blanc grape varietal! From famous regions to flavor notes and food pairings, you will feel like an absolute expert on Sauvignon Blanc after this 15 minute episode!  --------------- Sponsor: Wash & Wik Candle and Soap Co. Code: THEWINECEO for 20% off! --------------- Sauvignon Blanc Regions: Marlborough, New Zealand Bordeaux, France (often blended with Semillon grapes) The Loire, France Sancerre Pouilly Fume (from Pouilly sur Loire appellation) USA Washington State California (Sauvignon Blanc is also known as Fume Blanc) Australia South Africa Chile Austria ------------------------------------- Great Sauvignon Blancs to try: France Domaine Laporte & Salmon (Sancerre), Domaine Fournier Les Belles Vignes (Sancerre), Henri Bourgeois (Pouilly-Fumé), Michel Redde (Sancerre) California Cakebread, Robert Mondavi, Honig, & Frog’s Leap -------------------------------- My new favorite wine pairing book:  "Big Macs and Burgundy" by Vanessa Price

11 Elo 202116min

This week on The Wine CEO Podcast we are finishing our 2 part Beginner's Guide on New Zealand by chatting about the South Island Wine regions, food pairings, and more!  Check out my blog post on the wineceo.com HERE to read more about New Zealand and to see a map of the top wine producing regions. ------------- Sponsor of Episode #35: Wash & Wik Candle and Soap Co.  Enter code: THEWINECEO at checkout for 20% off your purchase -------------- In the South Island, the main regions of note are Marlborough, Caterbury, Waipara, and Central Otago. Marlborough is known almost exclusively for Sauvignon Blanc. It produces 70% of New Zealand wine and over 85% of the country’s Sauvignon Blanc. It’s also fitting that we discuss Marlborough first because it was actually the first area on the South Island where grape vines were planted. The region is made up of multiple valleys and each imparts specific flavor profiles to the grapes. (For example, some areas offer more irrigation while others have unique soil blends.) Often winemakers in Marlborough will harvest Sauvignon Blanc grapes from multiple valleys and blend them to find a balanced flavor. Marlborough does have some Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris; but, it’s mostly known for Sauvignon Blanc. Many producers here age their wine in stainless steel tanks while some age on old French oak barrels that impart little flavor to the wine. Basically, there's little to no oak influence so these wines taste clean, crisp, and refreshing. Up next are  the regions of Caterbury and Waipara. I combined these two because they are fairly small producing regions located on the central eastern coast of the South Island. They’re also both located right next to the large city of Christchurch. These areas are known predominantly for Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc,  but there is some Riesling and Pinot Gris grown here as well. Last but not least is Central Otago, which is in the south east region of the South Island. This area is known for Pinot Noir and is definitely the second most well known region in the South Island, next to Marlborough. There is a small amount of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling grown here - but Pinot Noir is definitely the main attraction. The reason for this is the unique red colored soil made of clay, lime, and gravel; which imparts unique minerality to the grapes. Additionally the climate in Central Otago is rather dry and sunny, helping the Pinot Noir grapes to develop nice fresh fruit flavors.  Typically New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are stylistically known for having notes of grapefruit, passionfruit, ripe pear, tropical fruits, kiwi, and herbal notes that a lot of folks equate to fresh cut grass and herbs.  The Pinot Noirs can range in flavor across the North and South Islands, but they tend to have notes of cherry, cranberry, mushroom, raspberry and spices or vanilla.   Food Pairings: With these unique flavor profiles, you have a lot of great options to pair New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noirs with food. NZ is surrounded by ocean, so there's a lot of seafood in their cuisine. New Zealand Sauvignon blancs go really nicely with oysters, shrimp, light white fish, and almost anything that is light and needs acid. Because of the herbal flavors, they also pair nicely with heavily herbed light dishes. So for example, think about a shrimp pasta with lemon and fresh parsley - this would be great with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Additionally, New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs pair nicely with salads because of the herbal and vegetal flavors. One thing that a lot of folks don’t expect is that New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs actually go really well with asian foods. The tropical fruit and lime notes are delicious with South Pacific island cuisine. (And if you aren’t familiar with Fiji and the Polynesian islands, think about fish with soy sauce or lime and coconut milk as this is classic cuisine to the region). New Zealand Pinot Noirs pair nicely with lamb because of the earthier and spicier notes. But, because they are also light, fruity, and acidic, they also pair well with duck and chicken. My personal favorite though is salmon. New Zealand Pinot Noir is light enough to not overpower salmon making for a delicious combination. Fun Fact: One of the things that New Zealand is known for is utilizing the Stelvin Closure or Screw Cap in almost all of their wines. You would be hard pressed to find a wine with a cork in it in this country and culturally it’s more odd to see a wine with a screw cap than a cork throughout the islands. This may seem counterintuitive, but if you remember listening to The Wine CEO Podcast Episode #18, then you know that screw caps are becoming more and more popular around the world because they are actually a safer way to seal bottles than natural corks.  Screw caps have been widely accepted in New Zealand for this reason for years and it’s truly just a common practice in the winemaking culture and for all of the New Zealand wine consumers to expect screw caps.  Wines to try: Sauvignon Blancs: Cloudy Bay was the first New Zealand winery to put Sauvignon Blanc on the global map. It's a bit of a legend! Brancott also makes delicious Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough. Kim Crawford is a classic label that always has consistent and great quality Sauvignon Blanc. Palliser Estate also has some delicious Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noirs: Ata Rangi is a top producer with delicious Pinots. Oyster bay is really affordable, but good quality and consistent. Dog Point is a delicious Pinot Noir maker from Marlborough. Check out thewineceo.com to sign up for my newsletter and to receive my free guide to food and wine pairings!

4 Elo 202120min