Looking Into Wine

Mattia Scarpazza
Looking Into Wine

I am your host Mattia Scarpazza and I found Looking Into Wine to share knowledge about wine. Focus is on areas that sparked my interest throughout my study years and I wished I’d had more time to explore in more detail. Now it’s time! Each episode explores a specific topic in detail and how it is relevant to the wine trade. What to expect? Interviews featuring experts and professionals to guide us through regions, grapes and challenges of vine growing, my own research and much more.

  1. 8 NOV

    Legendary Napa Valley Winemaker Richard Peterson history lesson 90 years in the region

    **Monthly Podcast: Legendary Napa Valley Winemaker Richard G. Peterson** This month’s podcast features an extraordinary guest—Richard G. Peterson, one of Napa Valley's most legendary winemakers. If there’s anyone who can tell the story of Napa Valley’s evolution over the decades, it’s Peterson, whose career has spanned more than half a century. He’s witnessed and contributed to the valley’s transformation from a quiet, rural region to one of the world’s most renowned wine-producing areas.  Peterson’s journey began in 1948, when he started as a home winemaker in Iowa. This early passion for winemaking sparked a long and illustrious career that would take him from the Midwest to the heart of California's wine country. After earning a B.S. in Chemical Technology from Iowa State University in 1952, Peterson moved to California, where he earned an M.S. in Food Technology from UC Berkeley in 1956 and a PhD in Agricultural Chemistry.  In 1958, Peterson joined the iconic E. & J. Gallo Winery, initially focusing on new product development and research. His tenure at Gallo lasted for a decade, during which he rose to become the Research Director and Assistant Production Manager, responsible for overseeing winemaking operations. This experience provided Peterson with invaluable insights into the wine industry and laid the foundation for his future leadership roles. In 1968, Peterson moved to Napa Valley, where he took on the role of Winemaster at Beaulieu Vineyard, a prestigious estate located in Rutherford. He served at Beaulieu until 1973, honing his skills and deepening his connection with Napa Valley’s terroir. His next major venture was at Monterey Vineyard, where he served as Winemaster and President from 1973 to 1986. At Monterey, Peterson gained recognition for producing innovative wines, including California’s first Botrytis Sauvignon Blanc and Botrytis Pinot Noir, as well as unique harvest wines like the January Harvest Gamay Beaujolais and December Harvest Zinfandel. From 1986 to 1990, Peterson served as Winemaster and President of Atlas Peak Vineyards, and was also Chairman from 1989. His leadership in these roles further cemented his reputation as one of Napa Valley’s most respected winemakers. This podcast episode offers listeners a rare opportunity to hear from a true pioneer of Napa Valley wine. Peterson’s deep knowledge, combined with his rich history in the industry, provides a unique perspective on the valley’s development and the art of winemaking. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about the history of Napa Valley, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

    43 min
  2. 22 AUG

    Uncork a Winery's Potential looking at strategies on Distribution Channels with Sid Patel

    Uncorking Success: Maximizing Your Winery's Potential Through Strategic Distribution Channels"Episode Description: In this episode, we dive deep into the essential role of distribution channels in expanding your winery's reach and reputation. Whether you're a boutique winery just starting out or an established brand looking to grow, understanding and optimizing your distribution strategy is key to long-term success. Join us as we explore the various distribution options available, from direct-to-consumer (DTC) models to traditional wholesale, and discuss how to choose the right mix to elevate your brand.Episode Highlights: Introduction to Distribution Channels:Overview of what distribution channels are and why they matter for wineries.The evolution of wine distribution in the digital age.Wholesale Distribution:The role of wholesalers and distributors in expanding your market reach.How to choose the right distributor for your winery and what to look for in a partnership.Negotiating terms and building strong relationships with distributors to ensure your wine gets the attention it deserves.Online Marketplaces and Retail Partnerships:Leveraging online marketplaces like Vivino and Wine.com to increase visibility.Strategies for securing shelf space in brick-and-mortar retailers and forming partnerships with restaurants and hotels.The importance of branding and packaging in retail environments.International Distribution:Expanding your winery's reach beyond borders and navigating the complexities of international trade.Understanding export regulations, tariffs, and the importance of choosing reliable importers.Tailoring your marketing strategies to different cultural tastes and preferences.The Power of Data in Distribution:Utilizing data analytics to track performance, understand customer behaviour, and refine your distribution strategy.Case studies of wineries that have successfully leveraged data to drive growth.Subscribe to our podcast! If you are a winery looking for support and strategy, email me at Mattiascarpazza@Lookingintowine.com  Don’t forget to leave us a review and share this episode with fellow wine enthusiasts and industry professionals!  Thank you to our guest Guest: Sid Patel of Wine Competitions

    25 min
  3. 15/12/2023

    Exploring Spain most bubbly region 'Penedes' with Raventos I Blanc and Pepe Raventos

    Join us in this captivating episode as we venture into the heart of Penedés, Spain, a region renowned for its contribution to the world of sparkling wine, particularly Cava. Our special guest, Pepe Raventós, scion of the esteemed Raventós family, takes us on a journey through the picturesque vineyards that have been integral to the family's legacy in winemaking. Family Heritage: - Pepe shares insights into the rich history of the Raventós family and their longstanding connection with the Penedés region. Learn about the traditions that have been passed down through generations, shaping the family's approach to winemaking. Cava Origins: - Delve into the fascinating tale of how Pepe's family played a pivotal role in formalizing the recipe for Cava, Spain's iconic sparkling wine. Discover the meticulous methods employed to craft this effervescent elixir and the significance of Penedés' terroir in its production. Terroir Talk: - Explore the unique terroir of Penedés and its impact on the flavor profile of the wines produced in the region. Pepe discusses the interplay of soil, climate, and grape varieties that contribute to the distinctive character of Penedés wines, particularly Cava. Sustainable Practices: Gain insights into the Raventós family's commitment to sustainability in winemaking. Pepe sheds light on their eco-friendly practices, emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural balance of the vineyards. Innovations and Future Trends: - Pepe shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of the wine industry and the innovative approaches embraced by the Raventós i Blanc winery. Learn about their experiments with different grape varieties and winemaking techniques to create wines that captivate the modern palate. Tasting Notes: - Experience the sensory journey as Pepe guides us through a virtual tasting of some exceptional wines from Raventós i Blanc. From crisp and refreshing Cavas to nuanced still wines, discover the diverse expressions that emanate from Penedés. Life Beyond Wine: - Beyond the vineyards, Pepe opens up about life in Penedés, sharing anecdotes about the local culture, gastronomy, and the unique charm of this Spanish wine region. Whether you're an avid oenophile or simply curious about the world of Cava and Penedés, this episode promises to be an engaging exploration of history, tradition, and the dynamic evolution of winemaking in one of Spain's most celebrated wine regions. Tune in and let Pepe Raventós be your guide to the enchanting world of Penedés wines. ¡Salud!

    39 min
  4. 26/08/2023

    Exploring the Hunter Valley Old vines and unique climate with Mount Pleasant

    The #huntervalley Zone is around 200km north of #Sydney. It contains one o Australia’s oldest, simply called Hunter which, with plantings exceeding 2,300 ha, covers a slightly smaller area than the Hunter Valley Zone but the region is also often split, unofficially, into Lower Hunter and Upper Hunter. Lower Hunter is closer to the coast and benefits from some sea breezes, which means it is slightly cooler than the Upper Hunter. The landscape is made up of undulating hills at relatively low altitudes. Soils range from sandy loams to clay loams, often over a clay base Semillon was first planted here in the 1830s. Hunter Valley Semillons are renowned for their ability to improve with age. The better examples develop in bottle for more than 15 years. In the theme of long maturation, we are exploring today the hunter valley with Mount Pleasant, that have been keeping alive their heritage vineyard from 1880, I connected to the @MountPleasant thanks to the work of the Old Vine Conference and is thanks to them that I managed to connect to Mount Pleasant. Maurice O’Shea’s established Mount Pleasant as the only top-quality wine in Australia and inspired the likes of Penfold’s Max Schubert, Hunter Valley legend Max Lake and countless others who would go on to make Australian wine what we recognize today. With the help of my guest we explore the region unique growing condition, how is like to work with 100 plus vines and how hunter valley climate affect the style of the wines produce. If you are enjoying the show remember to subscribe and to share the show! Find More information on the winery here: https://www.mountpleasantwines.com.au/ About the region: https://www.winecountry.com.au/ About The Old Vine Conference https://www.oldvines.org/

    41 min
  5. 16/06/2023

    Wine's Aromas? what's to know about them and their chemistry with Sensory Science MSc Sietze Wijma

    What are the many wine flavours found in the various wine aromas wheels with descriptions such as strawberries, apple and vanilla? So, when you smell wine, the alcohol volatilises and carries these lighter-than-air aroma compounds into your nose. Each wine can contain hundreds of different aroma compounds and each compound can affect the flavour of a wine. From a chemical perspective, flavours are the manifestation of compounds that are released at different stages during the wine life cycle. When we smell these compounds, a stimulus is transmitted to our brain that compares it to a “memory” of known sensations – eventually conjuring a final impression. Being fascinated by science and empirical research, in this episode, I spoke to Sietze Wijma a MSc Sensory Science graduate and founder of the art of tasting who will walk us through some of the major flavours compounds, their names and chemistry, explaining how they come about and some of the faults in wines and what are the key compound that one should know. Specific anosmia of flavour compounds Specific anosmia (smell-blindness) is the phenomenon where a person is unable to detect a specific flavour compound, where they otherwise have an intact sense of smell. For example, 30% of the population is unable to detect rotundone (black pepper-like aroma). β-ionone (violet-like aroma) has a 50% specific anosmia rate. Isoamyl acetate (banana-like aroma) has a 1% specific anosmia rate. This has implication for wine tasting. Here is Sietze website The art of Tasting: https://artoftasting.nl/ And some further information about flavours compounds and other items related to the topic: https://www.jancisrobinson.com/learn/vocabulary/aromas https://www.decanter.com/learn/understanding-wine-aromas-329940/ https://winefolly.com/tips/wine-aroma-wheel-100-flavors/ Remember to Subscribe!!!

    36 min

About

I am your host Mattia Scarpazza and I found Looking Into Wine to share knowledge about wine. Focus is on areas that sparked my interest throughout my study years and I wished I’d had more time to explore in more detail. Now it’s time! Each episode explores a specific topic in detail and how it is relevant to the wine trade. What to expect? Interviews featuring experts and professionals to guide us through regions, grapes and challenges of vine growing, my own research and much more.

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