Oct 15

Oct 15 South African Wine Regions

This episode explores South Africa's varied wine regions, emphasising how important regionality is to promoting the country's identity internationally.

Oct 8

Oct 8 South Africa

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

South Africa has a long history of wine production, although it's only in the last twenty-five years, after a very difficult twentieth-century, that it has emerged as an important player in the international wine scene. This episode explores the country's wine history, as well as two of its most important grapes, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.

Oct 1

Oct 1 Washington

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Washington State is the second-largest producer of wine in the US after California. Its history is still very modern, but its industry is vibrant and full of potential. This episode explores the climate, regions, and grape varieties of the state.

Sep 24

Sep 24 Oregon

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Forty years ago, Oregon was a remote state few people knew about. Now it's one of the most famous Pinot Noir producing regions in the world. How did this radical change happen? And is there more to Oregon than Pinot Noir?

Sep 17

Sep 17 USA (III) - California Regions

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Focusing on California's wine regions, from high-quality coastal areas to hot Central Valley to high elevation Sierra Foothills.

Sep 10

Sep 10 USA (II) - California Grape Varieties

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Looking at some of the major grape varieties planted in California which have reflected changing trends in the wine industry and consumer habits: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

Aug 13

Aug 13 USA (I) - The Beginnings

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

The history of US wine goes back to the Puritans landing in 1620. But attempts at winemaking were often hit by both natural and human forces. Since the 1970s, though, the USA has emerged as the fourth largest producer of wine in the world, with California central for both quantity and quality. This episode looks at how California in particular got to where it is today.

Aug 6

Aug 6 Uruguay and Brazil

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Uruguay may lie in the shadow of Argentina and Brazil, but it produces high quality wine, particularly from Tannat and Merlot. Brazil, on the other hand, produces a lot more wine but of lower quality due to its humid climate. This episode discusses the different challenges the two countries face.

Jul 30

Jul 30 Argentina (II)

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Second episode on Argentina, focusing on its wine regions. Altitude is key, to prolong the growing season in the dry, hot conditions. Now, Argentian producers are looking to diversify to show that the country is more than just fruit-forward Malbec - from Torrontés in high-altitude Salta to Pinot Noir in Antarctic influenced Patagonia.

Jul 22

Jul 22 Argentina (I)

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

An overview of the history of Argentinian wine and the grape varieties planted there. After a tumultuous twentieth century, the wine industry has boomed over the last thirty years, based largely on the success of Malbec. The question is, where next?

Jul 16

Jul 16 Chile (II)

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Second episode focusing on Chile, discussing its wine regions and the different styles of wine made up and down the long, narrow country.

Jul 9

Jul 9 Chile (I)

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Winemaking in Chile goes back to the 1550s - wine has been made continuously in Central Valley, the epicentre of the industry, since 1554. But internationally, Chile has only come to the fore in the last 30 years, meaning it's a country still learning a lot about its wines and their potential. This episode focuses on the history and geography of history and the main grape varieties planted.

Mar 19

Mar 19 Jura

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Jura is the smallest of France's wine regions, but one that is very fashionable due to its unique styles of wine. It also provides a great alternative to nearby Burgundy, another reason people are so attracted to it.

Mar 12

Mar 12 Chardonnay

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Chardonnay is one of the most famous grape varieties across the world. Made in a wide range of styles, it can provoke strong opinions. This episode explores the grape, the styles of wine it makes, and the regions in which it's grown.

Mar 5

Mar 5 Portugal

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Portugal is best known for port, but it is producing an increasing amount of high quality white and red wines from indigenous varieties little planted elsewhere.

Feb 24

Feb 24 Continental & Atlantic Spain

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

From the vast, hot plateau of La Mancha to the wet, cool Atlantic Coast - Spain has extreme climates which can be challenging but rewarding for winemakers.

Feb 16

Feb 16 Mediterranean Spain

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Exploring the regions of Mediterranean Spain, along the coast from innovative Catalunya to the big reds of Valencia and Murcia.

Feb 8

Feb 8 Northern Spain

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

The north of Spain is home to one of the country's historic regions, Rioja. This episode explores its history and its wines, as well as those of nearby regions Navarra, Somontano, Catalayud, and Cariñena.

Jan 25

Jan 25 Southern Italy

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Southern Italy is an historically poor part of Italy, making inferior wines. The last 20 years have seen more investment and quality has risen - not least because there are some superb local grape varieties such as Aglianico, Fiano, Greco, and Falanghina.

Jan 18

Jan 18 Central Italy

Matthew Gaughan

podcast

Central Italy is home to some of Italy's most historic wine regions, but quality varies - not least in Chianti. This episode explores the reasons for the inconsistency in quality, ranging from inexpensive to the super-premium Brunello di Montalcino.

About Matthew's World of Wine and Drink.