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  121. How Traditional Method Sparkling Wine Is Made - Champagne, Cava & More | WSET Study Classics 23.07.2026 11Min.

  Episode 121: How Traditional Method Sparkling Wine Is Made - Champagne, Cava & More | WSET Study Classics Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:33 Release Date: July 23rd, 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle The traditional method is a core topic at WSET Level 2, and the steps of the process are exactly the kind of detail that shows up in multiple choice questions on exam day. The Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle includes practice questions modeled on the real exam format to help you test your knowledge before you sit. https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Episode Description This is the final episode in the WSET Summer Classics series, and Joanne closes it out with one of her favorite topics: how traditional method sparkling wine is made. It is a process she describes as pure magic, and once you understand how the bubbles get into the bottle and what happens to the wine along the way, it is hard to disagree. Joanne walks through the full traditional method step by step, from the base wine through to the final cork and wire cage. She covers yeast autolysis and lees aging, the riddling process and the invention of the Gyropallette, disgorgement and the frozen lees popsicle, and the dosage that determines whether the finished wine is brut or demi-sec. It is a thorough and entertaining explanation of a production method that shows up at both Level 2 and Level 3. Corresponding Level 2 quiz questions and a Level 3 essay question are available in the newsletter. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Two Broad Methods for Making Sparkling Wine Tank method: second fermentation occurs in a sealed tank Bottle fermentation method: second fermentation occurs in a sealed bottle The traditional method falls under the bottle fermentation method The Traditional Method Step by Step The Base Wine: An already-fermented wine, lower in alcohol than usual (around 10 to 11%) because a second fermentation will increase alcohol by approximately 1.5% Can be a blend of different years, grapes, plots of land, and villages Bottling and Second Fermentation: Base wine is bottled in a thick-walled sparkling wine bottle designed to withstand the pressure that builds up Yeast and sugar are added to trigger the second fermentation, then the bottle is sealed with a crown cap CO2 produced during fermentation is trapped in the bottle, creating the bubbles Flavour compounds also develop during this fermentation Lees Aging and Yeast Autolysis: Once the yeast has consumed all the sugar it dies and falls to the side of the bottle as lees (dead yeast cells) The lees undergo yeast autolysis, developing aromas and flavours described in the WSET textbook as biscuit and bread Joanne describes these as pastry shop aromas including lemon tart and apricot danish The longer the wine rests on the lees, the more of these flavours develop Minimum lees aging requirements vary by region: Champagne requires a minimum of 12 months, Crémant a minimum of 9 months In practice, producers often far exceed these minimums Riddling: The process of gradually tilting and rotating the bottle to move the lees down into the neck Traditionally done by hand by cellar workers, one small movement at a time over weeks Now mostly done by a machine called the Gyropallette, which can riddle bottles in a matter of days Hand riddling still occurs but is in the minority Disgorgement: The neck of the bottle is dipped into a freezing solution, causing the lees to freeze When the crown cap is removed, the frozen plug of lees is expelled from the bottle The result is a star bright, clear wine Dosage (Liqueur d'Expédition): A small amount of wine and sugar is added to replace the volume lost during disgorgement The winemaker uses the dosage to determine the sweetness level of the final wine Brut: dry; Demi-Sec: noticeably sweet The bottle is then sealed with a cork and secured with a wire cage to contain the pressure Examples of Traditional Method Sparkling Wines Champagne (France) Crémant (France) Cava (Spain) Sparkling wines from South Africa, California, Australia, and New Zealand Episode Highlights and Quotes "The traditional method is pure magic. How they discovered this and how wines are made in this way is absolutely remarkable to me. It is like fairy dust magic." "The lees laying down at the bottom of the bottle go through this process called yeast autolysis, where they develop rather gorgeous aromas and flavours. Your book describes it as biscuit and bread. My description is if you were walking into the pastry shop." "It took them some time to figure out the thickness level of the glass, and there was lots of drama, lots of explosions in the cellar, lost wine, and lost lives. Really sort of dramatic stuff." Quick Reference: The Traditional Method at a Glance Step What Happens Base wine Low alcohol still wine, often a blend of grapes, years, and plots Bottling Yeast and sugar added, sealed with a crown cap Second fermentation CO2 trapped in bottle creates bubbles; lees form Lees aging Yeast autolysis develops biscuit and pastry aromas Riddling Lees gradually moved into the neck by hand or Gyropallette Disgorgement Neck frozen, crown cap removed, frozen lees expelled Dosage Wine and sugar added to adjust sweetness and fill level Finishing Cork inserted and secured with wire cage Resources Mentioned WSET Summer Classics series newsletter quiz and essay questions at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle for exam practice: https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Coming Up Next The WSET Summer Classics series wraps up with this episode. Stay tuned for what is coming next on the Wine Educate Podcast. Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 121 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  120. Côte Rôtie, Condrieu & Château Grillet - Northern Rhône Part 1 | WSET Study Classics 16.07.2026 8Min.

  Episode 120: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu & Château Grillet - Northern Rhône Part 1 | WSET Study Classics Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 8:32 Release Date: July 16th, 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle The Northern Rhône and its key appellations appear on the WSET Level 2 syllabus, and understanding the grapes, styles, and wine laws of this region is essential exam preparation. The Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle includes practice questions modeled on the real exam format to help you test your knowledge before you sit. https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Episode Description This episode is part of the WSET Summer Classics series, revisiting foundational topics that feature prominently across the WSET curriculum. This week Joanne turns to the Northern Rhône, starting at the very top of the region with three appellations that are worth knowing well: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, and Château Grillet. The Northern Rhône is long, narrow, and steep, with vineyards carved into granite slopes above the Rhône River. It is the northernmost point where Syrah can ripen properly, and it is the ancestral home of Viognier. Joanne covers the geography and climate of the region, the characteristics of both grapes, and the specific rules and history of each appellation, including one of only two monopoles in all of France. This is part one of a two-part series on the Northern Rhône. Corresponding Level 2 quiz questions and a Level 3 essay question are available in the newsletter, and episode 81 covers the broader Rhône wine laws for additional context. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Northern Rhône at a Glance Location: approximately 20 miles south of Lyon, running about 45 miles north to south Steep terraced vineyards on the banks of the Rhône River, originally carved out by the Romans Climate: moderate continental, making this the northernmost area where Syrah can ripen reliably Vines in the Northern Rhône predate those of the Southern Rhône Key Grape Varieties Syrah: The only permitted red grape in the Northern Rhône Requires south and southeast facing slopes to ripen in this moderate continental climate Aided by reflected heat and light from the Rhône River Style: deeply colored, medium to high tannins, black fruit, pepper, and sometimes floral notes Viognier: The signature white grape of the Northern Rhône Full bodied, perfumed wines with aromas of blossom, apricot, and stone fruit Naturally low in acidity and high in alcohol, requiring careful timing at harvest Côte Rôtie The name means the roasted slope, a reference to the intense sunshine and heat the slopes receive Established as an appellation in 1940, now approximately 330 hectares under vine Long history of viticulture dating to Roman times, but severely declined after phylloxera The region was in danger of going extinct as growers turned to easier crops such as apricots Guigal is credited with reviving the region's reputation and putting it back on the map Red wines only, made from Syrah Up to 20% Viognier is permitted in the blend, though in practice producers typically use around 5% or less Viognier is co-fermented with the Syrah rather than blended after fermentation Viognier acts as a color stabilizer for Syrah and contributes aromatic complexity Condrieu Dedicated entirely to Viognier, producing white wines only Believed to be the birthplace of the Viognier grape Historically made in a sweeter style in the 17th and 18th centuries; today approximately 95% of production is dry Like Côte Rôtie, the region nearly disappeared in the 1960s and 1970s, falling to just 10 hectares planted Now has approximately 209 hectares under vine following a revival in interest Château Grillet One of only two monopoles in France, meaning the entire appellation is owned by a single producer Only 3.5 hectares in size Owned by the same family for many generations before being purchased in 2011 by the owner of Château Latour White wines only, made from Viognier The vineyard sits within a natural granite amphitheater that protects the vines from cold north winds and aids ripening Episode Highlights and Quotes "Côte Rôtie means the roasted slope, in reference to just how much sunshine these slopes get, and therefore generating heat." "Condrieu got down to only 10 hectares planted, which is wild to me. That's like a vineyard. That's nothing." "Viognier has some special principles in it that allows it to act as a color fixer for Syrah. It actually helps to stabilize the color and also produces a little bit of aromatics for the wine." Quick Reference: Northern Rhône Part 1 at a Glance Appellation Wine Style Grape(s) Size Key Facts Côte Rôtie Red only Syrah, up to 20% Viognier 330 hectares Co-fermentation of Syrah and Viognier permitted. Established 1940. Condrieu White only Viognier 209 hectares Believed birthplace of Viognier. Nearly extinct in the 1970s. Château Grillet White only Viognier 3.5 hectares One of two monopoles in France. Granite amphitheater site. Resources Mentioned Episode 81 of the Wine Educate Podcast: overview of Rhône wine laws Guigal: producer credited with reviving Côte Rôtie WSET Summer Classics newsletter quiz and essay questions at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle for exam practice: https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 120 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  119. The Wines of Valpolicella - Recioto, Amarone & Ripasso | WSET Study Classics 09.07.2026 12Min.

  Episode 119: The Wines of Valpolicella - Recioto, Amarone & Ripasso | WSET Study Classics Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 12:58 Release Date: July 9th, 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle Valpolicella and its appellations come up at both WSET Level 2 and Level 3, and the different styles and production methods are a common source of confusion on exam day. The Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle includes practice questions modeled on the real exam format to help you test your understanding of exactly these kinds of topics before you sit. https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Episode Description This episode is part of the WSET Summer Classics series, revisiting foundational topics that appear across all levels of WSET study. This week Joanne heads to the Veneto to untangle Valpolicella, one of the most misunderstood wine regions in Italy and one that shows up more heavily on WSET exams than many students expect. Most people have heard of Amarone. Fewer know that Amarone was essentially an accident, or that the wine it grew out of, Recioto della Valpolicella, has been made in this region since Roman times. Joanne walks through each style in order, from the lighter Valpolicella DOC through to the rich and complex Amarone, covering the appassimento drying process, the DOC and DOCG rules for each style, and how the Ripasso method produces what has become known as Baby Amarone. By the end of the episode the different appellations, production methods, and quality designations in Valpolicella should feel much less tangled. Corresponding Level 2 quiz questions and a Level 3 essay question are available in the newsletter. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Valpolicella Region Location: northeast Italy, in the Veneto, just outside Verona Valpolicella Classico starts at around 400 meters elevation, coming down from the foothills of the Lessini Mountains The name Valpolicella translates from Latin and Greek as the valley of many cellars Key Grape Varieties Corvina: the star grape, prized for its high acidity which is essential for the sweeter styles Supporting varieties: Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara Valpolicella DOC requires a minimum of 45 to 95% Corvina in the blend The Two Categories of Valpolicella Wine Wines made from healthy, non-dried grapes: Valpolicella DOC: light, dry, chillable red wines, formed in 1968 Valpolicella Classico DOC: wines from the historic, higher quality inner zone Wines made using the appassimento method (grapes partially dried after harvest): Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Valpolicella Ripasso DOC The Appassimento Method Appassimento refers to the method of partially drying healthy grapes after harvest No botrytis involved: this is not like Sauternes Traditionally grapes are laid on straw mats in covered outdoor shelters with open sides to allow air circulation Larger commercial producers use warehouses with industrial fans and dehumidifiers Grapes dry for approximately two to four months until at least December 1st Moisture is lost and sugar, acidity, and flavour are concentrated The appassimento method has been used in this region since Roman times Important distinction: appassimento is the drying method; passito is the wine made from dried grapes Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG The historic sweet wine of the region, predating Amarone Made using the appassimento method with high residual sugar retained Received DOC status in 1968, upgraded to DOCG in 2010 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Originally an accident: a batch of Recioto fermented to dryness, creating a dry wine from the same dried grapes The nickname for this event is Recioto Scappata, meaning escaped The name Amarone comes from amaro, referencing the pleasant bitter finish of the wine Produced commercially from the 1950s, rose to international fame in the 1980s DOCG rules: maximum 9g/L residual sugar, minimum 14% alcohol, aged for a minimum of two years, four years for Riserva Received its own DOC in 1990, awarded DOCG in 2009 Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Made by passing already-fermented Valpolicella wine over the leftover skins from Amarone production The skins still contain residual sugar and yeast, triggering a second fermentation The result sits stylistically between Valpolicella and Amarone, earning the nickname Baby Amarone Less expensive to produce than Amarone and often considered good value DOCG rules: must be re-fermented with Amarone or Recioto pomace, minimum alcohol 12.5%, aged for a minimum of one year Episode Highlights and Quotes "If I say Valpolicella, it may not make the bells and whistles go off. But if I say Amarone, I bet you say, oh yes, I know Amarone." "Amarone was a bit of a mistake. The wine that was supposed to be sweet fermented to dryness. And Amarone was born." "Ripasso has gained the nickname Baby Amarone. It is less expensive to make, and they can make a little more of it, so therefore can charge a little less, and it ends up being a bit of a bargain." Quick Reference: Valpolicella Appellations at a Glance Wine Style Method Status Key Rules Valpolicella DOC Light, dry red Fresh grapes DOC 1968 45-95% Corvina Valpolicella Classico DOC Light, dry red Fresh grapes DOC Historic inner zone Recioto della Valpolicella Sweet red Appassimento DOCG 2010 High residual sugar Amarone della Valpolicella Dry, rich red Appassimento DOCG 2009 Max 9g/L RS, min 14% abv, 2 years ageing Valpolicella Ripasso Medium-full dry red Ripasso over Amarone skins DOC Min 12.5% abv, 1 year ageing Resources Mentioned Episode 74 of the Wine Educate Podcast (original Valpolicella episode) WSET Summer Classics series newsletter quiz and essay questions at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle for exam practice: https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 119 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  118. Bordeaux - Left Bank, Right Bank & Bordeaux AOCs | WSET Study Classics 02.07.2026 9Min.

  Episode 118: Bordeaux - Left Bank, Right Bank & Bordeaux AOCs | WSET Study Classics Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:16 Release Date: July 2nd 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Throughout July, we're revisiting some of the most important wine regions and concepts in the WSET curriculum. Each episode is paired with quizzes, study tips, and, where appropriate, essay practice delivered in the Wine Educate newsletter. Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle Studying for WSET Level 2? Our Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle includes three complete practice exams with 150 multiple-choice questions designed to help you prepare with confidence. It's an excellent way to test your knowledge before exam day. https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Episode Description Bordeaux is one of the world's most influential wine regions and an essential topic for WSET Level 2 students. In this Summer Classics episode, Joanne explains the geography, climate, grape varieties, and appellation system that make Bordeaux unique. You'll learn why Merlot dominates the Right Bank, why Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on the Left Bank, how the region's rivers shape wine styles, and which appellations you should know for your exam. Along the way, Joanne also shares the surprising impact the movie Sideways had on Merlot's reputation and explains why Bordeaux remains one of the most important wine regions to understand. What You'll Learn in This Episode Bordeaux Geography Why Bordeaux has a moderate maritime climate The importance of the Atlantic Ocean The Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers Understanding the Left Bank, Right Bank, and Entre-deux-Mers Bordeaux's Major Grape Varieties Why Merlot is Bordeaux's most planted grape Why Cabernet Sauvignon performs better on the Left Bank The influence of soil type on grape variety selection Merlot versus Cabernet Sauvignon in blends Bordeaux White Wines Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon Dry white Bordeaux Sweet white Bordeaux wines Important Bordeaux Appellations Left Bank Médoc Haut-Médoc Margaux Pauillac Graves Pessac-Léognan Right Bank Pomerol Saint-Émilion Regional Appellations Bordeaux AOC Bordeaux Supérieur AOC Bordeaux Wine Law What "Château" legally means on a wine label The 1855 Cru Classé Classification Cru Bourgeois Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Episode Highlights and Quotes "Merlot is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux." "Gravel does two things. It drains water quickly, and it stores heat, helping Cabernet Sauvignon ripen." "Who needs true crime when you've got the drama of the Bordeaux wine classifications?" Quick Study Guide: Bordeaux Climate Moderate maritime Main Red Grapes Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Main White Grapes Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon Left Bank Gravel soils Cabernet Sauvignon dominant Right Bank Clay and sandy clay soils Merlot dominant Major Rivers Garonne Dordogne Gironde Key Appellations for WSET Level 2 Bordeaux AOC Bordeaux Supérieur AOC Médoc Haut-Médoc Margaux Pauillac Graves Pessac-Léognan Pomerol Saint-Émilion Resources Mentioned Bordeaux wine region The movie Sideways Château Cheval Blanc WSET Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Coming Up Next Episode 119: Valpolicella, Amarone & Recioto Next week, we'll head to northeastern Italy to explore Valpolicella, including Amarone della Valpolicella, Recioto, Ripasso, and the winemaking techniques that make these wines unique. Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a fellow wine lover or WSET student. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education approachable and practical, helping students and wine enthusiasts build confidence one episode at a time. Episode 118 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2026 Wine Educate
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  117. Why You Can't Buy Spanish Wine at a French Supermarket - The Wine Wars of the Languedoc 25.06.2026 10Min.

  Episode 117: Why You Can't Buy Spanish Wine at a French Supermarket - The Wine Wars of the Languedoc Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10:50 Release Date: June 25th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description Joanne heads into Narbonne to do a grocery run at the local Carrefour and comes back with a story. Two full aisles of wine, almost entirely French, overwhelmingly local, and not a single bottle of Rioja, Barolo, or Albariño in sight. This episode is about why that is, and the surprisingly dramatic history behind it. The Languedoc produces around a third of all wine made in France, and local growers have fought hard to protect that. Joanne traces the story back to 1907, when hundreds of thousands of producers took to the streets of Narbonne and Béziers to protest collapsing prices and rampant fraud. What followed was more than a century of unrest, culminating in the Wine Wars of the 1970s through 1990s and right up to recent protests in 2023 and 2024 that involved stopped tanker trucks, smashed cases, dumped wine on highways, and tractors blocking motorways. It is a genuinely fascinating piece of wine history that also happens to explain a lot about the regional pride you feel when you are here, and why the wine aisle at a French supermarket looks nothing like the one back home. What You'll Learn in This Episode Buying Wine in the South of France What the wine selection actually looks like at a major French supermarket Why over 95% of wines available are French, with around 85% being local Languedoc and Roussillon wines Why Champagne is the one exception and why the Champagne aisle in a French supermarket tends to be exceptional Where to source non-French wines if you need them for a WSET Level 2 class in the region The History of the Wine Wars The 1907 protests in the Narbonne and Béziers area, when hundreds of thousands of growers demonstrated against price collapse and wine fraud How fraudulent labeling, with wines from other regions being sold as Languedoc, undermined local producers The pattern of continued unrest through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, including the targeting of imported wine shipments from Spain The 2023 attack near the Spanish border when growers stopped trucks, smashed cases, and poured wine onto the highway The 2024 tractor protests, when farmers blocked highways and dumped manure outside government offices to demand protection for local wine Why the Languedoc Is Worth Protecting The Languedoc produces approximately one third of all wine made in France The sheer variety and quality available at all price points means there is genuinely no need to import cheaper wine from neighboring countries The local pride that runs through everything from the supermarket shelf to the family vineyard Episode Highlights and Quotes "Languedoc makes about a third of all the wines in France. There's plenty of wine to choose from at all price points, so there's no need to truck in inexpensive Spanish wine that's gonna act as a competitor and potentially put you and your cousin out of business." "When you're mad and you're a farmer, you gotta work with what you got. Well, you've got a tractor." "To see a whole aisle and a half full of Languedoc appellation wines makes me pretty excited. I kind of really love it." Quick Reference: The Wine Wars Timeline Year Event 1907 Mass protests in Narbonne and Béziers over price collapse and wine fraud. Troops sent in. Lives lost. 1970s to 1990s Ongoing Wine Wars. Imported Spanish wine tankers stopped and emptied onto roads. Retailers pressured to support local producers. 2023 Growers near the Spanish border stop trucks, smash cases, and pour wine onto the highway. 2024 Tractor protests block highways. Manure dumped outside government offices. Rotten produce and grape marc left outside supermarkets. Resources Mentioned Carrefour supermarket, Narbonne Cave a Manger, Narbonne (restaurant mentioned in episode 116) Fête de la Musique, the French summer solstice music festival Languedoc, Roussillon, and surrounding appellations Wine and Pilates Retreat (upcoming trip) Spring 2027 trips: https://www.wineeducate.com/trips Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 117 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  116. A Day in the Life on the WSET Level 2 Trip in the South of France 18.06.2026 9Min.

  Episode 116: A Day in the Life on the WSET Level 2 Trip in the South of France Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:15 Release Date: June 18th Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle If you are considering joining a future WSET Level 2 trip, or are studying for your Level 2 exam right now, the Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle is a helpful way to test your knowledge before exam day. It includes practice questions modeled on the real exam format so you can study with confidence. https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Episode Description Still recording from her hideaway cottage at Chateau Camplazens, Joanne takes a break from wine theory this week to give listeners a real look at what it is like to join the WSET Level 2 trip in the south of France. With 13 travelers just arrived and the Languedoc Food and Wine Experience wrapped up the week before, Joanne walks through an actual day on the trip, start to finish. From an early morning walk through the vines, to a classroom session overlooking the vineyards, to a relaxed lunch followed by siesta time during the hottest part of the day, Joanne covers the rhythm of a typical day and why it is built around the Mediterranean climate rather than against it. She also talks about group size, the kinds of conversations that come up during tastings, and where the group heads for dinner in Narbonne. It is part travelogue, part practical preview for anyone considering joining a future trip, and a good sense of what makes studying for WSET Level 2 in the vineyards itself such a different experience than studying from a book at home. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Daily Rhythm of the Level 2 Trip Why the day starts early with a walk through the vines before the heat sets in What topics come up during the vineyard walk, including canopy management, frost risk, and old vine Carignan Why the classroom session happens mid-morning, before temperatures peak Why lunch is kept light and casual, with cheese, charcuterie, and crudité, to allow for siesta time afterward Why siesta time is built into the schedule rather than treated as optional downtime Group Size and Format Why Level 2 trips are kept to a maximum of 14 students Why this group size allows for a lively tasting discussion without feeling crowded How everyone tastes the same bottle together during the session Trip Options The summer trip format, run over five days and based at the family vineyard The spring trip format, run over a slightly longer period with a hotel base in Narbonne How the spring format allows more free time to explore Narbonne itself 2027 summer trip dates to be announced in the coming weeks Evening Plans Why dinner is a proper sit-down, three-course meal in an air-conditioned restaurant in Narbonne A visit to Cave a Manger, a wine shop turned restaurant with a wine cellar guests can browse before dinner Episode Highlights and Quotes "Certain concepts really hit home when you're in the situation." "We keep our trips at 14 people for the Level 2 trip. It's enough people that there are many interesting voices in the tasting discussion, but not too many that things get crowded and people don't feel like they have a chance to speak up." Quick Reference: WSET Level 2 Trip Formats Trip Format Length Base Best For Summer Trip 5 days Family vineyard at Chateau Camplazens A more immersive, vineyard-based experience Spring Trip 7 days Hotel in Narbonne More free time to explore Narbonne itself Resources Mentioned Chateau Camplazens, the family vineyard in the Languedoc Cave a Manger, a wine shop and restaurant in Narbonne Fred, the Syrah grape bunch being followed weekly in the newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle for exam practice: https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 116 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  115. What Is Terroir? Breaking Down Wine's Most Untranslatable Word 12.06.2026 9Min.

  Episode 115: What Is Terroir? Breaking Down Wine's Most Untranslatable Word Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:37 Release Date: June 11th Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle If terroir and how climate, soil, and site come together to shape a wine's character is the kind of topic that makes you want extra practice before exam day, the Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle is built for exactly that. It includes practice questions modeled on the real WSET Level 2 exam format, helping you test your understanding of these foundational concepts before you sit the real thing. https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Episode Description Joanne is recording this episode from a tiny stone cottage at the top of a mountain in the south of France, and the setting could not be more fitting. This week she tackles terroir, a word every wine student encounters early on but one that resists a single tidy definition. Rather than offering a textbook answer, Joanne breaks the concept down into its parts and walks through how each one shows up in a glass of wine. She covers the building blocks of terroir, including climate, soil composition, topography, aspect, and the human decisions that go into farming a vineyard. She also touches on how France's appellation system is really a reflection of terroir, and how newer wine regions like the United States are still discovering and defining their own. Using her current surroundings in the Languedoc as a live example, Joanne talks through the wind, the limestone soil, the wild herbs of the garrigue, and how all of it ends up reflected in the wines made from this specific patch of land. It is a grounded, personal take on a concept that can otherwise feel abstract. What You'll Learn in This Episode What Terroir Actually Means Why there is no direct English translation for the French word terroir How terroir refers to the combination of factors that create a wine's unique sense of place Why terroir is not one single thing, but many factors working together The Components of Terroir Climate, including rainfall, sunshine, and wind Soil composition, drainage, and color, including how dark soils like the galets of Châteauneuf-du-Pape retain and reflect heat Topography and aspect, including elevation and proximity to rivers or the sea Vine training methods and vine density Grape variety selection and vineyard decisions Terroir and the Appellation System How France's appellation system reflects recognized terroir over centuries How appellations get more specific moving from a broad region down to individual sites, using Burgundy, the Côte d'Or, Pommard, and Volnay as an example How newer wine regions are still in the process of identifying their best sites Terroir Beyond Wine How the concept of terroir also applies to cheese, tea, honey, and single malt scotch New research into soil microbiomes and how they may influence the resulting style of wine Terroir in Practice: La Clape and the Languedoc How wind, including the mistral and tramontane, shapes the vineyards of this region How calcium-rich limestone soil and water reflect in the minerality of local wines How the garrigue, with its wild lavender, rosemary, and herbs, contributes to the aromatic character of wines from this area Episode Highlights and Quotes "Terroir is poetry, and it is a combination of all the parts of a unique part in the world and the wine that it makes." "One big important factor about terroir is that it cannot be replicated. You could try to take the same grape in the same climate, planting it on the same soil, aspect, elevation, all those things, and you may get something similar, but you're not going to get a replication of this specific wine." "If you were doing your WSET studies, you could be nodding your head right now, because those first few chapters of that level three book essentially talk about these components that go into terroir." Quick Reference: The Components of Terroir Component What It Includes Climate Temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours, wind Soil Composition, drainage, color, nutrient content Topography Aspect, elevation, proximity to water Viticulture Vine training, vine density, farming decisions Grape Variety Which grapes are planted and why Resources Mentioned Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its galet stones AOC Burgundy, the Côte d'Or, Pommard, and Volnay as examples of appellation specificity La Clape, the wine region near Joanne's location in the Languedoc WSET Level 3 textbook, early chapters on terroir Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle for practice ahead of the WSET Level 2 exam: https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 115 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  114. Banyuls and Collioure - France's Southernmost Wine Region 04.06.2026 12Min.

  Episode 114: Banyuls and Collioure - France's Southernmost Wine Region Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 12:25 Release Date: June 4th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description Tucked into the very southern tip of France, just a stone's throw from the Spanish border, Banyuls and Collioure are two of the most dramatically beautiful wine regions in the country. The Pyrenees plunge straight into the Mediterranean here, creating steep terraced vineyards above a brilliant blue sea. In this episode, Joanne explores what makes this corner of French Catalonia so special - the landscape, the history, the anchovies, and the wine. The town of Collioure has been drawing artists for over a century - Matisse, Picasso, and many others were captivated by its light and color. The Hotel des Templiers, where artists once traded paintings for a bed, is a living gallery tucked into a seaside cafe. Joanne shares why this little town is one of her favorite stops on the Languedoc Food and Wine Experience tour, and why visitors always wish they had more time there. Then there is Banyuls itself - one of France's oldest vins doux naturels, a fortified wine made from Grenache that has been shipped from this port town for centuries. Joanne walks through how it is made, how it is aged - including those striking glass demijohns left out in full sun - and why it is one of the rare wines that actually works with chocolate. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Côte Vermeille Where to find it: the southernmost tip of France, bordering Spain in French Catalonia About two hours by car from Barcelona, or two and a half hours by train Dramatic landscape where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean Steep terraced vineyards that are spectacular but challenging to farm Collioure the Town A picturesque Catalan fishing village famous for its colorful houses, beach, and restaurants A historic magnet for impressionist artists including Henri Matisse (who visited in 1905) and Picasso Hotel des Templiers - a cafe and hotel lined with thousands of artworks traded by artists for accommodation Home to two major anchovy houses: Maison Roque and Anchois Desclaux Annual anchovy festival held each year on June 6th and 7th The Wine Appellations The region is effectively one vineyard with two appellations Collioure AOC covers the red, rosé, and white still wines Banyuls AOC covers the fortified wines Banyuls Grand Cru requires a minimum of 75% Grenache Noir in the blend Other permitted grapes include Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Syrah The Soils and Climate Dark schist slopes with excellent drainage The dark soil absorbs and radiates heat back up into the vines, encouraging extra ripening A warm Mediterranean climate that historically made fortification a practical solution for wine transport by sea The Three Grenaches Grenache Noir dominates both appellations Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris are also grown in the region Grenache's ability to ripen fully and produce high sugar levels makes it well suited to the fortification process How Banyuls Is Made A vin doux naturel: fermentation begins, then grape spirit is added to stop it The alcohol rises above the threshold yeast can survive, leaving residual sweetness Similar in process to Port Oxidative Aging Wines are aged in large glass demijohns left out in full sun, or in large oak casks This intentional exposure to heat and oxygen builds an oxidative character in the wine Tasting notes include fig, prune, dried fruit, cocoa, coffee, caramel, walnut, spice, and Mediterranean herbs Older Banyuls can resemble a cross between Tawny Port and Madeira while retaining Grenache character Serving and Pairing Banyuls Serve at 13 to 16 degrees Celsius - slightly above lightly chilled Use a small glass given the higher alcohol content Store in the fridge; bring out and allow to warm slightly in the glass before drinking A natural match for chocolate - one of the rare wines where this pairing genuinely works Suitable as a dessert wine or on its own Most bottles sell for approximately 25 to 50 dollars Episode Highlights and Quotes "To sit in this room surrounded by all these impressionist paintings, knowing that Picasso and Matisse and all these folks used to sit there, drink lots of little glasses and talk about art - can make an art history student like me a little giddy." "I like to call it a tale of three Grenaches - Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and Grenache Noir all grown in this region." "In the wine world, we're always trying to pair chocolate with red wine, and honestly, because red wine is dry and chocolate is sweet, this often doesn't work as well as it should. But when it comes to Banyuls, chocolate is a natural pairing." Quick Reference: Banyuls at a Glance Feature Detail Region Côte Vermeille, Roussillon, southern France Style Fortified sweet wine (vin doux naturel) Primary Grape Grenache Noir Grand Cru Requirement Minimum 75% Grenache Noir Aging Style Oxidative - demijohns or large oak casks Serving Temperature 13-16°C (slightly above lightly chilled) Price Range Approximately $25-$50 per bottle WSET Coverage Not covered at Level 2 or Level 3 Best Pairing Chocolate, dried fruit, after dinner Resources Mentioned Hotel des Templiers, Collioure Maison Roque (anchovy house, Collioure) Anchois Desclaux (anchovy house, Collioure) Collioure Anchovy Festival - held annually June 6th and 7th Banyuls AOC and Banyuls Grand Cru AOC Collioure AOC (red, rosé, and white still wines) Coming Up Next Joanne will be recording from France over the coming weeks as the Languedoc Food and Wine Experience tour gets underway. Follow along with photos and updates via the newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 114 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  113. True Wine Crime - The Rudy Kurniawan Story 28.05.2026 13Min.

  Episode 113: True Wine Crime - The Rudy Kurniawan Story Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 13:53 Release Date: May 28th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description The fourth installment of the True Wine Crime series tackles one of the most infamous fraud cases in wine history - the story of Rudy Kurniawan, a young Indonesian-born wine obsessive who infiltrated the elite world of Burgundy collecting in the early 2000s and spent years selling meticulously forged bottles to some of the wealthiest collectors in the world. What makes this story so compelling is not just the scale of the fraud - though it was enormous - but the world that made it possible. Fine wine prices were exploding, auction rooms were packed with hedge fund managers and Hollywood elites competing for rare bottles, and trust was built on generosity and shared obsession rather than due diligence. Rudy understood that world better than almost anyone, and he used that understanding to his advantage. Joanne walks through the rise and fall of Dr. Conti, as Rudy became known, from his lavish tasting parties and millions spent at auction to the cracks that started to appear when Burgundy producers noticed bottles that should not exist. She also reflects on what Rudy's story says about the wine world that enabled him - and on the strange postscript that has followed his release and deportation. What You'll Learn in This Episode The World That Made the Fraud Possible How fine wine prices exploded in the late 1990s and 2000s, with bottles from producers like Domaine de la Romanee-Conti going from a few thousand dollars to $20,000, $50,000 and beyond How auction houses like Acker Merrall turned wine buying into a competitive, status-driven spectacle Why wealthy collectors - hedge fund managers, tech entrepreneurs, Hollywood elites - were buying wine as a status symbol as much as a passion Who Rudy Kurniawan Was Rudy's background: born in Jakarta in 1976, from a wealthy Indonesian Chinese family with deep ties to major banking fraud scandals How Rudy came to the US on a student visa, applied for political asylum, was denied, and stayed anyway - meaning the entire fraud took place while he was in the country illegally How he built trust and reputation through lavish wine parties, opening bottles most collectors would never dream of touching, and spending millions at auction each month How the Fraud Worked How Rudy collected empty bottles at the end of tastings, bringing home the labels, capsules and corks of the world's rarest wines How his genuine knowledge of Burgundy and exceptional palate allowed him to create convincing blends to refill those bottles Why the fraud worked for so long - the auction houses were making money, the collectors were getting access to wines they wanted, and nobody was asking hard questions How It Unravelled How Burgundy producers began noticing bottles that were historically impossible - vintages that never existed, magnum formats produced in numbers that didn't add up The moment in 2008 when producer Laurent Ponsot attended an auction in person and immediately identified fraud, forcing the auction house to pull the wines The FBI investigation that followed and the raid on Rudy's California home, which revealed a full-scale counterfeiting operation with thousands of labels, corks, bottles and blending materials The Verdict and the Aftermath Rudy's conviction in 2013 for fraud and counterfeiting, and his 10-year federal prison sentence His release in 2020 and immediate deportation to Indonesia The strange postscript: reports that Rudy is now creating counterfeits again in Indonesia, this time openly and by commission for wealthy clients Episode Highlights and Quotes "He would open multiple bottles like that on a night, inviting the top collectors and wine folks of the day. And he began to get this reputation and earned the nickname Dr. Conti because of his obsession with the DRC wines." "The fraud worked because everybody benefited. The collectors got access to the wines they desperately wanted. The auction houses were making a ton of money. And people weren't questioning this because it was benefiting everyone. Until it wasn't." "I think he clearly thinks of himself as an artist, as a master blender. It's a way to showcase this remarkable palate that he does have. Had this fraud not happened, he might have become a respected collector, a merchant, or a critic. But instead he used all this knowledge to deceive the whole world he clearly loved being a part of. And to me, that's really tragic." Key Facts: The Rudy Kurniawan Case Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, 1976 Arrived in the US on a student visa; political asylum denied; remained in the country illegally throughout the fraud Known in collector circles as "Dr. Conti" for his obsession with Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Spent millions of dollars per month at auction during the height of his activity Arrested by the FBI in 2012 at his home in California Convicted in 2013 of fraud and counterfeiting Sentenced to 10 years in federal prison; served 7 years Released in 2020 and immediately deported to Indonesia Resources Mentioned Sour Grapes - documentary film about the Rudy Kurniawan case, available to stream Domaine de la Romanee-Conti (DRC) - the Burgundy producer most associated with Rudy's fraud Acker Merrall - the auction house at the centre of the fine wine market during this period Laurent Ponsot - the Burgundy producer who attended an auction in person in 2008 and identified fraudulent bottles, forcing their removal Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 113 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  112. True Wine Crime - The Austrian Antifreeze Scandal 21.05.2026 12Min.

  Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 12:14 Release Date: May 21st 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description In the third installment of the True Wine Crime series, Joanne Close digs into one of the most notorious wine fraud scandals in history - the 1985 Austrian wine adulteration scandal, widely known as the antifreeze scandal. While the headline was sensational, the full story is more nuanced, and ultimately more interesting, than it first appears. At the heart of the scandal was a chemical called diethylene glycol (DEG), used in antifreeze but not antifreeze itself, added to wines to mimic the rich body and sweetness of expensive Prädikat-style wines. With high consumer demand for these luxury styles and limited supply, a chemist-turned-consultant named Otto Nadraschi advised producers that a little DEG was a harmless fix. Millions of bottles later, routine lab testing in a German supermarket brought the whole thing crashing down. The fallout was severe - Austrian wine exports collapsed by roughly 90% overnight - but the scandal set the stage for a complete industry overhaul. Austria now operates under some of the tightest wine regulations in Europe and has rebuilt a well-deserved reputation for premium wines. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Chemistry Behind the Fraud What diethylene glycol (DEG) actually is and why it was chosen How DEG mimicked the body and sweetness of late-harvest wines Why simply adding sugar wasn't enough to replicate the desired mouthfeel The Prädikat Wine Market in the 1980s What Prädikat wines are: Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese Why German consumers were driving demand for rich, sweet wine styles The economics of genuine Botrytis production and why it created a supply gap Burgenland's reputation for Welschriesling Beerenauslese How the Fraud Spread The role of chemist and consultant Otto Nadraschi in normalizing the practice Why producers, merchants, and consultants all became implicated How bulk blending and cross-border bottling in Western Germany scaled the fraud The food industry culture of the 1970s and 80s that helped rationalize additive use Detection and Consequences How routine quality control testing in a German supermarket uncovered the scandal in June 1985 The health effects - and the one bottle with potentially lethal DEG levels Prison sentences, fines, and winery closures in both Austria and Germany The 90% collapse in Austrian wine exports and global reputational damage "Glycol" being named word of the year in Western Germany in 1985 Austria's Redemption How the scandal triggered a complete overhaul of Austrian wine law Why Austria now has some of the tightest wine regulations in Europe The country's current reputation for premium wines A Broader Reflection Legal wine additives used globally today that affect body and mouthfeel A prompt to think critically about what is and isn't permitted in modern winemaking Episode Highlights and Quotes "The real punishment got dealt to the reputation of Austrian wines. Wine exports from Austria collapsed overnight - roughly ninety percent were ended." "Small quantities were used. Some believed it was harmless, and the fraud ended up being rationalized as a technical correction - just giving people what they want." "I would just take a little pause and think about what is allowed in modern-day wines still. Food for thought." Key Wine Terms Referenced DEG (Diethylene Glycol) - A chemical compound used in antifreeze that was illegally added to wines for body and sweetness Prädikat wines - The highest quality tier in the German/Austrian classification system, including Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese Botrytis - Noble rot, a fungal condition that concentrates sugars in grapes to produce genuine late-harvest wines Welschriesling - A white grape variety grown in Burgenland, Austria, used to produce renowned Beerenauslese wines Burgenland - Austrian wine region known for reliably producing Botrytis-affected wines Resources Mentioned Rüster Auslese - the wine in which DEG was first detected during routine lab testing in June 1985 Welschriesling Beerenauslese - the style most associated with the fraud The Simpsons, Season One - a parody episode referencing the glycol scandal wineeducate.com - Wine Educate website for newsletter sign-up and course information Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 112 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  111. True Wine Crime - The DRC Blackmail Scandal 14.05.2026 10Min.

  Episode 111: True Wine Crime - The DRC Blackmail Scandal Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10:53 Release Date: May 14th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description In this episode Joanne dives into one of the most audacious crimes in wine history - the blackmail attempt against Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Burgundy's most legendary and sought-after estate. In January 2010, the director of DRC received an anonymous package at his home containing a hand-drawn map of the vineyard with specific vines marked for destruction. It was the beginning of a criminal scheme that would shake the entire wine world. What followed was a story involving poisoned vines, a hidden bunker in the woods, fake ransom money, a graveyard sting operation, and questions that were never fully answered. Joanne walks through the full story from the initial threat to the arrest, and explains why this crime hit Burgundy so much harder than a stolen bottle or a counterfeit label ever could. The episode also looks at the broader implications - what the crime revealed about the vulnerability of irreplaceable old vines, why the fear spread beyond DRC to other elite estates, and what the wine world did in its aftermath to try to protect vineyards that are, by their very nature, wide open farming land. What You'll Learn in This Episode What Makes DRC So Significant Why Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is considered the Holy Grail of Burgundy The scale of the estate - just 4.46 acres producing roughly 500 cases a year The other grand cru vineyards DRC farms beyond Romanée-Conti itself How rarity, history, and terroir combine to make these wines almost impossible to obtain The Crime - How It Unfolded The anonymous packages received by then-director Aubert de Villaine in January 2010 How the threat was delivered and what the blackmailer demanded - 1 million euros The discovery that vines had already been drilled and injected with herbicide Why roughly 80 additional vine sites were found to have been targeted Why This Attack Was Different The difference between stealing or faking wine and attacking the living source of it Why old vines cannot simply be replaced and what is lost when one dies The concept of attacking terroir itself - what that means in Burgundy How this crime opened the door to a fear that had not previously existed Jacques Soltys - The Man Behind the Scheme His background in the wine world and criminal history The hidden bunker he built in the woods above the vineyards The evidence found - tools, vineyard clothing, syringes, weed killer, and a handgun The involvement of his son Cédric as an accomplice The sting operation in a cemetery using fake banknotes Why so many questions were left unanswered The Aftermath How the crime shook Burgundy's sense of security The security measures that followed - and their limitations Why DRC was not the only estate targeted Joanne's comparison to the Tylenol tamper scandal and what it changed Episode Highlights and Quotes "If someone is to invite you to a DRC tasting, you run, don't walk. Go and taste all the things." "This was not like a bottle was faked or a case of wine was stolen. This attack was happening on the vine itself, at the very place where the wine comes from. And in Burgundy, this is an attack on the terroir itself." "Now, as de Villaine said, this was like - in the air. It felt like the door had been opened so that others could do this as well." The DRC Estate at a Glance Romanée-Conti vineyard Size: 4.46 acres (1.8 hectares) Annual production: approximately 500 cases Location: Côte d'Or, Burgundy Other grand cru vineyards farmed by DRC La Tâche Richebourg Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grands Échezeaux Échezeaux Montrachet Resources Mentioned Shadows in the Vineyard: The True Story of the Plot to Poison the World's Greatest Wine by Maximillian Potter - the full account of the DRC blackmail scandal and its investigation Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 111 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  110. True Wine Crime - Counterfeit Yellow Tail and the Global Fake Wine Trade 07.05.2026 13Min.

  Episode 110: True Wine Crime - Counterfeit Yellow Tail and the Global Fake Wine Trade Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 13 minutes 10 seconds Release Date: May 7th 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description Wine fraud is not just about rare bottles and billionaire collectors. This episode kicks off the True Wine Crime series that newsletter subscribers voted for, and Joanne starts with a story that is equal parts fascinating and unsettling: the global counterfeiting of Yellow Tail, one of the most recognisable wine brands in the world. Yellow Tail was never trying to be anything other than what it is. An everyday, fruit-forward, widely exported Australian wine that twelve million cases of are sold annually across more than fifty countries. It is precisely those qualities, the brand recognition, the accessible price point, the easy-to-replicate style, that made it such an attractive target. When China imposed a 218% tariff on Australian wine in 2020 and exports dropped by over 90% between 2021 and 2023, organised criminal networks spotted a gap in the market and moved into it quickly and efficiently. Joanne walks through the economics of the fraud in detail, from the cost of bulk wine and fake packaging through to the profit margins per bottle and the scale of production across multiple warehouses. She also covers how the counterfeiting spread from China to the UK, how it was eventually detected, and what Yellow Tail has done in response. The lesson at the end of this episode applies well beyond the brand at the centre of it. What You'll Learn in This Episode What Yellow Tail Is and Why It Matters How Yellow Tail was created by the Casella family in Australia in the early 2000s Why it was built for export and never intended to be a premium terroir-driven wine The scale of the brand: twelve million cases annually, sold in over fifty countries Where Yellow Tail is produced: Australia's South East zone, specifically the Riverina region, warm irrigated high-yield vineyards producing high-volume everyday wines The China Tariff and the Gap It Created Why China accounted for approximately 40% of Australia's wine export value at its peak How a 218% tariff imposed by China made Australian wine effectively uncompetitive overnight The scale of the collapse: exports dropped over 90% between 2021 and 2023 Why high brand recognition combined with sudden scarcity created a significant counterfeiting opportunity How the Counterfeit Operation Worked Why organised criminal networks already experienced in counterfeiting luxury goods, spirits, and cosmetics were well positioned to pivot to wine The scale of the operation: large warehouse facilities with bottling lines, labelling stations, and teams of workers producing thousands of bottles Why Yellow Tail was an ideal target: globally recognised brand, easy-to-replicate style, low-end price point reducing consumer suspicion The Economics of the Fraud Bulk wine cost: approximately 50 cents to one dollar per bottle Packaging cost: approximately one to two dollars per bottle for fake bottle, label, and cork Total cost per bottle: two to three dollars Resale price: approximately eight to twelve dollars per bottle Estimated profit per bottle: five to nine dollars At 50,000 bottles: estimated profit of 250,000 to 450,000 dollars Multiple production sites running simultaneously: millions of dollars annually How Far It Spread The fraud was not isolated to China UK incidents: Birmingham in February 2021 and a larger operation in May 2025 The 2025 UK case: one criminal network invested 500,000 pounds in high-quality printers and label replication Coordinated operations across Asia and Europe Tens of thousands of bottles seized in raids, likely representing a fraction of total production How It Was Detected and What Happened Next Packaging inconsistencies, quality complaints, and supply chain irregularities flagged by authorities Wine retailers knowingly selling counterfeit bottles losing their licences Yellow Tail's response: a brand rebrand specifically designed to tighten labelling and make replication harder The broader lesson: fraud is driven by volume and low detection risk, not by the prestige of the wine being faked Episode Highlights and Quotes "Yellow Tail was never intended to be a high-end, super fancy, terroir-driven wine. It was built for export. It is an everyday wine and it is not pretending to be anything it is not." "If you are going to make money it is driven by volume and low detection risk. The bigger the brand, the more trusted it is, the more global presence it has, the bigger target it is." "I would not be surprised if there are other examples of this right now sitting on our grocery store shelves. Buyer beware." True Wine Crime Quick Reference: The Yellow Tail Fraud Key Facts Brand: Yellow Tail, Casella Family Wines, Australia Annual production: approximately 12 million cases Regions: South East Australia zone, primarily Riverina Tariff imposed by China: 218% from 2020 Export drop: over 90% between 2021 and 2023 Tariffs removed: 2024 Why Yellow Tail Was Targeted Globally recognised brand with high consumer trust Easy-to-replicate everyday wine style Low price point reduces consumer suspicion Sudden scarcity in China despite continued brand recognition Profit Breakdown per Bottle Production cost: 2 to 3 dollars Resale price: 8 to 12 dollars Profit per bottle: 5 to 9 dollars Profit at 50,000 bottles: 250,000 to 450,000 dollars Where It Spread China, United Kingdom, coordinated networks across Asia and Europe Coming Up Next The True Wine Crime series continues with more stories from the shadier side of the wine world. Make sure you are on the newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter so you do not miss the next episode. Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 110 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  109. Cork Taint Explained - What Corked Wine Actually Means and How to Identify It 30.04.2026 12Min.

  Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 13 minutes 12 seconds Release Date: April 30, 2025 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description Cork taint is one of those wine faults that everyone has heard of but very few people can confidently identify. In this episode Joanne finally tackles a topic she has been putting off covering, and it turns out to be one of the most practically useful episodes she has recorded. Whether you are a WSET student who needs to know this for your exam or simply someone who wants to know what to do when a bottle does not smell right, this episode gives you everything you need. Joanne starts by clearing up the most common misconception, which is the difference between a wine that has bits of cork floating in it and a wine that is genuinely corked. From there she walks through the chemistry of TCA, what it smells like, why some people detect it more easily than others, and exactly what to do if you suspect you have a bad bottle. She also covers where TCA comes from, why it is not just a cork problem, and what the wine industry has done over the past few decades to reduce its occurrence. This is also one of those episodes where Joanne's practical storytelling is at its best. You will hear about her parents' kitchen cabinet, baby carrots cleaned with bleach, a winery that lost an entire vat of wine to TCA contamination, and a surprisingly useful tip about what to do with a corked bottle if you cannot return it. What You'll Learn in This Episode What Corked Actually Means The difference between bits of cork in your glass and a wine that is genuinely corked Why finding cork fragments in your wine does not affect the taste and what to do about it Why the term corked refers specifically to TCA contamination and nothing else Understanding TCA What TCA stands for and why we use the abbreviation How TCA is described in the WSET textbook and why you need to know it for your exam The key aromas associated with TCA - wet cardboard, damp basement, wet dog, mouldy newspaper, and autumnal notes Why the amount of TCA in a wine can vary from obvious to extremely subtle Why a subtly corked wine can be particularly damaging because it dulls fruit aromas without being immediately obvious Why some people detect cork taint more easily than others and why this is completely normal How Sensitive Is Your Nose Why the detection threshold for TCA is measured in parts per trillion How to put that sensitivity into context - one second in 32,000 years, or a few drops in an Olympic swimming pool Why CO2 in sparkling wines makes TCA easier to detect Where TCA Comes From Why TCA needs phenols plus chlorine to form Why natural cork is the most common source but not the only one How wood pallets, barrels, and even the architecture of a winery can harbour TCA Why wineries avoid bleach-based cleaning products The banned chlorophenol fungicide once used on cork trees and why its residues are still causing problems decades later Why TCA is not limited to wine, with examples from carrots and kitchen cabinets What to Do with a Corked Bottle Why leaving the wine in the glass for a while will make the fault more obvious rather than less Whether you can cook with a corked wine and what David Bird says about it How to return a corked bottle to the retailer and what happens next in the supply chain How to find a corked bottle to smell for reference at your local wine shop Why a corked bottle in a case does not mean the whole case is affected Episode Highlights and Quotes "If the wine doesn't taste like it did last time, it can just dampen or dull the fruit aromas and flavors just a little bit. And I think this can be perhaps sometimes the most damaging to a wine." "The threshold is in parts per trillion. To put this into perspective, it is like one second in 32,000 years, or a few drops in an Olympic size swimming pool." "If you're in a setting and you feel the wine may be corked, you say hey, this wine, I'm not sure, could you smell it as well. It is a dialogue. We are not going to do that to each other." Cork Taint Quick Reference Guide What Corked Smells Like Wet cardboard Damp basement Wet dog Mouldy newspaper Autumnal notes (David Bird's description) What Causes TCA Chlorine reacting with wood materials, converted by microbes into TCA Most commonly associated with natural cork Also found in wood pallets, barrels, winery architecture, and cardboard packaging Key Facts for WSET Students TCA stands for 2,4,6-trichloroanisole Detection threshold measured in parts per trillion More easily detected in sparkling wines due to CO2 Incidence of cork taint has reduced significantly since the 1990s as cork companies have worked to address the issue Still occurs and worth knowing how to identify What to Do with a Corked Bottle Leave it in the glass for 30 minutes and revisit - the fault will become more obvious with air exposure Return it to the retailer for a credit Ask your local wine shop if they have a corked bottle you can smell for reference Resources Mentioned Understanding Wine Technology by David Bird - recommended for clear explanations of wine chemistry written accessibly for non-scientists Coming Up Next Joanne asked newsletter subscribers to vote on the summer podcast direction. Options included wine faults, true wine crime, natural wine including pet nat, orange wines, and biodynamics, or something else entirely. Results are coming in. Make sure you are on the newsletter to find out where the podcast goes next and to cast your vote at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 109 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  108. Gewurztraminer - The One Wine You Will Always Identify in a Blind Tasting | WSET Level 2 and Level 3 23.04.2026 10Min.

  Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10 minutes 53 seconds Release Date: April 23, 2025 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle Ready to test yourself under exam conditions? Three full 50-question mock exams modelled on the actual WSET Level 2 Award in Wines exam. Get your results immediately and know exactly where you stand before exam day. https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Episode Description If there is one grape that will wake up your nose and make you feel like a confident taster, it is Gewurztraminer. In this episode Joanne makes the case that Gewurztraminer is probably the most recognisable grape in the world, and explains exactly why that matters for anyone who has ever sat in a tasting and worried that their nose is broken. It is not broken. You just need the right wine in your glass. This episode covers Gewurztraminer in genuine depth, going beyond the brief mentions it gets in the Level 2 and Level 3 textbooks to give you the full picture. Joanne walks through the grape's historical origins, its ancient connection to the Traminer family and the Sauvignon lineage, why climate is everything for this variety, and what makes Alsace its undisputed spiritual home. If you have a bottle of Alsatian Gewurztraminer within reach, this is the episode to listen to with a glass in hand. The episode also covers where else Gewurztraminer is grown at Level 3, including Germany, New Zealand, Chile, Washington State, and the Finger Lakes, and why some of these cooler climate regions have real potential for the variety going forward. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Gewurztraminer Matters for WSET Students Why Gewurztraminer is considered the world's most recognisable grape and what that means for blind tasting How identifying pronounced aromatic varieties builds tasting confidence at every level Why this grape is covered in detail for both Level 2 and Level 3 despite its brief textbook mention Pronunciation, Meaning, and Origins How to pronounce Gewurztraminer correctly What Gewurz means in German and why the umlaut is often dropped in modern labelling The ancient Traminer vine family and its connection to Sauvignon Blanc and Grauer Traminer First recorded references in the Rheingau in 1827 and in Alsace in 1886 Climate and Vineyard Considerations Why Gewurztraminer needs a cool to moderate climate with a long growing season The danger of low acidity and what happens to the wine in warmer climates Why flabbiness is the enemy and how harvest timing is critical How sugar builds rapidly and why alcohol levels of 14% or above are common In the Glass Full body and rich oily texture explained The deep golden colour that comes from the pink-tinged grape skin Key aromas and flavours - lychee, rose, and sweet baking spices The electric, almost pop rock sensation Joanne describes on the palate The vocabulary used to describe Gewurztraminer - pungent, exotic, flamboyant, intensely perfumed Gewurztraminer in Alsace Why Alsace is the spiritual home of Gewurztraminer Its status as one of the four noble grape varieties permitted for Grand Cru, Vendanges Tardives, and Selection de Grains Nobles Roughly 18.6% of Alsace plantings, approximately 3,000 hectares Alsace holds around one third of the world's total Gewurztraminer plantings Second only to Riesling in terms of plantings within Alsace Where Else Gewurztraminer Grows Germany - approximately 1,000 hectares, its ancestral home New Zealand - around 200 hectares Chile - Bio-Bio and Itata Valleys, small plantings mentioned in the Level 3 textbook Washington State - Columbia Valley and cooler AVAs showing strong potential Finger Lakes - cool climate conditions well suited to aromatic varieties Australia and Alto Adige - small but quality-focused plantings Episode Highlights and Quotes "If you're still feeling a little despondent about your tasting abilities, go get a Gewurztraminer from Alsace and it will awaken your nose." "There is nothing shy about Gewurztraminer. I've had this image in my mind all morning of a gal with purple hair going off to a rave with a bunch of glow sticks." "Don't just think it's red wines that can be high in alcohol. You get a glass of Gewurztraminer and it has a good chance of being 14% or higher." Gewurztraminer Quick Reference Guide Key Facts Colour of skin - pink tinge, resulting in deep golden wines Body - full Acidity - low to medium Alcohol - high, commonly 14% or above Texture - rich and oily Aromatic intensity - pronounced Key Aromas and Flavours Lychee, rose, sweet baking spices Words Commonly Used to Describe Gewurztraminer Pungent, exotic, flamboyant, oily, spicy, intensely perfumed Key Regions Alsace, France - spiritual home, one third of world plantings Germany - ancestral home, approximately 1,000 hectares New Zealand - approximately 200 hectares Chile - Bio-Bio and Itata Valleys Washington State - Columbia Valley and cooler AVAs Finger Lakes, New York Australia and Alto Adige - small, quality-focused plantings Classification in Alsace Permitted for Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, Vendanges Tardives, and Selection de Grains Nobles Resources Mentioned Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle - three full 50-question practice exams modelled on the actual WSET Level 2 Award in Wines exam: https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout Gewurztraminer Level 2 quiz and Level 3 essay question available in the newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode 107: Alsace - Grapes, Climate and Classification Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 108 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  107. Alsace - Climate, Grapes and Appellation Structure for WSET Level 2 and Level 3 16.04.2026 15Min.

  Episode 107: Alsace - Climate, Grapes and Appellation Structure for WSET Level 2 and Level 3 Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 16 minutes 27 seconds Release Date: April 16, 2025 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description This week Joanne picks up where Episode 106 left off and dives deep into the grapes, climate, and appellation structure of Alsace. If you have ever wondered why this narrow strip of land on the French-German border produces such distinctive wines, this episode answers that question in full. The Vosges Mountains turn out to be the key to everything. Joanne explains the rain shadow effect in detail, walking through how Atlantic moisture gets dumped on the western slopes while the vineyards on the eastern foothills enjoy some of the driest and sunniest growing conditions in all of France. That combination of continental climate and natural shelter is what makes Alsace capable of producing wines of genuine depth and complexity from aromatic white varieties. Joanne also makes the case, clearly and without hesitation, that the white wines of Alsace belong in the conversation about the greatest wines in the world. If you are a WSET Level 2 or Level 3 student this episode covers material that is directly relevant to your exam, and Joanne breaks it down in a way that makes it genuinely stick. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Rain Shadow Effect and Why It Matters How Atlantic winds carry moisture from the west and drop it on the western side of the Vosges Mountains Why the eastern foothills receive only around 500mm of rainfall annually compared to up to 2,000mm on the western side Why this dry, sunny microclimate is what makes Alsace wines possible at this northern latitude The Grape Varieties of Alsace Riesling - the dominant grape, medium to full body, typically dry, high acidity, citrus and stone fruit with a stony mineral character Gewurztraminer - pungent, aromatic, spicy nose with lychee, rose, and sweet baking spices, full bodied with rich oily texture and high alcohol Pinot Gris - rich, full bodied, high alcohol, pronounced flavour intensity with fresh and dried fruit and a honeyed character Muscat - light to medium bodied, orange blossom, rose, and fresh grape aromas, and why Muscat Ottonel is more widely planted than Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains despite being less aromatic Pinot Blanc - planted on the plains and the key grape for Cremant d'Alsace Pinot Noir - the only red grape, less than 10% of total plantings The Appellation System Alsace AOC as the regional appellation covering the majority of production Why grape varieties are labelled on Alsace wines and the 100% rule that applies Blended wines - Edelzwicker, Gentil, and producer-labelled blends Alsace Grand Cru AOC - the 51 grand cru sites, the rules, and the controversy over boundaries Vendanges Tardives - late harvest, minimum sugar ripeness, passerillage, and how it compares to German Spatlese and Auslese Selection de Grains Nobles - the sweetest category, noble rot, and its German equivalent Winemaking in Alsace Why aromatic winemaking means oxygen is the enemy at every step The use of stainless steel and inert vessels to preserve primary aromatics Why MLF and extended lees ageing are avoided The role of large old oak barrels - why they impart no flavour but allow tiny amounts of oxygen to round out the texture The 2021 sweetness labelling law and why implementation has been uneven Episode Highlights and Quotes "If you give me that MW essay question about whether white wine can be as great as red wine, I am going to focus a lot on Alsace." "Gewurztraminer jumps out of the glass at you in a blind tasting. Your textbook uses the word pungent, which I find hilarious." "These large old oak barrels, some of them are a hundred plus years old. Any oak flavour is no longer being imparted into the wine. The tartrates have crystallised on the inside of the barrel." Alsace Quick Reference Guide The Four Noble Grape Varieties Riesling - medium to full body, dry, high acidity, citrus, stone fruit, mineral Gewurztraminer - full body, low to medium acidity, lychee, rose, sweet spice, high alcohol Pinot Gris - full body, high alcohol, honeyed, fresh and dried fruit Muscat - light to medium body, orange blossom, rose, fresh grape Classification Terms Alsace AOC - regional appellation, majority of production Alsace Grand Cru AOC - 51 individual vineyards, four noble grapes only Vendanges Tardives - late harvest, minimum sugar ripeness, dry to medium sweet Selection de Grains Nobles - noble rot required, always sweet Sweetness Labelling Scale (introduced 2021) sec - dry demi-sec - off dry moelleux - medium sweet doux - sweet Resources Mentioned Episode 106: The History of Alsace Colmar - the city used as a reference point for eastern side rainfall figures Cremant d'Alsace - Alsace sparkling wine Edelzwicker and Gentil - blended wine categories Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 107 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  106. War, Wine, and Identity: The Remarkable History of Alsace. 09.04.2026 8Min.

  Episode 106: War, Wine, and Identity: The Remarkable History of Alsace. Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:18 Release Date: April 9, 2025 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description Alsace is one of the most fascinating and distinctive wine regions in the world, and its history is unlike anywhere else in France. In this first of two episodes on Alsace, Joanne Close dives into the turbulent and complex history of a region that has been shaped by centuries of conflict, cultural exchange, and remarkable resilience. Sandwiched between the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River to the east, and sitting on the border between France and Germany, Alsace has been passed back and forth between the two countries more times than most people realise. That history has left a permanent mark on the wines made here, from the grape varieties on the label to the shape of the bottles. This episode sets the stage beautifully for next week's deep dive into Alsace climate, grape varieties, classifications, and styles. If you have ever been curious about why Alsace feels so different from the rest of France, this is where the story begins. What You Will Learn in This Episode Geography Where Alsace is located and why its position matters The significance of the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River Why Alsace is described as a narrow strip of land roughly 75 miles north to south and three miles wide History and Identity Alsace's long winemaking history dating back to the Romans How the region thrived through the Middle Ages and reached its peak during the Renaissance The Route des Vins d'Alsace, one of the oldest wine routes in France, established in 1953 The cycle of destruction and recovery caused by repeated conflict between France and Germany How Phylloxera devastated the region while it was under German control and the damaging replanting choices that followed How France's return to control after World War One led to the removal of hybrids and a return to noble varieties French and German Influences Why grape varieties appear on Alsace labels, a distinctly German approach rarely seen elsewhere in France Why Riesling is the hero grape of Alsace and the only place in France where it is grown The tall thin flute bottle shape and its German origins How the AOC classification system reflects French influence on the region Why Alsace is neither entirely French nor entirely German but has emerged with an identity entirely its own Alsace Today Approximately 15,600 hectares under vine with around 3,700 growers The importance of small family owned domaines, many in the same families for hundreds of years Co-operatives producing around 50% of the wine, negociants 31%, and estate bottled wines just 19% Only 25% of Alsace wine is exported, with most consumed locally or within France Episode Highlights and Quotes "It is now officially part of France, but I would not say it is entirely French and I would not say it is entirely German either. It is a region that has been shaped by both of these countries but has emerged with an identity all of its own." "The Germans encouraged Alsace to replant after Phylloxera with hybrids and lesser quality grapes because they were fearful of Alsace and could see its potential and did not want to have to compete." "Only 25% is actually exported. To me this signifies a strong, self-reliant region and wine culture." Book Mentioned in This Episode Joanne recommends War and Wine for anyone who wants to understand how deeply conflict has shaped the wine regions of Europe and the resilience of the people who make wine there. Coming Up Next Episode 107: Alsace for Level 2 Students Next week Joanne covers everything WSET Level 2 students need to know about Alsace, including climate, grape varieties, classifications, and styles. Quizzes and essay questions will be available in the show notes and delivered to newsletter subscribers that week. Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week. Website: https://www.wineeducate.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show. About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Episode 106 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  105. Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris - A Level 2 Wine Student's Guide to Why the Same Grape Tastes So Different 02.04.2026 10Min.

  Episode 105: Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris - A Level 2 Wine Student's Guide to Why the Same Grape Tastes So Different Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:05 Release Date: April 2, 2025 Take the QUIZ! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLWkZH9WCxZas70JNvPzPJGSVhxiCfR48-OE0uJAI5RRS00Q/viewform?usp=header Work through the free Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris multiple choice questions linked below and if you want more quizzes like this delivered straight to your inbox, make sure you are signed up for the newsletter.  Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox! 👉 https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Stay connected with everything happening at Wine Educate and deepen your wine knowledge with each edition. Episode Description Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape, but you would never guess it from tasting them side by side. In this episode, Joanne takes a deep dive into one of the most widely planted and widely misunderstood white grapes in the world, covering everything from its origins in Burgundy to why it tastes so completely different depending on where it is grown. This episode is part of an ongoing Level 2 grape series and sets the stage for the upcoming Alsace episodes. Whether you are studying for your WSET Level 2 or just curious about why your grocery store Pinot Grigio tastes nothing like a bottle from Alsace, this episode will give you a clear picture of what is really going on in the glass. Joanne walks through the two core styles of the grape, what drives those differences, and why Italy saw a 400% increase in Pinot Grigio plantings between 1990 and 2015. She also makes a case for why this grape deserves more credit than it typically gets. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Pinot Family Origins of the Pinot family in 14th century Burgundy Why the grape is called Pinot, from the French word for pine cone, reflecting the shape of the bunches How Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc are related and how to tell them apart visually The name across different countries - Pinot Grigio in Italy, Pinot Gris in France, Grauburgunder in Germany Climate and Winemaking Why Pinot Gris is best suited to cool to moderate climates Why it is almost always fermented in inert vessels with no oak contact How yield and ripeness level drive the two core styles Italy - Pinot Grigio The Veneto region and why it dominates high-volume production How yields of up to 200 hectoliters per hectare affect the style The light, fresh style - aromas of apple and lemon, high acidity, short neutral finish The two regions to know for WSET Level 2: delle Venezie DOC and Veneto IGT Why global demand shifted dramatically toward this style over the past few decades Friuli-Venezia Giulia as a region producing more complex, fuller-bodied expressions France - Pinot Gris Why Alsace produces the most distinctive expressions of Pinot Gris outside of Burgundy The richer, fuller-bodied style with lower acidity and flavours of peach, mango, and spice Sweetness levels and the ability to age Episode Highlights and Quotes "The same grape can have two very different styles. In Italy it is more light and fresh with apple and lemon. In France you have this rich, complex style with fuller body and the ability to age." "When you have a lot of grapes from a vine, you are diluting that concentration and the resulting wine is going to have lighter body." "It is a bit of a shame that it has gotten this reputation for being inexpensive and light. There are some wines from Italy made from Pinot Grigio that are outstandingly delicious." Quick Reference - Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Gris   Italy (Veneto) France (Alsace) Name Pinot Grigio Pinot Gris Body Light Full Acidity High Medium Aromas Apple, lemon Peach, mango, spice, ginger Oak None None Sweetness Dry Dry to medium sweet Ageing potential Drink young Can age Resources Mentioned Delle Venezie DOC, Italy Veneto IGT, Italy Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy Alsace, France WSET Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Coming Up Next Episode 106: The History of Alsace Joanne kicks off a two-part series on Alsace, starting with the history of this unique and fascinating region. Episode 107: Alsace for Level 2 Students The second Alsace episode brings it back to the WSET Level 2 syllabus. If you picked up a bottle of Alsace Pinot Gris after this episode, you will want to have it ready. Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter  for wine tips and episode updates Website: wineeducate.com About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Subscribe and Share Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts YouTube Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Your reviews help others discover the show! Stay Connected Join the Wine Educate Newsletter for wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox! Episode 105 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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  104. Wine Tracking Apps - Which One Is Right for You? 26.03.2026 11Min.

  Episode 104: Wine Tracking Apps - Which One Is Right for You? Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:45 Release Date: March 26, 2026 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description A listener reached out asking which wine app to use, and it turns out a lot of people have the same question. Joanne posed it to her newsletter community and the responses came flooding in, with avid trackers, reluctant trackers, and proud non-trackers all weighing in. This episode breaks down what the community said, reviews the most popular apps, and makes the case for why tracking your collection might be more useful than you think. Joanne covers CellarTracker, Vivino, InVintory and Oeni, looking at what each app does, who it suits, and what it costs. She also walks through the practical reasons to start tracking, from knowing what you have and when to drink it, to building a personal taste profile over time and even valuing your collection for insurance purposes. Whether you are a dedicated tracker, someone who keeps meaning to start, or someone who has no intention of ever downloading an app, this episode has something for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Listener Results How 34 listeners responded to the wine app question The three camps that emerged: dedicated trackers, reluctant trackers and proud non-trackers App breakdown by percentage: Vivino 35%, CellarTracker 24%, InVintory 12%, Oeni 6%, other methods 23% Why Bother Tracking At All Knowing what you own and where it is Understanding when a bottle is ready to drink Making smarter buying decisions and identifying gaps in your collection Price comparison across markets Building a personal taste profile over time Food and wine pairing suggestions Keeping a record of wine trips and experiences Valuing your collection for insurance or resale The Apps Reviewed CellarTracker Founded 2003 by Eric LeVine, a Microsoft programmer who built it for himself 1 million active users and 9 million community tasting notes Free at the basic level with paid subscription tiers scaled to cellar size Integrates professional critic reviews including Jancis Robinson Vivino Founded 2010 by Heini Zachariassen and Theis Søndergaard in Copenhagen 65 million users, 15 million wines in the database, 2 million labels scanned daily Best for discovery and browsing across 18 markets Free with ads, premium tier available, not built for serious cellar tracking InVintory Founded in Canada in 2018 by father and son team Jeff and Josh Daiter Sommelier-curated database of 2 million wines, rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store 3D cellar visualisation, AI sommelier, real-time market valuations and drinking window alerts Includes an insurance export report to value your collection for coverage Oeni Founded in France in 2023, the newest app in this comparison Over 800,000 downloads, freemium model with Plus plan at 59.99 euros per year Gamification built in: scan a label, post a review, collect corks as you progress Joanne describes it as Duolingo for wine lovers Episode Highlights "Some of you are steel trap minds. It's all in your head and I give you full credit for that." "InVintory feels like the Rolls Royce of wine apps. 3D cellar visualisation, AI sommelier, real-time market valuations. Talking my language." "They took my favourite topic and gamified it. Yes please." Resources Mentioned CellarTracker: cellartracker.com Vivino: vivino.com InVintory: invintory.com Oeni: oeni.app Jancis Robinson: wine critic integrated with CellarTracker wineeducate.com Connect with Wine Educate 📧 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter 🌐 Website: wineeducate.com 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WineEducate About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognised wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Subscribe and Share Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts YouTube ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Your reviews help others discover the show. 📧 Stay Connected Join the Wine Educate Newsletter for wine tips, episode updates and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox every Tuesday. https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode 104 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2026 Wine Educate
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  103. German Wine Regions for WSET Level 2 - Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz 19.03.2026 11Min.

  Episode 103: German Wine Regions for WSET Level 2 - Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 11:17 Release Date: March 19, 2026 Free Quiz: Test your German wine knowledge here with the 10-question Level 2 quiz! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdI2QS9k6qiBJWb-y9XoKX0DXT4nMSMaTRr1UBkXjJ7LsQsQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get a fresh quiz delivered to your inbox each week! Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode Description Germany pushes the boundaries of where wine can grow, sitting at 47-51 degrees latitude at the very edge of the wine-growing world. In this episode, Joanne covers the three German wine regions you need to know for WSET Level 2: Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz. Each region has its own character shaped by latitude, slope, and proximity to rivers. From the impossibly steep 60-70% inclines of the Mosel to the balmy (relatively speaking) Pfalz, you'll learn what makes German Riesling so special and why these wines can have 20-30 grams of residual sugar without tasting sweet. Plus, Joanne shares her memorable story of running out of gas on the Autobahn in a Mini Cooper - and why you should always rent an Audi instead. What You'll Learn in This Episode German Wine Geography & Climate Why Germany sits at the extreme northern limit of wine growing (47-51 degrees latitude) How one degree of latitude equals 69 miles and creates noticeable climate differences The 200-mile stretch from north to south across Germany's wine regions Why Germany has only 100,000 hectares planted compared to France's 800,000 Mosel Region The coolest of the three regions at 51 degrees latitude Slopes up to 60-70% incline - among the steepest in the world Why slate soils and river reflection help ripen grapes in this extreme climate The magic of high-acid Riesling with 20-30 grams of residual sugar that doesn't taste sweet Why these vineyards require hand labor and multiple workers (no machines possible) Rheingau Region Small but historically important region at 50 degrees latitude South-facing slopes along the Rhine River Typically drier and fuller-bodied Riesling styles The Geisenheim University - birthplace of Müller-Thurgau and a leading wine research center Pfalz Region The warmest region at 49 degrees latitude Benefits from mountain protection on the western side Dry, medium-bodied wines with riper stone fruit flavors (peach vs citrus) The largest of the three regions with nearly 24,000 hectares planted Episode Highlights & Quotes "The fact that they actually make wine here is nothing short of a miracle. Slopes can be up to 60 to 70% incline - they are among some of the steepest slopes in the world." "You can have a wine with 20 to 30 grams of residual sugar, and because that acidity is so high, you don't even notice it. That is the magic of a Mosel." "When you're going 160 miles per hour on the Autobahn in an Audi, you sleep like a baby in the backseat." Quick Reference: Three German Regions Comparison Mosel (51° latitude) Coolest region Steepest slopes (60-70% incline) Light, high-acid Riesling Often sweeter styles Slate soils retain heat Rheingau (50° latitude) Small but historically important South-facing Rhine slopes Structured, balanced, typically drier Home to Geisenheim University Pfalz (49° latitude) Warmest region Mountain-protected Dry, medium-bodied Riper stone fruit flavors Largest of the three regions Resources Mentioned Geisenheim University (founded 1872) Bremer Calmont Slope (example of extreme Mosel steepness) Müller-Thurgau grape (created at Geisenheim) Episode 64: VDP classification system Connect with Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Website: https://wineeducate.com YouTube: Watch this episode with visual examples and slides About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you're studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you'll find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Subscribe & Share Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts YouTube Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Your reviews help others discover the show! Stay Connected Get a fresh quiz delivered to your inbox each week! Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Episode 103 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2026 Wine Educate
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  102. The 1971 German Wine Law - How Ripeness Replaced Terroir 12.03.2026 7Min.

  Episode 102: The 1971 German Wine Law - How Ripeness Replaced Terroir Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 8:18 Release Date: March 12, 2025 Join the Wine Educate Newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox! 👉 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Stay connected with everything happening at Wine Educate and deepen your wine knowledge with each edition. Episode Description Germany's wine laws are different from the rest of the European Union, and understanding why requires looking back at the pivotal 1971 wine classification. This law completely reshaped German wine, and not always for the better. In this episode, Joanne explains how Germany went from 30,000 named vineyard sites to just 2,600, why ripeness became the primary quality indicator, and how this decision weakened the link between terroir and wine quality. You'll also learn about the VDP's pushback against these laws and the encouraging 2021 amendment that's bringing terroir-based classifications back to German wine. If you're studying for WSET Level 3, pay close attention. German wine law shows up on essay questions, and understanding the historical context makes the current system much clearer. What You'll Learn in This Episode The History Behind the 1971 Wine Law How Germany historically recognized vineyard quality (including the famous 1868 Prussian tax map) Why Germany needed new wine regulations in the early 1900s The intentions behind the 1971 classification and why it focused on ripeness How the 1971 Law Changed German Wine The Pradikatswein system: Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, and beyond Why Germany prioritized ripeness over terroir (unlike France and Italy) The creation of Grosslagen and how it merged smaller vineyard sites How 30,000 vineyard sites became just 2,600 The Consequences of This Approach Why the law weakened the link between vineyard site and quality How label confusion hurt German wine's prestige in export markets The economic impact on producers with historic vineyard sites The VDP and Recent Changes Who the VDP is and why they pushed back against the 1971 law The 2021 amendment restoring hierarchy (regional wine, village wine, single vineyard wine) Why this is good news for German terroir recognition Episode Highlights & Quotes "Germany really prioritized ripeness over terroir. This really differs from what's happening in France or Italy, where the location is really important and protected and recognized as producing superior wines." "Before 1971, there were about 30,000 named vineyard sites. The law reduced this to about 2,600 sites, which is remarkable to me." "The pendulum is swinging back in the opposite direction, and these beautiful special terroirs of Germany are getting the recognition that they very clearly deserve." Key Reference: The 1971 Wine Law Impact What Changed: 30,000 vineyard sites reduced to 2,600 Creation of large Grosslagen regions Historic vineyard sites merged under single names Ripeness-based classification (Pradikatswein) became the quality standard Why It Mattered: Weakened connection between site and quality Created label confusion (similar names for different quality levels) Hurt German wine's export reputation Frustrated producers with premium vineyard sites The Correction: VDP (independent producer organization) pushed for change 2021 amendment restored terroir-based hierarchy Renewed focus on regional, village, and single vineyard wines Resources Mentioned Episode 64: Deep dive into the Pradikatswein system (Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, etc.) The 1868 Prussian vineyard tax map (Saar and Mosel sections) VDP (Verband Deutscher Pradikatsweinguter) - German wine growers' association Coming Up Next Week Episode 103: The VDP - Germany's Quality Wine Revolution Joanne breaks down what the VDP is, their classification rules, and why WSET Level 3 students need to know this for essay questions. Connect with Wine Educate 📧 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter 🌐 Website: wineeducate.com 📺 YouTube: Watch this episode with visual examples and slides at [YouTube Channel Link] Don't miss out on exclusive wine education content - join our newsletter community today! About Wine Educate Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you're studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you'll find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence. Subscribe & Share Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts YouTube ⭐ Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Your reviews help others discover the show! Stay Connected Join the Wine Educate Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox! Episode 102 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate