Because 2020, Ruth and Caroline were on a break. The nice thing about wine is you can experience it together, apart. Recorded on a beautiful autumn day outdoors (more than 2 metres apart), Ruth and Caroline reunite to gush over Ruth's favourite varietal. And what's not to love? Cabernet's colour and bouquet will carry you away...even during a distanced autumn picnic.

Ruth likes to talk art, history, geography, but science, not so much. Dr. Dietmar Kennepohl is a professor of Chemistry at Athabasca University. He knows the chemistry of all things delicious, like beer, chocolate, and most importantly wine. Today the gang tastes classic, modern Germany wines including a Riesling and a Gewurztraminer.

(Recorded in February 2020, before the social distancing / pandemic lockdown).

This podcast is being recorded in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic. Because of that Caroline and I are in separate locations. I wanted to feature Spain which has been hit very hard. We talk a lot about wine travel on the show and obviously that’s on hold for the time being.

Ruth and Caroline try two wines that showcase the diversity of Spanish wine, including an unusual Rioja. Also unusual, is that Ruth was at home, and so was Caroline. Safe distancing was practised producing this episode.

Gomez Cruzado Blanco 2017
A white Rioja, the 2017 Blanco from Gomez Cruzado. A blend of Viura and Tempranillo Blanco. So 2017 was a bit of a tough year as the vineyards saw frost in April and then summer was hot and dry. Despite that Gomez Cruzado has got some very nice reviews for this wine. Retail here between $20-30

Godelia Mencía 2015
Not all wine in Spain comes from Rioja region. Ribera Del Duero, Priorat are also well known. Bierzo isn’t as well known and that is where this wine originates. Think about how Spain wraps around the north of Portugal on the Iberian peninsula - Bierzo is in that North West section of Spain The variety, with its thick-skinned, violet-blue grapes, was once thought to be related to Cabernet Franc. Modern DNA testing has disproved this theory. It does also grow in Portugal.

Viva España!

Ruth recommends: The Wine Cellar - http://www.thewinecellar.ab.ca/