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/

Your local wine shop aisle of Argentinean wine has probably been growing over the past 10
years. On this Experience Wine we will sample wines from two magnificent wine regions - the
well represented Mendoza and the slightly less well known Salta. Argentina has a lot more than
Malbec but it’s a great grape to start with.

Ruth recommends https://www.thewinecellar.ab.ca/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina_Wine_Route

The Fickle Grape Heartbreak Grape. Pinot Noir is the diva of grapes - not too hot, not too cold, not too wet, not too dry. When the conditions are good, it can reward wine makers with some of the most exquisite wine in the world. Styles varies - in Burgundy it’s all about the terroir with wines from small appellations such as Domain Romanee Conti commanding thousands of dollars.

In North America, Pinot Noir is more fruit driven with cherry aromas and a bit of spice. Pinot Noir tends to like cooler evenings it does well in Oregon and parts of Northern California. Even Germany is producing some nice Pinot Noir (Spatburgunder). Great value in Pinot from New Zealand and Canada.

Join Ruth, Caroline, Broadcaster and Art of Conversation Host Rob Christie, as they try 2016 FEL Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley, and a 2013 Leclerc Gevery Chambertin Clos Prieur.

Ruth recommends https://www.thewinecellar.ab.ca/

The world thinks of Ice Wine if they consider Canadian wines at all but Canucks are
discovering wine from across the country - from the crisp sparkling wines of Nova Scotia to the
rich reds of southern British Columbia the wine industry in Canada is experiencing exponential
growth. Travel in your glass with us to the sunny Okanagan Valley and sip a lovely fresh
Chardonnay and a lush Merlot that surprises with it’s depth and complexity.

Ruth recommends http://www.thewinecellar.ab.ca/

Photo: Kym Ellis on Unsplash

If you ask people what they’ll be drinking New Years Eve the answer is very often champagne. Personally I’ll drink it because it’s a Tuesday. So before we get too deep into champagne let’s talk about some of the other sparkling wines of the world.
Prosecco, the famous sparkling wine from Northern Italy owns a bigger share of the market by volume than champagne!

Fidora Prosecco Brut
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva
A cuvée of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo

Ruth recommends https://www.thewinecellar.ab.ca/

From books to films the spotlight has been on central Italy for decades. Tuscany has a deep and amazing history that is evident in its glorious wines. The Sangiovese grape can be made into a simple sipper or made into complex Brunello or Super Tuscan - both of which command big dollars. Visit one of the world’s most celebrated regions with us as we experience Tuscany by way of an affordable Chianti Classico and a glorious ‘Baby Super Tuscan’.

Ruth recommends http://www.thewinecellar.ab.ca/

Photo: Kym Ellis on Unsplash