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Light strike is probably the biggest wine fault you've never heard of. Bigger than cork, bigger than oxidation or anything else. That pretty-looking bottle of rosé perched on the bright supermarket shelf in a clear glass bottle? Probably knackered. If it's been exposed to light for a while, it may end up smelling of boiled cabbage, drains, or wet dog. At the very least, its character will almost certainly have been degraded from what its winemaker intended. And that's not what you're paying your hard-earned money for. It's nothing less than daylight robbery. In this episode, we explain what light strike is, how fast it happens, and which wines are most at risk. We hear from experts, including the co-author of an illuminating recent research paper, and rage against the fact that the problem seems shockingly prevalent, but so little is being done. We even carry out our very own applied research experiment (featuring bottles, funnels, argon gas and a blindfold) which gives unequivocal results. We call for wholesale change - from producers, distributors, retailers - and give clear advice on what we normal wine drinkers should do about all this (barricades, tyre burning and civil unrest are proposed...but not necessarily endorsed). In this episode we hear from  Panagiotis Arapitsas, Deepika Koushik, Liz Gabay MW, Brad Greatrix and Tom Stevenson. Our thanks to them - and to you for tuning in.  We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more info, together with all details from this episode including on the wines, on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E14 - Light Strike: Wine's Not-So-Secret Scandal. Instagram: @susieandpeter

Deep in the wilds of south-west France there's a vineyard that was planted over 200 years ago with unknown vines that may hold the secret to fighting climate change. Join us as we head (virtually) out to Gascony to peer into the mists of wine history and see what lessons it holds for the future. Olivier Bourdet-Pees of the dynamic Plaimont cooperative is our genial, beret-wearing guide, introducing us to grape varieties we've never heard of and explaining how this region has been reinvigorated after making some of, 'the worst wine in France 40 years ago'. This episode is sponsored by AOC St Mont and features a number of wines including Plaimont's iconic Vignes Préphylloxeriques bottling.  We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more info, together with all details from this episode including on the wines, on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E13 - Ancient Vines to the Rescue in St Mont. Thanks for tuning in! Instagram: @susieandpeter

So - orange wine. Is it any good? What qualifies a wine to be 'orange'? Does it sell? And who's going to win our argument about one particularly divisive orange wine?! Dive into the controversial, topical and intriguing subject of orange wine with us as we chat with Saša Radikon of iconic orange wine producer Radikon (who gives us an exclusive revelation about a new project) and nautral wine guru Doug Wregg of Les Caves de Pyrene. We taste (and largely disagree about) orange wines from Mlečnik, Vagabond and Dario Prinčič. Peter also gets very excited about his, 'lamb litmus test'. This is the second and final episode in our epic two-parter on orange wine. You don't need to listen to the first episode to enjoy this one, they stand alone. But Episode 1 features Mateja Gravner and Simon Woolf, author of the brilliant book Amber Revolution (click here to get it at a 20% discount). We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below). All details from this episode, including full listings of all the wines featured in the show, are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E12 - ORANGE WINE Part 2: Gimme Some Skin. Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you! Instagram: @susieandpeter

'Please can you do an episode on orange wine?' pleaded listener David. 'It's not just hipster wine! These are some of the finest wines in the world...' How could we resist? Orange wine is topical, misunderstood, controversial... It's also an intriguing story featuring a wine style lost in the mists of time being painstakingly resurrected by a handful of brave pioneers in the face of stiff opposition. So we leap headlong into this arena, asking the all-important questions like: what even IS orange wine? Where did it come from? Why is it misunderstood and controversial? How does it relate to natural wine? And ultimately: is orange wine actually any good?! In this first instalment in a two-parter on orange wine, we talk to orange wine expert Simon Woolf, author of the brilliant book Amber Revolution: How the World Learned to Love Orange Wine. (On which we have a juicy discount code to share!) We also hear from Mateja Gravner of the iconic Friuli-based orange wine producer Gravner. And we recommend a couple of good value orange wines: Santa Tresa Insieme Orange 2022, SicilyBurja Estate Zelen 2022, Slovenia  Do also check out the second and concluding part of our orange wine 'fest' where we talk to natural and orange wine guru Doug Wregg of Les Caves de Pyrene, and renowned orange wine producer Saša Radikon. Plus we get into a fight over a particularly divisive orange wine... We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below). All details from this episode, including full listings of all the wines featured in the show, are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E11 - ORANGE WINE Part 1: The Resurrection Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

Wine. Food. Merriment. And a touch of southern French sun. That just about sums up this episode. We're exploring Occitanie - the sun-kissed southern French region that stretches from the western Rhone through Languedoc and Roussillon into South West France. Taken as a whole, it's the world's largest vineyard and makes around 5% of global wine output. In the past, these regions have been criticised for focusing on quantity over quality and being out of touch with the modern wine world. But things have changed significantly in recent decades, as the vineyard has been drastically shrunk and successful producers have focused on quality, innovation, value, indigenous varieties and the future. And that's not all this part of the world is known for. It also boasts a mighty fine gastronomic scene.  So yes, you guessed it: we couldn't resist.  In this episode we're serving up six dishes inspired by southern French ingredients: mushroom arancini, Mediterranean shellfish stew, cod with beurre blanc and winter ratatouille, Toulouse sausage casserole, duck shepherd's pie and Roquefort. Then we find Occitanie wines to pair with those different dishes, neatly illustrating the diversity of the region in the process, from elegant sparkling wine to lusciously sweet Vin Doux Naturel via a brand new style of Picpoul de Pinet that we didn't know about. Along the way we hear from expert Matthew Stubbs MW plus growers Jean-Claude Mas (Les Domaines Paul Mas) and Pauline Nadal (Domaine Nadal Hainaut). Somehow we touch on manure, fried brians (yes, you read that right), Asterix, bootcamps, touchy-feely labels, wines with soul and a nitrogen generator. Thanks to the Occitanie Region for sponsoring this podcast.  Just a few of the wines we feature in this episode are: Sieur d'Arques Crémant de Limoux Blason Rouge Brut NVRoc des Angles Llum 2022, Côtes CalanesLes Vignerons de Florensac Picpoul de Pinet Selection 2020Château Estanilles Vallongue rosé 2022, FaugèresCalmel & Joseph Les Terroirs La Fabrique 2021, Côtes du BrianClos d'Elpis Elpis Route 2021, Côtes CatalanesDomaine de Rancy Rivesaltes Ambré Vin Doux Naturel 1998 We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below). All details from this episode, including full listings of all the wines featured in the show, are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E10 - A Southern French Feast Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

Our Wines of the Year format has grown into this riotous, rollicking rollercoaster of a show which we humbly offer up for your amusement and delectation. This is no shopping list. Nor is it a chest-beating exercise in showing off how #wineblessed we are. This episode is the story of a year in wine: a celebration of special bottles and special times, set against the backdrop of news, views and a lot of laughter. Featuring in this wine-soaked adventure are Dutch nuns, kiwis, Homer Simpson, talking corks, Susie in a balloon suit, gravy, Nigel the dog, a broom-brandishing Greek grandmother, Jesus and Peter's pants. We discuss wine news including the latest wine fraud hoo-ha (and a new AI tool to fight wine fakery), why Bordeaux may be uprooting 10% of its vineyard, how major foreign investment is boosting English wine and the latest research offering the tantalising prospect of solving the mystery of red wine headaches. Your listener feedback and questions get an airing, touching on English fizz, Portuguese wine, the dream of owning a vineyard in Italy, breathless Colorado winemaking - and what we do with our leftovers. Wines featured range from an Essex Sauvignon Blanc to a Japanese Pinot Noir via an 'aromatised wine-based drink' that's considerably tastier than its official designation. To cap it all we announce our BIG GONGS, which this year we've expanded to include Producer of the Year, Value Wine of the Year and, in the constant quest for ever more fun, Leftfield Wine of the Year. Atop this particular tree, though, is just one wine: our Wine of the Year. What in the world could it be?! This episode is dedicated to the memory of Phil Tuck MW, who loved nothing more than sharing great wines with friends. An inspiration to us all. We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below). All details from this episode, including full listings of all the wines featured in the show and more (particularly the good value bottles) are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E9 - Our Wines of the Year (2023) Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

Odessa Black. It's the name of a (Ukranian) grape variety. But it could almost be code for the desperate times the people of Ukraine are living through. In this episode, we explore the history and current context of Ukraine, hearing first-hand insights from Tania Olevska of the Ukrainian Wine Company and Svitlana Tsybak of the Beykush winery. Despite the chaos and devastation in Ukraine, wine represents a point of hope, an expression of Ukrainian culture, terroir, identity and resilience. Although what is Europe's second largest country has a long relationship with the vine, quality wine isn't one of Ukraine's most emblematic products.  That started to change after independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and since 2010 there has been a quality revolution as a new wave of craft winemakers captured the public attention. Then came full-scale war with Russia in early 2022.  But Ukraine's winemakers are refusing to be cowed. They soldier on, ministering to their vines as the relentless rhythms of winemaking insist they must.  Despite the shells and rockets overhead. Despite the mortal peril that has already cost so many lives, including many from the wine community. 'We didn't pay money for our PR; we paid [with] the lives of Ukrainians for our PR,' says Tania, grimly. And yet celebrating and savouring Ukraine's new wave wines is an act of joy, resistance and solidarity in its own right. In this episode, we raise a glass for exactly this reason, and hear many an eye-opening, heart-warming story along the way.  Wines we recommend include: Shabo Telti Kuruk Reserve 2022, OdessaBiologist Sukholimanskiy 2022, KyivBeykush Lerici Timorasso 2021, MikolaivKolonist Odessa Blanc 2021, BessarabiaWe love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below). All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E8 - Ukraine: Wine not War Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

Languedoc is a wine region on the move. Sure, it's a huge region with plenty of history, some of it troubled. But there are things happening in Languedoc wine now that are innovative, surprising, intriguing and...well, delicious.  In short, it's well worthy of our attention. In this episode, sponsored by AOP Languedoc, we chat to writers Rupert Millar and Rosemary George MW, and we also hear from wine growers Benoît Bertrand (Domaine de Malavieille) and Jenia Vermillard (Domaine Ampelhus). We hear of ambitious attempts to revive long lost grape varieties from the verge of extinction, and ingenious solutions to the challenges posed by climate change. We explore the region's renown for good value in its wines, consider its historic ups and downs, and look to what the future might hold. Along the way we somehow feature feather boas, Lithuania, a stray dog, the Romans, shrinking pains, finishing school, architecture, Assyrtiko, violins, agroforestry and ratatouille.  Oh, and a love story. And of course it wouldn't be a normal episode of Wine Blast if we didn't taste and recommend some brilliant wines. These beauties are all AOP Languedoc wines: Chateau de Lascaux Garrigue Blanc 2021 Paul Mas Jardin de Roses Traviata 2022 Bergerie du Capucin Les 100 Pas du Berger Rouge 2020 Domaine de Roquemale Les Grés 2020 Domaine Ampelhus Languedoc Grés de Montpellier 2022 Clos des Nines L’Orée 2020 Domaine Les Aurelles Solen 2000 We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below). All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E7: The New Face of Languedoc Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

We're going full-on Moses mode in this episode, nailing down the ten wines you should always have at home. Of course, personal taste plays a part. You want to have wines to hand you're going to reach for - which means your favourite styles. But beyond that, it helps to have some expert insight into the bigger picture in order to always have delicious, affordable and useful wines when you need them. Our primary objective is joyous everyday drinking. But also: what works best with food, versatile wines to serve guests, give as gifts, wines that get better over time if you buy a few, ideal wines for those impromptu celebrations, wines for both summer and winter...we even introduce the notion of, 'emergency wine'. So we define our top 10 'go-to' wine staples. We're aware this is potentially controversial territory. But we also hope it's helpful too. Helping us out in this challenging task are the fine people at Waitrose, who are sponsoring this episode. Waitrose do a fine line in wine and, as we focus on these indispensable wine categories, we've chosen individual wines from their range to illustrate our decisions. When we originally ran this episode, Waitrose had a special offer on: 25% off when you buy 6 or more bottles from £6-100. For the sake of clarity, that offer has now expired (though they do tend to repeat these offers periodically). But even at the non-discount prices, these wines still represent great quality and value. So what are the ten wines never to be without? Tune in to find out...  The wines featured in this episode are: Hattingley Classic Reserve Brut NV, EnglandSaint Clair Wairau Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022, New ZealandBouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair Chardonnay 2021, South AfricaLeitz Rüdesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling Kabinett 2022, GermanyMuga Rioja Rosé 2022, SpainJoseph Drouhin Chorey-Les-Beaune 2020, FranceBaron de Ley Club Privado Rioja Reserva 2018, SpainTerre di Faiano Puglia Primitivo 2021, ItalyChateau Oumsiyat Mijana 2019, LebanonCrociani Vin Santo di Montepulciano 2017, ItalyFlorent Rouve Arbois Chardonnay 2020, FranceVal di Suga Brunello di Montalcino 2016, Italy We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below). All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E6: The Ten Wines Never to be Without Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

English sparkling wine. We all know it's good. But how well does it age? And could this be the secret to unlocking even greater quality from what are already exciting wines? We do our best to answer these questions and more with the help of several large glasses of very fine mature English fizz - and top winemakers Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix (Nyetimber) and Corinne Seely (Exton Park). We also hear the views of Clément Pierlot, cellar master at Champagne Pommery and its English offshoot, Louis Pommery England. We explore what makes an ageworthy sparkling wine (busting a few common myths along the way). And talk about how best to get ahead of the game... We recommend some of the finest examples of mature English fizz we can get our hands on - from the likes of Nyetimber, Sugrue South Downs, Hattingley Valley, Breaky Bottom, Wiston, Exton Park, Chapel Down and The Grange. Along the way we discuss magnums, lees ageing, dosage, vintage, variety, yields, storage, balance - and the value of patience. What's more, Peter gets called 'Mr Humper Dumper' by Susie and shares one of his more insightful tasting notes, which simply reads: 'GIVE ME THE MAGS!' We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below). All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E5: Ageing English Fizz - How, Why and What Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - and cheers to you!

It's a wine region variously described as, 'dynamic', whose wines are undergoing a quality 'revolution', and memorably compared to South Africa's uber-cool Swartland. It's also got a big old mountain on its picture postcard. Not to mention truffles galore. This is Ventoux.  And we want to take you on a journey of discovery, to meet the people, explore the places, get a feel for the wines...and generally understand why Ventoux is worth your time and attention. The mountain, it turns out, is important. It makes this one of the coolest appellations in the southern Rhône, giving the wines freshness and vitality. Peter slogs (metaphorically) up to the peak to prove the point. It also helps in the ongoing efforts to adapt to climate change. As for the wines...we dive in, exploring the region's unique whites, rosés and reds, the latter constituting the majority of production. And we explore ways in which the wines are changing and evolving with the future in mind. We ask why so many outsiders have gravitated to Ventoux, experimenting and collaborating along the way. And we explore the region's value-for-money credentials. The discussion also touches on lycra, beetroot, Cinsault, wine as theatre, joy and butterflies.  Oh, and did we mention truffles? This episode is sponsored by AOC Ventoux. The following producers are featured: Domaine du TixDomaine AymardMarrenonChateau UnangDomaine de FondrècheChêne BleuChateau PesquiéClos du TriasWe love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below). All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E4: Ventoux - Next Century Wines Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - cheers to you!

What are the wine books every wine lover should own? We thought about it. We argued. We drank some wine. Argued some more... And then we decided: let's go for it. No messing around: choose just the six BEST books every wine lover needs, whether enthusiastic newbie or jaded expert. It wasn't easy. But this is the DEFINITIVE listing. A lot of thought and research went into this. Even some reading. Along the way we came across some bits that stopped us in our tracks. Like Hitler's secret wine cellar, 'freak' wines, the link between a dentist's drill and the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold, fish finger sandwiches, some cheeky poetry, the 'one-night-stand' of wines... And of course the quote about the salad and the sex toy 😳 And that's from one of the most reputable voices in wine... In this episode, we heroically save you from the drivel and point you firmly towards the stuff of dreams. We choose the all-time six best wine books - plus six runners up (to make a full case of 12). With a few honourable mentions along the way. We also reveal our pet hates about wine books - and question whether books have a future at all. Perhaps, in your cheerful opinion, you believe we've got this list wrong. Maybe missed off the most life-changing publication EVER. Or you just fancy wading into the debate... Either way: do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe or you can find more details to get in touch on our website (link below). All details from this episode are on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S5 E3: The Six Best Wine Books Thanks for tuning in. Here's to the joy of wine - cheers to you! Wines tasted in this episode Champagne G.H. Mumm Brut Millésimé 2015Côte-Rôtie 2011, Domaine BurgaudP&J Teulier Le Cros Marcillac Lo Sang del Païs 2021