To download the transcript CLICK HERE

In this episode, I have just returned from an incredible long weekend in the Languedoc wine region, and I'm thrilled to share all the highlights with you. Whether you're a wine aficionado, a foodie, a nature enthusiast, a hiker, or simply someone seeking peace and tranquility, the Languedoc region has something special to offer.

Join me as I recount my adventures across the three captivating sub-regions of Limoux, Corbières, and Minervois. With countless activities and accommodations to choose from, I've done the research and gathered insights from locals to make it super easy for you to plan your own trip.

For those who can't make it to the south of France just yet, I’ll be offering valuable tips on which Languedoc wines to look for and why they deserve a spot on your wine rack. We'll delve into the history and significance of the Mauzac grape, explore the world's first-ever sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux, and introduce you to two remarkable crus: La Livinière and Boutenac.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:

1.55: The bulk history of the Languedoc

3.01: Location of the Languedoc

4.10: What to expect on your visit

6.25: Bush Vines V Goblet Vines: The difference

8.39: Visiting Carcassone

9.33: Visiting Domaine Gayda

12.11: AOC Malpere

12.58: The first Cru of the Languedoc: La Livinière

13.53: The wines: Villa Mon Reve, La Petite Villa, Chemin de Moscou, Altre Cami, Figure Libre Rouge & Blanc

17.45: Visting Mirepoix

18.18: Visiting Saint Hilaire Abbey: The birthplace of Sparkling wine

19.57: Blanquette de Limoux Methode Ancestral

20.32: Blanquette de Limoux

21.08: Crement de Limoux

22.12: Visiting Chateau Ollieux Romanis

25.36: The Cru Boutenac

28.48: The wines: Atal Sia, Cuvee OR, White Prestigue

32.28: Visiting Lagrasse

34.17: Visiting Chateau Maris

35.19: Deeper understanding of environmental sustainability

37.41: The wines: Brama, Les Anciens, La Touge, Les Planels

40:55: Visiting Minerve

Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat

If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat

Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Until next time, Cheers to you!

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THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

To download the transcript CLICK HERE

Hello, wine friends! Welcome back to part two with the incredible wine presenter, Tom Surgey. If you caught part one, you already know why he’s a master at talking about wine. In our previous episode, we delved into the Bairrada wine region, but today, we're shifting our focus just east to the Dão region.

Dão, with its higher altitudes and elevations, produces wines that are elegant, perfumed, and full of finesse—perfect for gastronomy. We’ll explore how beautifully Touriga Nacional and the white grape variety Encruzado thrive in this region.

Get ready to dive deeper into the Dão wine region and join us as Tom walks us through his new wine book, “How to Drink Wine” (due out 29th August). We’ll focus on the food pairing section, where Tom will share his insights on pairing Dão wines with various dishes.

You can pre order it now HERE

However, Tom’s book isn’t just about pairings or wine history. It also covers practical topics like restaurant markups, wine shop pricing, and tips for buying the right wine. One intriguing topic we’ll cover is light strike - a wine fault that can significantly affect flavor. We’ll discuss what it is, how it happens, and how to avoid it.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:

03.01: Toms’ trip to Dão in Portugal and his experience in the region

04.36: Francesinha - the portuguese must try sandwich

10.45: The main white grape: Encruzado

13.44: The main red grape: Touriga Nacional

16.42: The red grape variety Alfrocheiro - tannin profile, fruit yields and harvesting

18.00: Mencia (known here as Jaen) - flavour and aroma profiles

18.28: Winemakers thoughts on Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo)

22.15: Top producers like Carlos Lucas: Quinta do Ribero Santo

25.05: Wines from Quinta dos Roques

26.37: Portugal’s industry is still big on blends

30.04: Toms’’s new book “How To Drink Wine” and how he would pair Dão wines with food

38.18: Discussing the cost of wine, duty, and markups (all mentioned in detail in the book)

43.08: How UV light affects wines in direct sunlight - “Light strike”

46.15: Researching Light strike and performing experiments in different settings/environments

Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat

If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat

Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Until next time, Cheers to you!

------------------------------------------------

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THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.

To download the transcript CLICK HERE

Welcome back friends! Today, I'm delighted to host one of the UK's most dynamic and energetic wine presenters, Tom Surgey. You might recognize Tom from his work with the Three Wine Men, his regular appearances on ITV's Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, or even ITV's This Morning.

Tom has just returned from an incredible trip to Portugal, and in this episode, we're diving into all things Bairrada. We'll explore the region's sparkling wines, the unique Baga grape, and the standout wineries that make Bairrada so special.

But that's not all! Tom will give us a sneak peek into his soon-to-be-released wine book (due out 29th August)

You can pre order it now HERE

We'll also discuss the annual vine cycle, focusing on the flowering stage currently happening in the Northern Hemisphere. Plus, Tom will share insights on some famous biodynamic wineries you might not know are practicing biodynamics. Stick around until the end as we reveal the correct way to open your sparkling wines and engage in a lively debate on the art of sabrage.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:

02.51: Tom’s journey into wine

08.17: Working in English Wine

11.01: Tom’s travels to the Bairrada wine region, Portugal

18.38: Maria Gomes/Fernão Pires - “The Portuguese Riesling”

19.55: The Maria Gomes in Bairrada - profile, acidity, freshness

27.11: Discussing the winemaking approaches of Filipa Pato and Luis Pato

29.44: Bairrada and the use of early-picked fruit to grow natural yeast for wild ferments

33.14: Mario at Quinta das Bageiras - tasting Sparkling wines

36.15: The inspiration behind Tom’s upcoming book

40.12: Hermaphroditic vines that self-pollinate; flowering is affected by wind and rain

43.08: Highlighting biodynamic producers globally, avoiding specific wine recommendations

47.12: How to open a bottle of sparkling - the traditional method

49.25: Precautions and considerations for opening up sparkling wines

Any thoughts or questions, do email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat

If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat

Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Until next time, Cheers to you!

------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.