After Wine School

One Question That Stumps the Best Sommeliers, and Tasting Some Muscadet

 
In this episode of 'After Wine School,' hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe reveal why asking a Sommelier about their favorite wine is considered the most annoying question. They explore the subjective nature of wine appreciation, emphasizing that personal preferences vary greatly. The hosts share engaging anecdotes about their favorite wine experiences and discuss how simpler questions can promote a more inclusive conversation about wine. The episode concludes with an in-depth tasting of Muscadet, showcasing the complexity and joy of wine tasting. Listeners are encouraged to enjoy wine in a carefree manner and subscribe for more wine stories and advice.
 
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe
01:08 The Most Annoying Wine Question
01:53 Why Asking a Sommelier's Favorite Wine is a Bad Idea
06:00 Wine Experiences and Personal Stories
11:12 Tasting Muscadet: A Sensory Journey
17:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Bonus Episode - Keith's Wine Buying Tips: From Supermarkets to Boutique Shops

Uncorking Wine Buying Tips: From Supermarkets to Boutique Shops
 
In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace steps in solo as Alana Zerbe embarks on an intriguing NASA mission. Keith demystifies wine buying by discussing four major types of wine shops in the U.S.: Supermarkets and National Chains, Big Box Wine Shops, Boutique City Wine Shops, and Suburban Mall Wine Shops. He offers insights and insider tips on selecting wines, particularly for those interested in wine education and sommelier training. Sponsored by the National Wine School, this episode provides a blend of practical advice and wine expertise.
 
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:41 Alana's Top-Secret Mission and Keith's Wine Shop Guide
01:13 Supermarkets and National Chains
01:51 Big Box Wine Shops
03:08 Boutique City Wine Shops
04:03 Suburban Mall Wine Shops
04:48 Conclusion and Farewell

The Case of the Disappearing Wine Books, Plus a Syrah Tasting

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the declining presence of wine books and the need for updated, accessible wine education. They share personal experiences, including Keith's decision to write a food and wine pairing book instead of a traditional wine book, and the challenges of keeping wine information current due to rapidly changing details. The episode highlights the importance of electronic resources and honest, jargon-free approaches to wine education. They also taste and review a Syrah from Côte de Roussillon. Throughout the discussion, Keith and Alana emphasize the need for honest, engaging content in the wine world and invite listeners to join the conversation and share their thoughts.
 
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:53 The Decline of Wine Books
01:54 Personal Story: Writing a Wine Book
03:29 Challenges with Wine Books
04:48 The Evolution of Wine Information
11:26 The Future of Wine Writing
20:55 Tasting Syrah
25:32 Conclusion and Farewell

The Dark Arts of Wine Marketing (and Some Rose)

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe delve into the intricacies of wine marketing, revealing how industry insiders are influenced and how certain wines become popular. They reminisce about an influential cruise promoting Rosé and recount a memorable trip to Paso Robles. They also conduct a detailed tasting of a Rosé de Provence, exploring its characteristics and potential food pairings. The episode ends with practical advice for those interested in joining the wine trade and enjoying its unique perks. Don't forget to subscribe and share the love of wine.
 
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:41 Today's Topic: The Dark Arts of Wine Marketing
00:59 Wine Tasting: Rosé de Provence
01:37 Reintroduction and Sponsor Shoutout
03:08 The Wine Cruise Experience
05:16 The Rosé Revolution
06:52 Marketing Strategies in the Wine Trade
13:20 Wine Tasting:  Rosé
17:08 Pairing Rosé with Food
19:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tasting Room Nightmares and Diving into Some Burgundy

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the ins and outs of wine tasting room experiences, sharing both horror stories and tips for making the most of your visit. From the importance of setting appointments and being polite to understanding the different types of visitors (and how tasting room staff should cater to each), they cover it all. The episode also features a tasting and detailed analysis of a premier cru burgundy wine, highlighting its complex flavors and aromas. They emphasize the importance of never asking for freebies, always being respectful, and enhancing your tasting experience by asking informed questions. Whether you're a seasoned wine aficionado or a casual enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into enjoying wine tastings the right way.
 
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:49 Today's Topic: Tasting Room Nightmares
01:11 Wine Tasting Session Begins
01:39 Meet the Hosts and Sponsor
02:50 The Importance of Tasting Rooms
04:07 Tasting Room Horror Stories
08:30 How to Be a Good Tasting Room Guest
16:58 Maximizing Your Tasting Room Experience
19:02 Respect and Etiquette in Wine Tasting
20:39 Handling Unfavorable Wines with Grace
21:17 Navigating Local Wineries and Sweet Wines
22:23 Avoiding Palate Disruption
23:14 The Importance of Being Genuine
24:53 Comparing Wines Side by Side
26:02 Enjoying Premier Cru Burgundy
27:10 Describing the Complexities of Pinot Noir
34:07 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Unlocking the Secrets of Oak & A Bordeaux Tasting

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive into the intricacies of oak aging in wine. They explore the historical significance, the flavor contributions, and the various types of oak used by winemakers. The discussion is enriched by Wallace’s insights into winemaking practices and the management of oak barrels. The episode concludes with a tasting and analysis of a beautiful Fronsac, highlighting its complex flavor profile and the impact of oak aging. Listeners are invited to engage with the podcast and enjoy wine in a relaxed, enjoyable manner.
 
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe
00:47 The Role of Oak in Winemaking
03:20 Historical Use of Oak in Winemaking
05:47 The Science Behind Oak Aging
09:52 Managing Oak Barrels in Winemaking
18:26 Different Types of Oak and Their Impact
23:06 Tasting Chateau Carl Magnus
28:22 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Why Does Keith Hates Prosecco so Much?

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe dive deep into the world of sparkling wines, starting with a critique of generic Prosecco and moving on to various high-quality alternatives like Cava, Loire Valley bubbles, and Anderson Valley wines. They discuss the importance of lees, the complexities of different sparkling wines, and touch upon unique varieties like Bougie Cerdan and Greek orange wines. The episode aims to educate listeners on identifying good quality bubbles without the snobbery, highlighting the joy in discovering diverse and lesser-known sparkling wines.
 
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:41 Today's Topic: Bubbles
01:31 Prosecco: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
02:52 Understanding Quality in Sparkling Wines
05:52 Exploring Cava and Its Complexities
17:19 The Charm of Loire and Other French Bubbles
19:06 American Sparkling Wines: Hidden Gems
22:24 Weird and Wonderful: Unique Sparkling Wines
27:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Demystifying Wine Ratings and Reviews (and Chateneuf du Pape!)

Demystifying Wine Ratings and Reviews with Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe
 
In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe, leading wine experts, dive into the topic of wine ratings and reviews. They explain the importance of wine ratings, their history, and how they can guide wine selections. They review a Chateauneuf du Pape wine and discuss the significance and correct usage of wine ratings. The hosts advocate for using ratings judiciously and discuss the pitfalls of crowdsourced reviews. The episode caps off with a wine tasting, highlighting the complexities and unique attributes of the wine. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share the podcast, particularly with wine snobs for a dose of humble pie.
 
00:00 Welcome to After Wine School
00:41 Introducing the Hosts and Today's Topic
00:57 Wine Reviews: Chateauneuf du Pape
02:55 Understanding Wine Ratings
08:41 The Evolution of Wine Ratings
11:24 How Wines Get Reviewed
15:17 The Evolution of Wine Critic Practices
15:43 Modern Wine Review Expectations
17:16 The Role of Wine Ratings Today
18:20 Navigating Wine Selections with Reviews
22:12 Crowdsourced Wine Reviews: Pros and Cons
24:06 Understanding Wine Characteristics
25:10 Grenache: A Deep Dive
30:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Lawyers Guns and Vineyards

In this episode of After Wine School, Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss their paths from law and journalism to becoming top wine experts. They share anecdotes about the transition, the cultural lens of wine, and the prevalence of lawyers in the wine industry. The episode also highlights a tasting of Cab Franc from the Loire Valley, focusing on its unique flavors and characteristics. Tune in for an engaging mix of wine education, personal stories, and humor.
 
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe
01:53 The Lawyer's Journey to Wine
05:25 Cultural Insights Through Wine
12:31 Tasting Cab Franc from the Loire Valley
16:36 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

The Down-and-Dirty Secrets of Wine Pricing, and A Cahors Wine Tasting

In this episode of After Wine School, hosts Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe discuss the complexities of wine pricing, offering insights into how different tiers of wine are priced. They explore factors from production costs to market placement and offer actionable advice for selecting the best wines within a given price range. The hosts also cover the nuances of wine aging, gifting strategies, and smart buying techniques. Later, they sample a sommelier's favorite, a wine from  Cahors, and offer pairing recommendations. Sponsored by the National Wine School, the episode wraps up with valuable tips for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike.
 
00:00 Introduction to After Wine School
00:45 Today's Topic: Secrets of Wine Pricing
02:06 Understanding Wine Pricing Tiers
06:51 Factors Influencing Wine Prices
10:54 Tips for Buying Wine
16:07 When to Splurge on Luxury Wines
16:53 Aging Wine: A Complex Topic
17:10 Wine School Sponsorship
17:53 Choosing the Right Wine: Price and Quality
18:54 Gifting Wine: Tips and Tricks
20:52 Dealing with Wine Snobs
27:09 Wine Tasting and Pairing
31:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts