203: Wine & Global Weirding, Canadian Wine and New Regions with Brian Freedman

As a wine lover, what can you do to help mitigate the impact of climate change? Why do many experts consider the phrase “global warming” a big marketing mistake? How is climate change pushing the boundaries of where great wine comes from?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing Brian Freedman, wine and spirits educator and author of Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a personally signed copy of Brian Freedman's terrific new book, Crushed: How a Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at [email protected] and tell me that you’d like to win the bottle. I’ll select the winners randomly from those who participate. Good luck!   Highlights What surprised Brian about the impact of climate change on the world of spirits? Why do many experts consider the phrase “global warming” a big marketing mistake? How does climate change disproportionately impact those who can least afford it? Why is a long-term planning horizon essential in the wine industry? What does it mean for a wine to “channel the ineffable truth of a vineyard”? Which rich, complex aromas and flavour notes can you expect from Kutch Pinot Noir 2016? Why do I especially love Sperling Vineyards Speritz Pet-Nat of the various Pet-Nats I’ve tried? What fascinating long wine history exists in the Judean Hills, Israel? How does Shiloh Secret Reserve Petit Verdot 2018 highlight the diversity and range of the Israeli wine industry? Why is it so important to keep an open mind about wine? How is climate change pushing the boundaries of where great wine comes from? How will Crushed help you to broaden your palate? What impact has Brian seen with climate change on Canadian wine? What’s Brian’s prognosis for the future of the wine industry? Who are the two people Brian would most want to be able to share a bottle of wine with? Which inspirational wine message would Brian put on a billboard?   Key Takeaways I loved Brian’s practical tips for what we can do, as wine lovers, to help mitigate the impact of climate change. I agree with him that the phrase “global warming” is a big marketing mistake. Global weirding is much better in describing the extreme weather events we’re experiencing around the planet. I found Brian’s insights into how climate change is pushing the boundaries of where great wine comes from fascinating.   About Brian Freedman Brian Freedman is a wine, spirits, travel, and food writer, restaurant and beverage consultant, and wine and spirits educator. He regularly contributes to Food & Wine, Forbes.com, Whisky Advocate, and SevenFifty Daily, and has contributed to Travel + Leisure, The Bourbon Review, and more. He also hosted wine and spirit pairing segments on the CNN Airport Network. Freedman has traveled extensively throughout the world and the United States to experience the food, drink, and culture for his work. He lives outside of Philadelphia.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/203.