206: Minerality in Wine, Great Hybrid Grapes & What Jimi Hendrix Can Teach Winemakers with Aleks Zecevic

Is minerality a flavour or a texture? What does it feel or taste like? Why do wines made from hybrid grapes deserve your attention? What can winemakers learn from Jimi Hendrix?   In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm interviewing Aleks Zecevic, wine writer and host of the Vintners podcast.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights How does Ewald Tscheppe of Werlitsch get a unique texture to his wines? How did carrots help Aleks improve his understanding of and appreciation for biodynamic wine? What distinguishes Werlitsch Ex Vero I, II, and III? Which common characteristics will you taste in most wines from Styria, Austria? What will you experience when tasting Werlitsch Ex Vero III? Is minerality a flavour or a texture? What do I especially love about the mouthfeel of Rockway Vineyards Small Lot Syrah? How does Slovenian influence show up in the wines of north east Italy? What is the Carso? How does the terroir come through in Zidarich Vitovska 2017? Why are some grapes called hybrids while other crossed varieties are not? Why are hybrid grapes increasing in popularity? What makes Vitis vinifera more susceptible to disease and environmental damage? Why are hybrid grapes more environmentally friendly and better suited for climate change? What can winemakers learn from Jimi Hendrix? Why does Aleks connect with vinyl records more than digital music? What’s the mission behind the Vintners platform?   Key Takeaways I thought Aleks’ explanation of how minerality affects both flavour and texture helpful. Wines made from hybrid grapes will increasingly become part of our drinking menu both due to climate change as well as their improved taste and diversity of flavours. I loved his tip on what winemakers can learn from Jimi Hendrix.   Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video. I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer? Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621   About Aleks Zecevic Aleks Zecevic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and emigrated to New York City to study journalism at New York University. After graduating, he completed WSET courses and worked at the Wine Spectator, becoming one of the lead tasters at the magazine. He joined the renowned auction house Sotheby’s as a fine wine specialist. Currently, he reviews Austrian wines for Wine Enthusiast and is part of the newly founded Vintners platform, where he creates content and hosts the Vintner’s podcast.     To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/206.