Episode 164: Pearls of Wine Wisdom With Jameson Fink
Jameson Fink, creator of Wine Without Worry, joins the Wine Two Five ladies for some conversation about Chablis, oysters, and learning about wine when you’re just beginning. Then he lays down a brilliant, convincing defense of the Champagne flute that you won’t want to miss. This? Was way too much fun! Cheers ~
Day Drinking Tasting (2:23)
2016 Mille Wines, Rose’ (rosato) Pinot Noir, Pavia IGT, Lombardia, Italy – $16 for a one liter bottle! (Photo: Jameson Fink)
2016 Whitecliff Vineyard Vidal Blanc, Hudson River Region, New York
2016 Lieu Dit Melon, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, CA ($22)
Today’s Guest: Jameson Fink
Jameson has worked for Wine Enthusiast, msn.com, Grape Collective, and Foodista. His eponymous blog, Wine Without Worry, is a two-time finalist for a SAVEUR Blog Award.
Jameson is somewhat of a pariah for his unwavering defense of the Champagne flute. He is on the eternal search for bars and restaurants that aren’t too loud.
Chablis and Oysters 101 (8:00)
Jameson is joining us fresh from an oyster and Chablis lunch. Please join us in our support for his sacrifices and taking one for the team here.
We actually did a hardcore grape gab about Chardonnay, but it’s been a while. Perhaps it would be fun to freshen up the Chardonnay chatter, and maybe focus a little more on the Chablis styles.
What is it about Chablis and oysters that make it such an iconic pairing? He fills us in and shares some of the pearls (couldn’t resist) of wisdom Rowan Jacobson of the Geography of Oysters imparted during the luncheon.
Essentially, all oysters are different, and some wines can actually ruin an oyster experience by bringing out a metallic characteristic in some instances. You’ve heard of terroir in wine? Well, there’s “merroir” when it comes to oysters.
A Very Good Place to Start (16:00)
People often ask for tips on increasing your wine knowledge if you’re a beginner. This is a great question because sometimes the amount of information online can be overwhelming.
We passed this question on to Jameson who gave some great advice on engaging with your local wine purveyors and how to do that. Trying out “grape adjacent” wines is all the rage for exploring other regions and styles.
The power of having great wine books on hand is invoked, including mad praise for one of our favorites, The Wine Bible. (Plus we love Karen MacNeil, see Episode 66). And naturally nothing beats taking a class!
In Defense of the Flute (25:30)
You’re entering the no flute shaming zone. This segment is dedicated to Jameson’s staunch defense of the Champagne flute. While we try not to drink shame anyone with our show, we realize everyone has their preferences. Some of you are Champagne or classic method sparkling wine lovers, and totally dig a white wine glass for enjoying a higher end bottle.
But we also love the elegance and visual appeal of a flute, and we know some of you do too. Just for you, flute lovers, we give Jameson this space to send some love and consumer choice empowerment your way as well! Please enjoy. We did!
Dating Advice and a Dive Bar (33:41)
Yep. You’ll just have to listen in to find out what pairing a Master Sommelier recommended for a first date … to secure that second date. The moral, “Just relax, man.”
What’s Next for Jameson Fink? (36:12)
First, check out his new article on Vine Pair about rose’ wines!
Then, follow him here:
- Blog: jamesonfink.com
- Instagram: @jamesonfink
- Twitter: @jamesonfink
Shoutouts (39:22)
Thank you Jameson for drinking with us today!
We’d also like to read one of our newest iTunes reviews. Big thanks to InLoveWithDana’s 5-star review titled “Great show about wine”!
“Who doesn’t love to learn more about wine? This has really developed into a great informative show. I have bought different wine based on their recommendations.”
Patreon Love (41:20)
Thank you to our Patrons who support us on our Patreon crowdfunding platform!
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All Patrons at the $2/month or higher donation level are entered into the drawing.
Connect: (43:06)
Between each weekly chat you can find us on the social spaces @WineTwoFive, and we encourage you to join our private FaceBook group called Wine Two Five Community!
And Instagram!
Connect with Val on Twitter @WineGalUnboxed and everywhere else as @VinoWithVal.
Connect with Steph online as @TheWineHeroine.
Reminder: A Killer of a Book Club
#W25BookClub Announcement!
Tangled Vines : Greed, Murder, Obsession, and an Arsonist in the Vineyards of California, by Frances Dinkelspiel. This book was selected by our very first patron Meg in South Dakota, and she will be leading the book discussion in July. Stay tuned for that episode and go buy yourself (or borrow) the book. We all have plenty of time to indulge in the story and share some opinions.
It’s on Audible (www.audible.com), so you don’t even have to read it. You can walk, garden, drive, fold laundry, and listen!
