Episode #19 – Viognier in Paso Robles: 2023 & 2024 Vintages with Darren Brown & Pablo Marlen

In Episode #19 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by Darren Brown and Pablo Marlen for a focused and educational conversation centered on Viognier, one of Paso Robles’ most expressive white wine grapes.This episode highlights Sculpterra’s 2023 and 2024 Viognier vintages, exploring what makes Viognier thrive in Paso Robles, how it’s crafted, and why it continues to stand out for both winemakers and wine drinkers. Paul breaks down the grape’s aromatics, texture, and versatility, while Darren dives into the history and characteristics that define Viognier around the world.Paul also shares a detailed winery and vineyard update after returning from vacation, including ongoing pruning, concerns about rain, and a packed bottling schedule heading into February. With multiple wines preparing to be bottled — from Primitivo Reserve to Héroe Viognier — the cellar is busy.Darren and Pablo answer questions about wine culture, Paso vs. Napa comparisons, tasting experiences, and how to continue growing wine appreciation among Mexican-American communities. The group also tackles screw cap vs. cork in The World of Wine segment, weighing tradition against practicality.The episode includes upcoming Sculpterra events, a fun TMI segment touching on Paul’s conversations with former NBA champion John Salley, an educational spotlight on barn owls in the vineyard, and a thoughtful mailbag discussion about wine aromas and personal favorites.The show wraps with a tasting of two Viognier wines — giving viewers a chance to see how the grape expresses itself across vintages.🍷 Wines Tasted2024 Sculpterra Viognier2023 Sculpterra Viognier#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #Viognier #WinePodcast#WineEducation #Winemaking #CentralCoastWine #WineCulture #WineLifeProduced by EZF Media, LLCOfficial producer of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra