S3E6: Tasting Terroir

Can you really taste a place? Is minerality a myth? How did these concepts influence the creation of the famous crus of Burgundy?  This episode takes a brief departure from our Season 3 deep dive into the Terroir of Farming to explore one of the most important skills we can develop as wine tasters – how to taste terroir. This episode takes place deep in the heart of Los Angeles at our friend Abe Schoener's intimate 12 Seats symposium series, and we are guided by our longtime supporter, mentor, and friend, Paul Wasserman. Paul begins by blinding the group on three wines – but instead of asking us to identify what they are, he leads us through a series of exercises to help expand our palates, and our minds. Together we taste and explore the connections between place, minerality, and the soul of a wine. Tasting for terroir is both a practical exercise and one that helps us to connect to the deeper meaning behind the wines in our glass. So pour yourself a taste of your favorite terroir, and get ready to see it in a whole new light. This episode is sponsored by Becky Wasserman and Co, who represent the wines featured in this tasting. EDIT: Upon review of this episode I was reminded that I did not originally meet Paul in Burgundy, but one year prior, in the Loire with our good friend, the legendary importer Ted Vance of The Source Imports. I chalk up my error here to my sleep deprived baby-brain at the time.    CREDITS Roadside Terroir is hosted and produced by me, Brenna Quigley Sound engineering, original music and sound design by Jeff Alvarez – with an assist from Nick Canepa. Thank you to Paul Wasserman, Abe Schoener, Clare Shaheen, Paul Knittel, and Kayley Wineburger. If you liked this episode, please share it and give us a review–it really does make a difference! And don't forget to hit subscribe. Thank you, as always, to our grand cru patrons Steven and Amy Lipin. This season wouldn't be possible without the support from all of you–Check out our website roadsideterroir.com to learn more about THIS SEASON, and HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW by staying in touch, donating, sponsoring, or becoming a Roadside Insider. Insiders get access to extended interviews, maps, photos, and more–including invitations to events just like this one, and trips to explore terroirs around the world with me.    Thank you for listening.