Ep 133

What if one of wine’s most recognizable symbols, the oak barrel, was never meant to be used for aging wine at all?

In this episode, we’re diving into the history and science of oak in winemaking. From the Roman Empire’s accidental discovery of oak barrels to how modern winemakers use them intentionally today, you’ll learn why oak has become one of the most powerful tools for shaping a wine’s flavor, texture, and aroma.

We’ll break down what really happens inside the barrel, from how oxygen softens tannins to the compounds that add notes of vanilla, spice, and caramel. You’ll also discover the truth behind that “buttery” flavor in Chardonnay and why it’s not actually coming from the oak itself.

Finally, we’ll explore the different types of oak used around the world, what makes French, American, and Hungarian barrels unique, and the rise of sustainable alternatives like oak chips and staves.

If you’ve ever wondered how oak barrels influence what’s in your glass or what winemakers mean when they say a wine was “oaked”, this episode is for you!

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• VoChill: Go to vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!
• Wine Wash Co: Go to winewashco.com and use code CORK for 20% off your order, plus free U.S. shipping on orders over $35!

Episode Highlights:

• How oak barrels were first used by the Romans
  
  
• The key reasons winemakers choose oak today: flavor, texture, and fermentation environment
  
  
• The truth about “buttery” wines and malolactic fermentation
  
  
• The process of crafting an oak barrel, from staves to toasting
  
  
• Differences between French, American, and Hungarian oak
  
  
• Cost and sustainability factors in oak barrel use
  
  
• Why new vs. old oak matters for flavor
  
  
• Oak alternatives: chips, cubes, and staves
  
  
• The meaning of “the angel’s share” in winemaking
  
  
• How winemakers balance tradition with innovation

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 132

Do you ever feel lost when people start throwing around fancy wine terms like “tannin” or “terroir”? You’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re going back to the basics with 15 essential wine words that will instantly boost your confidence when talking about wine. You’ll learn how to describe what you’re tasting, from acidity to body, and finally understand what those mysterious words like “minerality,” “dry,” and “complex” actually mean.

This is your chance to learn how to speak like a sommelier (aka a wine expert!)

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to describe what’s in your glass or want to understand what others mean when they talk about wine, this episode is the perfect place to start.

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• VoChill: Go to vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!
• Wine Wash Co: Go to winewashco.com and use code CORK for 20% off your order, plus free U.S. shipping on orders over $35!

Resources:

• What makes wine taste the way it does? Tannin, acidity and body - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-125
• The light, crisp French white wine you’re missing out on - https://www.corkandfizz.com/blog/guide-to-wine-podcast-episode-75

Episode Highlights:

• The difference between “variety” and “varietal” (and why even experts mix them up)
  
  
• What a “vintage” really tells you about your wine
  
  
• How to identify acidity, body, tannin, and finish
  
  
• Why “dry” doesn’t always mean what you think it does
  
  
• Understanding terroir and minerality
  
  
• How to use words like “crisp,” “complex,” and “silky” to describe wine
  
  
• What “Lees,” “Brett,” and “mouthfeel” actually mean
  
  
• The truth about when a wine is “tight” or “closed off”
  
  
• How to tell if your wine is ready to drink or needs time to open up
  
  

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

Ep 131

What happens when a winemaker challenges tradition, one barrel at a time?

In this second part of my interview with South African winemaker Duncan Savage, he shares how he transformed his approach from crafting white wines at Cape Point Vineyards to creating expressive, terroir-driven reds under his own label. He shares how his time crafting white wines at Cape Point Vineyards shaped the philosophy he now brings to his expressive, terroir-driven reds under his own label.

Duncan also takes us inside the evolution of South African winemaking. From shifting away from standardized Sauvignon Blanc styles to embracing authenticity, restraint, and place-driven wines that tell their own story. If you’ve ever wondered what makes the new wave of South African wines so distinctive, this episode offers a glimpse into that transformation.

If you’ve curious how passion, patience, and a little rebellion can reshape an entire wine region, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

And don’t forget to go back to episode 130 and listen to the first part of my conversation with Duncan!

Thank you to the following brands for sponsoring this podcast:

• Vacu Vin: Go to us.vacuvin.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 20% off your order!
• VoChill: Go to vochill.com and use code CORKANDFIZZ for 15% off your order!
• Wine Wash Co: Go to winewashco.com and use code CORK for 20% off your order, plus free U.S. shipping on orders over $35!

Connect with Duncan:

Website - https://broadbent.com/producers/savage-wines/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/savagewines/

Episode Highlights:

• Transitioning from white to red winemaking
  
  
• Shifting South African Sauvignon Blanc beyond the “Kiwi” style
  
  
• How barrel fermentation and oxidative techniques changed his perspective
  
  
• Why Duncan applies a “white wine approach” to red wines
  
  
• The importance of patience and texture in the winemaking process
  
  
• Redefining what “authentic South African wine” means today

What did you think of the episode? Text me!

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com