EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A Wine Podcast Exploring Wine Regions, Grapes & Education

If you're studying for the WSET Diploma D3 exam, or you simply want to deepen your understanding of one of the world's most iconic wine regions, this episode is your essential listen. Janina takes you on a deep dive into Bordeaux, delivering everything you need to know in an engaging, audio flashcard format. She asks the questions, you pause and think (or just absorb it all), and by the end you'll have a solid command of everything from the rivers that shape the region to the soils beneath the vines.

By the end of this episode, you'll be able to confidently name Bordeaux's key grape varieties and explain what each brings to a blend, describe the major appellations on both the Left Bank and Right Bank, understand how climate, vintage variation, and soil type influence wine style, and walk through the winemaking decisions -from vineyard to bottle - that define great Bordeaux. Whether you're revising for an exam or just want to sound impressively knowledgeable at your next dinner party, this one's for you.

 

💡 Want more flashcard-style episodes? Previously, Janina has also produced episodes to help with Fortified Wine and Sparkling Wine exams along with several other wine regions for D3 exams. You can find them here:

Ep 253: Rhône Valley

Ep 256: Languedoc- Roussillon

Ep 113: Shery, VdNs, Rutherglen Muscat

Ep 120: Port & Madeira

Ep 129: Sparkling Wine Production

Ep 136: Champagne

Ep 142: All other sparkling wines

 



Timestamps

0:30 — Bordeaux Overview: production split (85% red, 9% dry white, 5% rosé)

2:24 — Location & Geography — The Garonne, Dordogne & Gironde Estuary; Left Bank vs. Right Bank

3:26 — History — The Dutch, wine merchants & brokers, and how Bordeaux built its global reputation

4:29 — The 1855 Classification — How it came about and why it still matters today

(Listen to Ep 239 - 4mins in for more details on this classification)

6:07 — Climate — Maritime influence, the Gulf Stream, and what makes a great vintage

7:21 — Forests, geography & Left Bank climate protection (the Landes pine forests)

7:24 — Rainfall variability and its impact on vine health and vintage quality

8:26 — Climate change: hotter summers, lower acidity, higher alcohol

9:17 — Extreme weather: frost, hail & vintage variation

10:20 — Soils — Why gravel is king on the Left Bank; heat retention, drainage & the croupe

13:43 — Right Bank soils: clay, limestone plateau & Merlot's natural home

14:07 — Grape Varieties: Merlot — Growth cycle, risks, flavour profile & why it dominates the Right Bank

17:33 — Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon — Late budding, thick skins, disease risks & what it contributes to blends

18:46 — What happens when Cabernet Sauvignon doesn't ripen fully

19:20 — Grape Varieties: Cabernet Franc — Bud break, coulure risk, herbaceous character & canopy management

20:29 — Grape Varieties: Malbec — Vineyard behaviour, the 1956 frost & why it declined in Bordeaux

21:41 — Grape Varieties: Petit Verdot — Late ripening, small blending amounts & why climate change is reviving it

23:20 — Grape Varieties: White — Sémillon — Noble rot susceptibility, flavour profile, aging potential & its role in dry and sweet blends

25:39 — Grape Varieties: White — Sauvignon Blanc — Its contribution to dry and sweet Bordeaux wines

26:33 — Grape Varieties: White — Muscadelle — Aromatic qualities, Botrytis risk & use in sweet wines

27:05 — Vineyard Management — Planting density, vine spacing & costs

28:22 — Pruning systems: double vs. single Guyot; cordon trained vines

29:12 — Canopy management, leaf removal, disease pressure & trunk diseases (Eutypa & Esca)

31:18 — Organic viticulture: Flavescence Dorée, certification & 18% of Bordeaux certified organic in 2021

32:08 — Yield management: bunch thinning, natural balance & why extreme low yields are falling out of favour

33:03 — Harvesting: hand vs. machine picking; labour shortages in northern Médoc

34:24 — Winemaking: Red Wines — Fermentation vessels, extraction, maceration times & pressing

37:13 — Barrel aging: barriques, new oak proportions, racking & blending timing

38:41 — Winemaking: Rosé — Saignée vs. direct press; traditional vs. modern styles

39:07 — Winemaking: White Wines — Early drinking, mid-priced & high quality approaches; lees aging, bâtonnage & new oak trends

40:53 — Winemaking: Sweet Wines — Yields, multiple harvest passes, noble rot selection & barrel aging for top estates

44:11 — Appellations: Overview — 65 appellations; Bordeaux AOC & Bordeaux Supérieur yields and styles

46:19 — Left Bank: Médoc & Haut-Médoc — Yield limits, style differences & the four famous communes

47:19 — Saint-Estèphe — Clay soils, higher Merlot, rustic tannins & no first growths

47:47 — Pauillac — High Cabernet Sauvignon, three first growths, exceptional aging potential

48:27 — Saint-Julien — Between Pauillac's power and Margaux's finesse

48:44 — Margaux — Elegance, perfume, silky tannins & earlier ripening

49:31 — Listrac-Médoc & Moulis — Further from the river, less gravel, good to very good quality

49:43 — Graves & Pessac-Léognan — Best white wines in Bordeaux; red/white split; yields & style

51:47 — Entre-Deux-Mers — White wine only; second-largest appellation; fresh and inexpensive

52:12 — Right Bank: Saint-Émilion — Merlot dominance, Grand Cru rules, classification system & satellites

53:55 — Pomerol — ~80% Merlot, no classification, tiny estates, super-premium pricing & wine style

55:35 — Lalande-de-Pomerol & Côtes de Bordeaux appellations

56:06 — Côtes de Bourg — Malbec focus

56:27 — Sweet Wine Appellations: Sauternes & Barsac — Noble rot conditions, Ciron River mists, 25 hl/ha yields & wine style

58:12 — Other sweet wine appellations: Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Loupiac & Premier Côtes de Bordeaux

58:42 — What's NOT covered in this episode (classifications, En Primeur, La Place de Bordeaux) — so follow these links to other episodes to supplement your wine learning:

Ep 185 : La Place de Bordeaux

Ep 182 : En Primeur

 

 

📩 Questions or feedback? [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026)

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina explores one of the fastest-growing trends in the world of wine: English rosé. Joined by Archie Patel - founder of Great British Rosé Week and creator of Dancing Duchess - this episode dives into how English rosé is evolving across different wine regions, styles and winemaking techniques.

From traditional method sparkling wines to Charmat expressions, this is a practical and engaging way to learn about wine, understand how rosé is made, and discover why England is becoming an exciting destination for wine travel. Along the way, you’ll also explore key wine grapes like Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, while building your sparkling wine vocabulary.

Inspired by Great British Rosé Week in its 6th year, this episode is your invitation to get involved and celebrate - grab a bottle of English or Welsh rosé, still or sparkling, and join the conversation on Instagram using #GreatBritishRoséWeek and #GBRW. 

05:22 – Growth of English rosé — how the category has evolved within modern wine regions and changing consumer trends.

07:22 – Why choose English rosé — cool climate, acidity and a unique regional wine identity.

10:26 – Rosé myths debunked — beyond Provence and why rosé is more diverse than people think.

10:40 – Tasting Dancing Duchess Rosé and exploring its style.

12:46 – How rosé is made — grape skins, colour extraction and key winemaking decisions.

14:49 – Sparkling rosé winemaking — from grape to bottle, including traditional method fundamentals.

19:01 – Pinot Meunier in focus — why this grape is gaining attention in modern wine education.

22:15 – Sourcing grapes — how producers navigate vineyards and relationships across wine regions.

24:26 – Base wines and blending — tasting components before final assemblage decisions.

24:36 – Lees aging — how time on lees builds texture, complexity and structure.

26:34 – Tasting the wine — floral, fresh and fruit-driven sparkling rosé profile.

29:23 – Dosage explained — how sweetness and balance are adjusted in sparkling wines

32:27 – Tasting Ambriel “Huzzah” Rosé and comparing styles. 

33:25 – Pinot Noir rosé — deeper colour, structure and the impact of skin contact.

35:47 – Estate winemaking — Ambriel’s single-estate philosophy and on-site production. 

36:54 – Regenerative viticulture — Wendy’s approach to biodiversity and sustainability at Ambriel.

40:04 – Describing wine styles — “feminine vs masculine” and how perception shapes tasting language.

42:52 – Tasting Silverhand “Silver Reign” Rosé using the Charmat method.

44:03 – Charmat method explained — tank fermentation and preserving fresh fruit character.

45:27 – Sustainability in action — Silver Hand is England’s first carbon-negative winery.

48:23 – Pinot Noir in sparkling rosé — structure, aromatics and stylistic contrast.

52:13 – Inside a modern winery — scale, innovation and the UK’s longest bottling line.

54:42 – Where to go for wine travel — top English wineries to visit for rosé experiences, including Ashling Park Estate, Hambledon Vineyard and Knightor Winery. 

📩 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Cheers to you 🥂

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina heads to the Atlantic coast of Galicia in Spain to explore one of the most exciting wine regions for white wines: Rías Baixas.

Joined by winemaker Aran Álvarez from Martín Códax, this episode is a deep dive into Albariño from Rías Baixas - one of the most expressive white wine grapes in the world. From terroir and climate to winemaking techniques, lees ageing, sparkling styles, orange wine and even noble rot, this episode explores just how many different expressions one grape can create.

If you want to learn about wine, understand how wine styles are shaped, and get inspired for your next wine travel destination, this episode is for you.

 

04:11 – Val do Salnés explained — the heart of Albariño and a key Atlantic wine region.

05:47 – Climate change — shifting rainfall patterns and their impact on vineyards.

06:46 – Pergola (emparrado) training — the traditional system adapted to humidity.

11:18 – Atlantic influence — how proximity to the ocean shapes salinity and freshness.

13:03 – A benchmark Albariño — fresh, saline and beautifully balanced; try Martín Códax Albariño (Rías Baixas)

15:12 – Granitic soils — drainage, organic matter and their role in wine structure.

17:11 – Winemaking styles — from fresh Albariño to lees-aged expressions such as Martín Códax Lías

21:05 – Lees aging explained — how it transforms texture, flavour and complexity.

22:38 – Batonnage technique — how winemakers integrate lees without oxidation.

26:28 – Innovation at Martín Códax — why experimentation drives new wine styles.

28:58 – Why make sparkling Albariño (Martín Códax Espumoso)? Exploring the grape’s natural potential.

30:03 – Harvest timing — multiple harvest stages depending on wine style.

32:21 – Lessons from sparkling winemaking — acidity, timing and precision.

37:28 – Lees interaction — why Albariño absorbs texture and complexity so well.

38:45 – Dry Albariño affected by Noble Rot (Martín Códax Gallaecia) — how a rare late-harvest wine style was developed.

44:26 – Orange wine (Martín Códax OW)  — skin contact, structure and a completely different expression.

47:58 – Aging potential — how Albariño evolves beyond its youthful freshness.

49:43 – Climate adaptation — vineyard experiments, data and future-proofing the grape.

52:31 – Martín Códax philosophy — community, culture and generational winemaking.

 

📩 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Cheers to you 🥂

 

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina takes you inside the London Wine Fair to explore the rise of English wine and its growing presence on the global stage.

Through conversations with leading producers - Simpson’s Wine Estate, Roebuck Estates, 1276 Wines and Everflyht - this episode dives into the people, wines and techniques shaping modern English wine.

From Pinot Meunier clones and Bacchus to sustainability, sparkling wine production and tasting highlights, this is a must-listen if you want to better understand English wine and discover the styles, grapes and producers to know.

And don’t forget, if you are in the wine trade, block out the dates 18-20 May for London Wine Fair 2026, Olympia, London.

02:06 – Introduction to English wine at London Wine Fair - a key moment for this growing wine region.

04:23 – Pinot Meunier clones - why they’re less discussed but still important wine grapes.

05:27 – What defines a Simpson’s wine - terroir, identity and precision winemaking.

08:55 – New pressing technologies – innovation in English winemaking.

10:10 – Simpsons, Roman Road Chardonnay 2023 £32 - what to expect in balance, minerality and texture.

12:39 – Export markets - how English wine is expanding globally.

14:35 – Misconceptions about English wine - understanding quality and value.

17:13 – Simpsons Wines to discover at London Wine Fair 

18:27 – Roebuck Estates and vineyard-focused winemaking.

22:19 – Blending decisions - shaping house style and consistency in sparkling wine.

24:45 – Tasting Roebuck, Rosé de Noir 2019 £42  - structure, fruit and lees complexity.

26:31 – Pinot Noir Précoce - early ripening and its role among English wine grapes.

29:15 – Rare Expression wines - small batch experimentation and aging potential.

32:04 – Ecology in the vineyard - sustainability and innovation in modern wine education.

34:27 – Roebuck Wines available to try at London Wine Fair.

34:52 – 1276 Wines and Herefordshire as a surprising wine region.

40:44 – Climate challenges - rainfall, ripening and regional differences.

42:34 – Bacchus explained - a signature English wine grape to watch.

44:50 – Acidity in English wines - balancing freshness and texture.

47:32 – Tasting 1276, Chardonnay 2024 £24 - floral aromatics, structure and elegance.

48:34 – Experimentation with Cabernet Sauvignon - pushing boundaries in cool-climate viticulture.

50:45 – 1276 Wines to try at London Wine Fair.

51:28 – Everflyht and regenerative viticulture.

52:51 – Vineyard philosophy - sustainability, soil health and long-term thinking.

54:49 – Canopy management - the technique with the biggest impact on fruit quality.

55:29 – Manual vs mechanical work - precision vs efficiency in the vineyard.

56:49 – Leaf stripping explained - sunlight exposure and vine balance.

58:17 – Managing vine growth - long-term vineyard strategy.

59:34 – Regenerative viticulture - one practical change with measurable impact.

01:03:04 – Everflyht Cuvée Edition 3 £30 - Solera system continutes to the uniqueness.

01:04:34 – Everflyht New Wine: Wylde - Charmat vs traditional method in English sparkling wine.

01:06:16 – Everflyht wines to try at London Wine Fair.

📩 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Cheers to you 🥂

 

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina heads to Umbria, Italy’s “green heart”, to explore one of the country’s most underrated wine regions: Orvieto DOC.

Joined by wine educator and ambassador Luisa Salussolia, this episode blends wine education, wine travel inspiration, and a deep dive into wine grapes that define the region. From volcanic soils and indigenous varieties like Grechetto and Procanico, to food pairings, tasting tips and travel advice, this is your guide to discovering Orvieto and expanding your understanding of Italian wine.

If you’re looking to learn about wine, discover new regions and plan your next wine trip, this episode is for you.

02:53 – Discovering Orvieto — why this underrated wine region deserves more attention.

04:19 – The Umbrian landscape — a perfect destination for wine travel with history, nature and value.

06:40 – Montefalco Sagrantino — one of Italy’s boldest red wine grapes.

08:42 – Arnaldo Caprai and the wine that helped redefine this part of Italy.

09:38 – Link back to the Episode 254 on Sangiovese and Brunello di Montalcino.

11:11 – Becoming an Orvieto ambassador — combining wine education with real regional experience.

12:36 – Why Orvieto DOC stands out — terroir, indigenous wine grapes and quality-driven producers.

14:53 – Classico Superiore explained — what it means for quality and aging.

15:53 – Historic wineries and Etruscan cellars — where history meets modern winemaking.

17:56 – Grechetto explained — one of the key wine grapes shaping Orvieto wines.

19:42 – Procanico (Trebbiano Toscano) — freshness, acidity and structure in the blend.

21:28 – Understanding Trebbiano — why this family of wine grapes is so complex.

22:20 – Tasting Decugnano dei Barbi 'Mare Antico' Orvieto Classico Superiore 2023 — texture, salinity and mineral expression. Buy with Eurowines.co.uk £22.99

25:01 – Food pairings — truffles, wild boar and classic Umbrian dishes.

27:32 – Tenuta Le Velette, Lunato, Orvieto Classico Superiore 2024 — volcanic soils and a savoury wine style.

35:17 – Planning your trip — practical tips for wine travel in Orvieto.

36:56 – Visiting wineries — authentic experiences in one of Italy’s hidden wine regions.

38:30 – Regenerative viticulture — an important topic in modern wine education.

41:30 – One key vineyard change — how no-till farming can impact wine quality.

42:23 – Tasting tips — how to learn about wine through a structured approach.

46:35 – Wine recommendations — discovering new regions and styles beyond the mainstream.

48:41 – Final Old Vine wine picks — Bodega Cerron, La Calera del Escaramujo Monastrell and Nuits-St Georges, Rue de Chaux, 1er Cru, Domaine Chicotot, Burgundy

 

📩 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Cheers to you 🥂

 

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST
Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot.

RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026)
– Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list