It's been very exciting to listen to the I’ll Drink to That! wine podcast this year.
The show is closing in on its 400th episode and Levi Dalton and Erin Scala have continued to uncover marvelous facts as well as surprising stories. Among the 2016 podcasts, there's an abundance of rare opportunities to hear from people who are unaccustomed to granting interviews. Somehow, I’ll Drink to That! got them to talk.
We picked out ten episodes we particularly enjoyed in 2016 below. Each episode rewarding. We've listened to many of them multiple times already.
IDTT 385 Hugh Johnson This interview with the legendary Hugh Johnson is a gem: a conversation spanning his entire life, from the privations of World War II to the frustrations of the Parker–era. Hugh is celebrated for his turns of phrase, a skill he wields throughout this episode as he reveals little known aspects of his career (who knew he wrote one of the first books on California wine?) and his approach to writing (Hugh is never afraid to make up a word when necessary).
IDTT 352 Jean-Louis Chave
A true master class on the Hermitage hill, it is impossible to listen to this interview and not feel a profound respect for what Jean-Louis Chave and his family have been at work to achieve for generations. This is an amazingly thorough look at what it takes to make a great Hermitage, whether it be red or white.
IDTT 354 Ian D'Agata
We are positive that this will become a standard reference piece for anyone interested in the vineyards of Barolo. This episode is a tour de force from Ian D’Agata, whose immense knowledge of the Piemonte is presented here in a readily engaging way.
IDTT 388 Jane Anson
We have to admit to being less enamored of Bordeaux wines than maybe we used to be, but this interview snuck up on us and left an impression. Decanter columnist Jane Anson joined Levi for a comprehensive and up to date examination of Bordeaux today, going commune by commune. Jane spoke intelligently and incisively about the wines, while not being afraid to call it as she knows it to be.
IDTT 379 Maria Teresa Mascarello
You could go your whole life without ever hearing the voice of Maria Teresa Mascarello: the owner of the famed Bartolo Mascarello cantina rarely leaves the town of Barolo, and shuns all market visits or sales calls. She would rather spend her time working among the vines or in the cellar. If you have never been to see Maria Teresa personally at the little tasting room off Via Roma in Barolo, this may be your only chance to hear from her directly. And what an amazing person she is, as becomes clear in this wide ranging conversation.
IDTT 363 Danny Meyer
Danny Meyer is perhaps the most famous restaurateur in the United States, but who knew he was also such a wine fan? We loved the stories Danny had to share about visiting the likes of Chateau Rayas, and befriending wine industry figures like Robert Chadderdon.
IDTT 357 Daniel Brunier
In the same way that Jean-Louis Chave’s episode was a benchmark for understanding the Northern Rhone appellations of Hermitage and St. Joseph, this interview with Daniel Brunier of Vieux Telegraphe is an incredible resource for those wanting to come to grips with Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Brunier has decades of experience to draw from, and his in-depth answers are revelatory.
IDTT 378 Marta Rinaldi
“Everyone in this house has a big personality,” said Marta Rinaldi about working at the famed Giuseppe Rinaldi winery in Barolo. Indeed, this is an extraordinarily candid interview with Marta, who speaks with a fondness for her family members, but also with a clear-eyed view to the realities of working with them. If you ever wanted a true “backstage tour” of winery life, this may be as close as you can come to hearing about it.
IDTT 332 Paul Grieco
Paul Grieco has to be one of the most quoted wine guys in history, as the level of excitement that Paul brings to wine also brings him frequent interview requests. But never before had we heard so much honest back-story and reflection from Paul. This episode found the Great Showman of Wine in his most introspective moment.
IDTT 327 John Kongsgaard
Several winemakers we talk with were stunned by this episode, in which an elder statesman of California winemaking reveals his secrets of the craft. There are so many “Ah-ha!” moments in his details about the reasoning behind what he does, that we stopped counting. An extraordinary conversation.
We know that you'll enjoy these. It's been an incredible year for I’ll Drink to That! It has been a great pleasure to be associated with such a phenomenal resource for wine lovers. We've very excited to see what 2017 holds and will continue to bring great episodes to your attention.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits