Spilling the Truth - Wine & Conversation

Episode 53: The Conspiracy Theory Podcast!

There are tons of late nights in the bar industry and conversations that cover all subjects. This is one of those conversations. We sat down with Chuck Fowler to discuss all the conspiracies that we hear serving guests at the bar and add our own take to them. 

 

This is one of those types of shows that is genuinely as close as it gets to the conversations had at the bar top!

Episode 52: Enes Zekic w/Alesmith Brewing Company

In this episode we invite Enes from Alesmith on to talk about the history and beers of Alesmith Brewing. We learn a lot about how the brewery got started, some of their specialty beers, and the charities and organizations they help out with.

 

Enes was born in in the former Yugoslavia and is a Bosnian native that moved from there to Tucson AZ, and later Phoenix. We talk a lot about this growing up there and moving to the states, and what it is like to become a representative that helps open up markets and states for a brewery to get setup in. We hope you enjoy this episode!

Episode 51 : Ian Ribowsky with Jean-Luc Colombo out of Cornas Rhône Valley

In this episode with sit down with Ian Ribowsky, General Manager of Jean-Luc Colombo in Cornas in the Rhône Valley.

 

We had an amazing time talking with Ian about what it was like working the industry for the past few decades, and what it took for him to work with his good friend Jean-Luc. 

 

We sat down and drank through a handful of different wines from Jean-Luc Colombo winery, and talked a lot about what makes up Rhône Valley styles and the rules that dictate how they are made.

 

We learned a lot from him and can't wait to have him back on again!

 

Wines Drank

-Côtes du Rhône – “Les Abeilles” (The Bees)

-Viognier “La Violette” (The Violette)

-Picpoul de Pinet “Les Girelles” (name of a traditional fish from the Mediterranean Sea)

-Côtes du Rhône – “Les Abeilles” (The Bees)

-Cornas – “Les Ruchets” (The Beehives)

Cornas – “La Louvée” (The She Wolf)

-Cornas – “Terres Brulees” (The Burnt Lands)

Episode 50: French Wines with Katixa Mercier from French Libations

In this episode, we sit down with representative Katixa Mercier from French Libations. French Libations represents a bunch of different French wines, spirits and ciders in America. 

 

We talk bout everything from how she came up in the industry and her love of wine, as well as all things chip related. #chipfaced. She also helps Jonathan try to pronounce all the different wine labels, since she can speak multiple different languages, but as usual he fails pretty terribly. 

 

We hope you enjoy this show!

Episode 49: Great Divide Brewing w/Tyler Tanner

In this episode with sit down with the Southwest Area Sales Manager of Great Divide brewing to talk to us about the brewery and its beers. We also get into what its like in the beer industry and learned a lot along the way. We hope you enjoy.

Episode 48: Jonata-Hilt-Paring Wines with Wine maker Matt Dees

In this episode, we sit down with the winemaker Matt Dees. Matt makes the wines for Jonata, The Hilt, and The Paring wines. 

 

We sit down and have a discussion about ho the got into the wine industry, where its heading, and future plans for himself. 

Once again, the conversation leads to a lot of laughter and we discover that the world is a small place and we all know some of the same people.

Episode 47: Cattleya Wines with owner and wine maker Bibiana González Rave

In this episode, we have on Bibiana González Rave, owner and winemaker, of Cattleya and Alma de Cattleya Wines. 

 

She was named Winemaker of the year in 2015 by San Francisco chronicle as well as Wine Enthusiast top 40 under 40 Americas Tastemakers. 

 

While we drink her wines and discuss her 2 labels Alma de Cattleya and Cattleya, we dive into how she arrived in the wine making world. What it was like working for Pahlmeyer and Wayfarer and how she started her own wine brand. 

 

We learn a lot from her in this episode and hope you all enjoy it.

 

Wines drank on the show

Alma de Cattleya Sauvignon Blanc -2019

Alma de Cattleya Chardonnay - 2018

Alma de Cattleya Pinot Noir - 2018

Alma de Cattleya Red Blend -2018

Cattleya Chardonnay Cuvee Number 5 - 2018

Cattleya Pinot Noir Cuvée Number 1 -2018

Wayfarer - The Travler -2012

Episode 46: Karl Strauss w/ Chad Heath VP Sales and Marketing.

In this episode, we sit down with the VP of Marketing and sales for Karl Strauss Brewery Chad Heath. We sample through a bunch of different beers with him while we talk about what it was like to get to where he is at, as well as Karl Strauss Brewery and the future of beer from them. As usual we get into some other weird conversations that give you a look into the wide world of beer. Hope you all enjoy.

 

Cheers!

Episode 45:Avery Brewing Co with founder/owner Adam Avery.

In this episode, Adam Avery, the owner and founder of Avery Brewing Co in Boulder Colorado joins us on the show. We had a great time talking to him about what is was like starting his brewery, creating his original beers, what it was like to run the brewery during COVID, and numerous other topics. 

 

Beer drank on this episode

Pamona - Sour Beer

White Rascal - Belgian Wit Beer

Liliko'i Kepolo - Belgian Wit Beer with Hawaiian passion fruit

Hazyish IPA - Hazy IPA

Vanilla Bean Stout - Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Vanilla

Rumpkin - Rum Barrel Aged Pumpkin Ale

Episode 44: Harland Beer Co with Head Brewer Ryan and Brand Ambassador Erica

In this episode the Head brewer of Harland Ryan Alvarez, and Brand Ambassador Erica Nichols come on to discuss their beers from Harland Beer Co in San Diego, California. We talk with Ryan and Erica about how they got into the beer industry, what its like being a brewer, the crazy world of the beer industry, becoming an ambassador for the company during a pandemic, and much more. 

 

 

 

Beer Drank on the episode

Wallaby - Australian Lager

Tama Tama - Foeder fermented Pilsner - Foeder Pilsner w/ Yuzu and Hoshigaki, and Kentucky Bluegrass

Super Seltzer - Hard seltzer brewed in collaboration with Mikkeller San Diego; mulberry, mango, mangosteen, and red pomelo fermented in American Oak foeder.

Fitzy 1 - Imperial Stout - Barrel aged 14 months in 9-year-Old Fitzgerald barrels, treated with 25 lbs. of toasted coconut for one single barrel as well as sweet, sweet maple syrup

All Gas No Brakes - Imperial stout aged in Malahat Spirits bourbon barrels w/ Cook Islands vanilla

 

Episode 43: Toppling Goliath Brewery with Special guest Brenson Johnson

In this episode Brenson Johnson, from Toppling Goliath Brewery in Decorah, Iowa, join Jonathan and Damien. While they drink a few different beers from the brewery, they discuss every thing from what its like working for Toppling Goliath,  new trends in the beer industry, Brensons band, and making homemade furniture! 

 

Beers drank in this episode

Dorthys New World Lager

Pompeii IPA

Pseudo Sue - Hazy Pale Ale

King Sue - Hazy Double IPA

Term Oil Coconut Monster Cookie - Bourbon Aged Stout

Episode 42: Cult Wines

WE ARE BACK!!! This is the ver first episode recorded in the podcasting studio at Rift!

In this episode Jonathan and Damien discuss where the term cult wine comes from. they break down the possibility of the term originating from an actual cult in California, and not created to be used as a term for collector wines. They drink some wine made from a place in California that is considered among many to have once been a doomsday cult that produced the wine for this episode. 

Check out the new bar at Rift Wine + Tap

Wine Tasted

1997 Renaissance Vineyards - Proprietary Blend: Yuba City, California

2002 Renaissance Vineyards - Syrah: Yuba City, California

 

 

Episode 41: Blind Tasting with Yousef from The Social Distance Drinking Club show

In Episode 41, after a few months away from the mic's, the guys settle back into the groove of podcasting by welcoming their good friend Yousef back on the show to talk about his craft beer collaboration and to blind taste some wine with us.   

Yousef is the founder and cohost of the live show "Social Distance Drinking Club" and a Spilling the Truth favorite guest.  The guys talk all about his recent beer collaboration with Tombstone Brewing, announce their new studio and wine bar, and of course discuss Jonathan's addiction to Sbarros pizza.   This was a perfect episode to get the show restarted, thank you for listening.  

 

Give the Social Distance Guys a follow here on FB to be notified when they are going live
Social Distance Drinking Club on Facebook

Check out Damien & Jonathan's episode on Social Distance Drinking Club here
Damien & Jonathan's Episode on SDDC

Damien & Jonathan now own Rift Wine+Tap in Scottsdale 
www.riftbaraz.com

 

Episode 40: The Cabernet Conversations Vol 3 - The Pandemic and the Impact on the Wine Business

The guys are back with new episodes!  In their return, Jonathan and Damien open a great bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and discuss the impact the pandemic is having on restaurants, wineries, breweries and the beverage industry as a whole.  They have some great advice for people trying to do virtual tastings and ideas on how to get through the weeks of being on lockdown.  

Wines Tasted:
2013 Calla Lilly "Ultimate Red" Cabernet Sauvignon - Pope Valley, Napa, California 

Episode 39: Special Guest Nicola Biscardo Shares Knowledge, Passion and His Amazing Italian Wines

In today episode, Damien and Jonathan were very lucky to spend a couple hours talking everything Italian with Nicola Biscardo, Amarone producer, importer, and brand ambassador of some of the most amazing and unique Italian varietals.  

The guys begin the show with a quick lesson on Italian phrases and than get right into the rich culture and history of Italy and Verona in particular.  Nicola shares his passion and enthusiasm throughout the show and educates the guys on how amarone is produced, the greatest mistake his parents ever made, and why everyone in the US should drink more Italian wines.  The guys could have talked all day and we cannot wait to record part two.  This episode is a ton of fun and very educational.  Thank you all for listening and we hope you enjoy as much as they guys did recording it. 

Some of the varietals tasted during this episode are so unique they might be difficult to find but definitely worth the search to find them.   

For more information, for distribution, or to contact Nicola 
https://www.nicolabiscardo.com/

Wines Tasted: 
NV Notte Bianci Emilia Brut IGP - Emilia-Romagna, Italy
2017 Gaierhof Pinot Grigio DOCG - Trentino, Italy
2017 Tenuta la Meridiana "Le Quattro Terre" Barbera D'Asti DOCG - Montegrosso d’Asti, Italy
2017 Marchesi Biscardo Corvina della Provincia di Verona IGT - Negrar, Italy
2015 Marchesi Biscardo Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG - Negrar, Italy
2018 Salvatore Martusciello "OTTOUVE" Gragnano della Penisola Sorrentina DOC - Campania, Italy

Episode 38 : Sabering Champagne and Oregon Pinot Noir with the Owner of Atlas Bistro, Todd Sawyer

In Episode 38, Damien and Jonathan welcome the owner of Atlas Bistro on the show to saber a champagne bottle and to talk Oregon Pinot Noir. Todd founded Atlas Bistro 19 years ago and it has become one of the best hidden gems in Phoenix and in America.

The show starts off with a quick demonstration on how not to saber a bottle, a discussion about Grower Champagnes, our favorite wine importers, and how he founded the restaurant. Quickly the guys get into how Atlas Bistro, after 19 years, stays one step ahead of restaurant trends through global travels and how great it was being featured on The Food Network this year. While enjoying two great Pinots and talking all about the different growing regions in Oregon they get into reminiscing about the best bottles ever shared at Atlas and what wines got everyone into wine.

It was a lot of fun to record this episode and if you haven't yet been to Atlas or haven't gone in a while, it is a perfect time to make a reservation.

This episode is available on YouTube (and we recommend watching Todd's epic saber fail. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf4OS9wmqnM

Wines Tasted:
Champagne Marc Hebreart Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs
2017 Walter Scott "Justice Vineyard" Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, OR
2012 Soter Vineyards North Valley Pinot Noir - Yahmill-Carlton, Dundee OR

www.atlasbistrobyob.com
(480) 990-CHEF

Episode 37: Gorman Winery, Saltfire Brewing and Sneaking into Trade Shows

In Episode 37, Jonathan and Damien talk all about attending wine trade shows and discuss Washington state wines for the first time. The guys just returned from a local distributor trade event with a bottle of Saltfire Hazy IPA and 4 different selections from Gorman Winery in Columbia Valley WA. They spend the episode discussing everything from sustainability laws and Washington growing regions to how to get into a distributor trade shows with ease.

Gorman winery is a great value and we definitely recommend the wines to anyone wanting to try some big wines from the Pacific NW. We hope you enjoy and thank you for listening.

Products Tasted:
Saltfire Brewing Co "Big in Japan" Hazy IPA - Salt Lake City, UT
2016 Gorman Winery "The Devil You Know" - Columbia Valley, WA
2016 Gorman Winery "The Devil You Don't Know" - Columbia Valley, WA
2016 Gorman Winery "Old Scratch" Cabernet Sauvignon - Red Mountain, WA
2015 Gorman Winery "The Bully" Cabernet Sauvignon - Red Mountain, WA

Episode 36: The Wine & Pizza Conversations paired with David Tyda

In Episode 36, the guys welcomed local food festival legend David Tyda on the show to Spill the Truth all about his new festivals and to discuss pairing wine with pizza. David arrived to the show with a local favorite NY style pizza, the guys opened three awesome Italian wines, turned on the mic's instantly hilarity ensued.

This episode is our funniest to date and also has the first canned wine consumed on the show.  The guys talk all about Davids upcoming Phoenix Pizza Festival and debate everything from whether Chicago pizza is actually a casserole to whether tots considered french fries. The trio also discusses about 20 other hilarious topics and we don't want to spoil all the fun so you will just need to listen.  

This episode is full of great information and really is our most entertaining episode so far. Thank you again David for coming on the show and we hope you all enjoy listening as much as we did recording.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here
https://youtu.be/ZkDg6YhC674

Wines Tasted:
Frico by Scarpetta Lambrusco (250ml Can)
2017 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso
2013 Villa di Geggiano Chianti Classico

For more information on Phoenix Pizza Festival or to purchase tickets please go to
www.phoenix.pizza

Episode 35: The Howell Mountain Conversations with Sommelier Thomas Klafke

In this episode,  Damien and Jonathan welcome their good friend and sommelier Thomas Klafke to Spill the Truth about the Howell Mountain AVA.  This is the the most informative episode to date and might have the best wine ever consumed by the guys while recording.  Thomas flew in just to share three estate Cabernet Sauvignons from three different vintages while discussing the nuances of the region in a fun way.  The conversation really is an in depth look into the Howell Mountain AVA and the mind of a sommelier,  yet it also covers everything from how we got in the business to what we would drink if we were trapped on a desert island.  We really hope you enjoy this look into the mind of a somm and thank you again Thomas for sharing some of the best wines ever made in California. 

Wines Tasted:
2013 Bravante Vineyards Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Howell Mountain, CA
2014 Neil Family Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Howell Mountain, CA
2015 Cimarossa "Riva de Levante" Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - Howell Mountain, CA

 

Episode 34: Sulfites & Other Wine Misconceptions with Sean Tevik

In this episode,  Damien and Jonathan welcome back Sean Tevik to discuss sulfites in wine more in depth and talk about other misconceptions in wine production. Sean has worked as a wine director, winery general manager, distributor, and ambassador and is a wealth of knowledge. We had planned on talking more about sulfites during this episode however the conversation lead us to many alternate topics such as spontaneous fermentation, immaculate inoculations and magic wands that reduce hangovers. This episode was quite a lot of fun to record and had some hilarious moments

Thank you again Sean for coming on Spilling the Truth and sharing some special wines with us and remember "Be good...and if you cannot be good, be bad".

Wines Tasted:
NV Valdo "Cuvee 1926" Prosecco DOCG - Valdobbiadene, Italy
2018 La Perriere Sancerre - Loire Valley, France
2011 No Ancora Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, CA
2011 Davis Family Winery "Soul Patch" Syrah - Russian River Valley, CA