On today's show, Jessica interviews Gus Zhu, a Master of Wine and author of the recently published book Behind the Glass: The Chemical and Sensorial Terroir of Wine Tasting. Gus does an amazing job of breaking down complex topics involved in wine chemistry and sensorial analysis to be understandable by wine lovers of all levels. In addition to talking about the book, Jessica and Gus delve into many misunderstood topics, from volatile acidity and cork taint to cultural shifts of flavor and aroma preferences within various populations. In Gus's words, a deeper undertanding of how we perceive aromas will lead to a more colorful human experience.

Purchase Behind the Glass through the Academie du Vin Library: Here

More about Gus Zhu from the Institute of Masters of Wine: Here

Gus Zhu's consulting company: Here

On today's episode, Jessica interviews Kelli White, a wine writer and educator, about her new book, Wine Confident. Kelli's book was released in the latter part of 2024 and was part of Jessica's review of top wine books for last year with Forbes. While we couldn't get this episode in last year, this conversation is so enjoyable and pertinent all year round, great for graduation gifts and other occasions that are coming up.

This book is a culmination of Kelli's 20+ year career in wine, which spans literally every sector of the wine industry from restaurants, retail, winemaking, and finally, education. There is no better person than Kelli to explore learning about wine, dispelling myths, and everything else you didn't even know was out there.

Links referenced in the episode:

Purchase Kelli White’s Wine Confident here.

Visit Kelli at the Wine Center at Meadowood here.

Purchase Kelli White’s first book, Napa Valley Then and Now, here.

Jessica’s article in Forbes on the top wine books of 2024, here.

Kelli’s first interview on Another Bottle Down, here.

Mark and Jessica continue to gear up for the Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO) by chatting with Evan Davis about all the considerations in a retail setting of appreciating this iconic region. Evan is Central Texas Wine Educator with Spec's Wine and Spirits and oversees the wine departments and staff in 34 different stores. Mark and Evan dig into how the public sees Barolo and Barbaresco in a retail setting, the challenges of limited availability, favorite vintages, and so much more.

Spec's Wine and Spirits: Website

Purchase tickets for the Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening on March 25th, 2025: HERE

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