The Tim Atkin Cork Talk Podcast

Cork Talk with Tom Puyaubert

One of the founders of Rioja ’n’ Roll, Tom Puyaubert is part of an exciting new generation that’s helping to redefine Spain’s most famous region. Born in the southwest of France, he decided to become a winemaker after a spell working at a winery in Virginia, USA, of all places, going on to set up his own winery, Bodegas Exopto, in 2003. We talked about minority red grapes like Graciano and Maturana Tinta, the toasty world of oak barrels and what Tom would change in Rioja if he were in charge for a day.

To read more about Tom's wines, look at the Bodegas Exopto website. You can also follow him on Instagram @tomexopto

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.

 

Cork Talk with Abrie Beeslar

Kanonkop has only had three winemakers since its first vintage in 1973 and Abrie Beeslaar is arguably the most successful of the lot, surpassing the achievements of his illustrious predecessors. Listen to us chat about the legacy of Paul Sauer, the underrated delights of Pinotage, accolades and 100-point scores and why the wheel of progress turns very slowly at Kanonkop. 

To read more about Abrie's wines, look at the Kanonkop and Beeslaar websites. You can also follow him on Instagram @beeslaar_wines

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.

Cork Talk with Ricard Rofes

A Catalan to his fingertips, Ricard Rofes is the winemaker at Scala Dei in Priorat, in charge of one of Spain’s greatest historic properties. A lover of Garnacha, Ricard talked to me about monks, heretics, co-operatives, slate soils and why his native region is returning to its roots after taking a wrong turn towards Bordeaux in the 1990s.

To read more about Ricard's wines, look at the Scala Dei website. You can also follow him on Instagram @rrofes

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.

Cork Talk with Daniel Daou

Daniel Daou was born in Lebanon, brought up in France and now lives in the United States. After selling the software business he created with is brother in the late 1990s, he decided to follow his dream and become a winemaker in Paso Robles, California after scouring the world in search of the perfect spot. We chat about Cabernet Sauvignon, affordable luxuries, why grapes should be treated like food and about the missile attack that changed his life for after.

To read more about Daniel's wines, look at the Daou Vineyards website. You can also follow him on Instagram @daniel.j.daou

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.

Cork Talk with Sebastián Zuccardi

Sebastián Zuccardi started out making sparkling wines at school for fun (as you do), before working in vineyards overseas for seven years. Since he returned full time to his family’s winery in Santa Rosa, he’s transformed its fortunes, switching the focus to the cooler Uco Valley and producing some of Argentina’s finest wines in the process. We talked about limestone, Malbec, olive oil and why he prefers concrete tanks to oak barrels.

To read more about Sebastián's wines, look at the Zuccardi website. You can also follow him on Instagram @szuccardi.

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.

Cork Talk with Laurent Miquel

Laurent Miquel is the eighth generation of his family to farm at Cazal Viel in the Langudeoc, but there’s nothing remotely traditional about him. A proponent of night harvesting as well as a fan of minority grapes such as Viognier and Albariño, he’s a risk taker and a force for change. I caught up with him to chat about the St Chinian appellation, Japanese philosophy, his time living in England and his love of a good curry.

To read more about Laurent's wines, look at the Laurent Miquel website. You can also follow him on Instagram @laurent_miquel.

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.

Cork Talk with Randall Graham

Randall Graham set out to make great Pinot Noir in California, but with typical self-effacement, he soon realised that his talents were better suited to other grapes, especially those from the Rhône Valley. Best known for his Le Cigare Volant blend, Graham is one of the wine world’s most interesting thinkers. We talked about oddball grapes, UFOs, his new, ground-breaking project at Popelouchúm, and why climate change is leveling the playing field between the New and Old Worlds.

To read more about Randall's' wines, look at the Bonny Doon website. You can also follow him on Instagram @randallgrahm240.

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.

Cork Talk with Julio Bouchon

Julio Bouchon’s family came to Chile form Bordeaux back in the 1880s, but this fourth generation winemaker has done more for the reputation of a forgotten Spanish grape – País – than for any French variety. Listen to us talk about his training as a journalist, his love of granite soils, the ongoing impact of social change in Chile and his joint venture in South Africa.

To read more about Julio's' wines, look at the Bouchon Family Wines website. You can also follow him on Instagram @bouchonfamilywines

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.

Cork Talk with Jean-Charles Boisset

Jean-Charles Boiset is a hoot – an entrepreneur, a tireless innovator and a brand in his own right. Brought up in Burgundy, where his family owns Boisset, the region’s largest producer, but now living in California, he’s in charge of the Boisset Collection of West Coast wineries. Listen to him talk about Pinot Noir, kickboxing, biodynamic farming, perfume and how to learn from your failures.

To read more about Jean-Charles' wines, look at the Boisset Collection website. You can also follow him on Instagram @jc_boisset.

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.

Cork Talk with Steve Pannell

Steve Pannell was born into one of Margaret River’s pioneering wineries, Moss Wood, but has chosen to follow his own path in McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. Rightly regarded as a key figure in the modern Australian wine industry, he’s a brilliant, considered and stimulating conversationalist. Listen to us talk about the wonders of Grenache, why tannin is a good thing in red grapes and how he’s working to change perceptions of Australian wine.

To read more about Steve's wines, look at the SC Pannell website. You can also follow him on Instagram @scpannell.

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.