The Maker and The Merchant

S4E5: A Critical Mass Of Talent

Grapes: the final frontier. These are the recordings of The Maker & The Merchant. Their continuing mission: to explore strange new wines; to seek out new puns and new levels of humour; to boldly go where no pod has gone before!
That's right. Ferg hasn't just attended the Next Gen Fruit Conference, he IS the Next Gen fruit conference. Wearing his finest starfleet dress uniform, Ferg gave a talk on growing grapes in the UK to some of the finest agricultural minds in the industry. But just what is The Next Gen Fruit Group? What is its Prime Directive, and can they redirect all power to forward shields? Joking aside we learn from Ferg about the differences in knowledge, understanding, and potentially foresight between UK fruit growers and grape growers. What are his key takeaways? Where can grape growers learn from those who grow top fruit and soft fruit (and, err, what is the difference between those two things?)
 
As well as this we take a quick look at the large news of Majestic purchasing Enotria & Coe and what this may or may not mean for the trade and the UK wine consumer. There's also something about Ferg causing trouble in the middle east.
 
TM&TM: A Critical Mass Of Talent available to beam down to the planet's surface from stardate 030425.

S4e4 1234

Do you like numbers? How about addition, multiplication, and addition? Do you have a keen interest in English wine of the economics of wine production? Are you interested in starting your own vineyard or winery? Then have we got an episode for you. In this mathematically heavy yet vital episode, Ferg guides Lee through the numbers and sums behind a bottle of English wine. Yes, there are the usual tangents, efforts at humour, and tenuous links, but at the heart of this episode beats a strong desire to unpick the real numbers and analyse just how the whole thing works.
 
Ferg drops the numbers, Lee does the sums, and we end up a real-time breakdown of costs, a metaphysical discussion on the concept of labour, and a final number at how much you'll need to start you own winery.
 
So strap in, put your accountant on speed dial, and prepare your abacus for TM&TM 1234. Available down the back of the sofa from Thursday morning.

S4 E3 I'm Not Trying To Roll Quenelles Here...

Last week we teased Lee talking about some TV thing he's wangled his way into. This being Lee he does talk about it, but he talks about a load of other stuff first. That's right, this is a long haul. Firstly, Lee finally gets round to talking about Kingsbarn's Coaltown whisky, that he was kindly sent some time ago. Lee talks about his love and history with whisky and guides us through what sounds like a fabulous single malt. Lowland whisky, matured in ex-peated casks, and with more aromas and flavours than you can shake a quaich at. With sincere thanks to Charles Wilson and the Wemyss Family for this gifted bottle. We'll share shortly some advice on where and how to procure yourself a bottle or 3.
 
Ferg fills us in on his busy schedule from sushi pairing and G-splitting to bottling and being buttered up, he continues to live at unimagineable speed. We ask all our listener to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't wear himself out before his stag do. Wedding, we mean wedding. That's obviously more important.
 
Lee goes on (which is a complete sentence in itself) to explore a webinar he cohosted for his day job with the WSET and describes a little more about his day to day work. Then there's some noise about how he's an Oxford lecturer and then, the big reveal, which we revealed last week, that he is involved in a fabulous new wine TV concept. Just what is Incogvino? Who is in it? How can you find out more? Well, you can start by listening in here.
 
So sit down, tune in, and pour a large dram for the podcast with a stellar cast...available next to the Soylent Green in Aisle 5 from Thursday morning...

S4 E2: Iambic Pentameter

The first thing we need to say about this week’s episode is that it follows straight on from last week’s. Which sounds obvious now we’ve written it down. But it does follow on, as in, we didn’t bother to record even the shortest, sweetest intro to remind you what happened last week. So, if you didn’t listen to last week there will be loads of gags, callbacks, and references and you’ll miss out. But we’ve warned you now so it’s on you.
We continue our English wine introspective and ask not what can English wine do for you, but what can you do for English wine? How can we continue to grow, and what exactly is the role of the off-trade and how can we work together to build an unbeatable team of superheroe…English wine scene.
We briefly cover Lee’s hobbies which seem to now include attempts at topical humour, considering wine terminology, and telling Richard Harris stories. Which naturally leads us to Shakespeare, asking what links James Bond and Indiana Jones, and asking our dear listener a big question.
While Lee solidifies his nerd credentials, Ferg gets creative, and we consider just who owns the rights to TM&TM and exactly who it is all for? Lee drops a bombshell about recording a PILOT (and explains why this should be in upper case).
So, Season 4 continues [should we insert an adjective to suggest to presence of momentum and excitement?] with TM&TM: Iambic Pentameter. Available to podcast from your download place this Thursday morning

S4 E1: What A **** Shambles...

We know the disappointment. We feel your pain. The ennui…yes, we’re back. And your worst fears have been realised: Lee has returned with us. For the one of you that missed Ferg’s witty and insightful commentary, and Lee’s…whatever, you can rejoice. TM&TM is back and being piped into your earboxes through the medium of sound.
In our first episode back after a lengthy mid-season break Lee extolls the virtue of snooker (yes, it really does get off to a rocky start). Ferg takes us ‘under the hood’ of English wine. We’re not sure how that works or why he’s practicing to be an American. We move seamlessly from cats to duty rates and why they’re a brilliant thing and the best decision any government has ever made.
If you’ve ever wondered what influencers and dolphins have in common, this is the show for you as we also ask ‘when is a middleman not a middleman’
TM&TM: What A **** Shambles… available to lodpod from your castloads this Thursday morning.
We’re back.

Grubby Hole Diggers pt II (ft Jack Merrylees) The last drop

We know, we know—this episode is a bit late! With Lee off on a well-deserved summer holiday, Ferg took over the editing duties, which somehow turned into a 10-day epic. But, as they say, good things come to those who wait!
In this season finale, Ferg and Jack take the reins for the second part of our deep dive into the history of wine. From the Romans’ questionable attempts to cultivate vineyards in chilly Britain to the Dark Ages, where viticulture all but vanished, our dynamic duo explores how wine managed to survive and thrive in England against all odds. They dive into the role of monasteries in keeping the wine flowing through medieval times and how the love for a good glass of vino persisted despite plagues and freezing temperatures.
But it’s not all serious history! Expect plenty of laughs as Ferg and Jack debate the Romans’ wine-making skills and share how English wine made its comeback post-war. As they wrap up this two-part special—and the series—you'll find out why the story of wine in England is as much about resilience as it is about taste.
So, grab a glass and join us for one last toast before we cork it up for a well-earned break. Cheers! 🥂

TM&TM: Grubby hole diggers - Jack Merrylees and the potted history of wine

The end is nigh, after 7 months and 42 episodes season 3 of The Maker and The Merchant is finally coming to a conclusion. Fear not however as we have two more episodes to share with you as we bring this season to a close prior to our summer break. Unfortunately Lee misread the communication from TM&TM hr and has already started his summer hols. Fortunately Ferg was joined by the inimitable Jack Merrylees, Marketing director at Balfour Winery and general history buff. This week Ferg and Jack desperately try to get from the first grape vine to "hommo Winemaker" the evolutionary state human attain prior to ascension. Expect random interludes when the chickpea curry arrives, a very loud cough Ferg wasn't able "to fix in post" and the regular inclusion of a rather loud German Shepherd. It's a fascinating episode leaving you, dear listener on a knife edge to hear more. TM&TM Grubby Hole Diggers get it ere now 

TM&TM: Not Yet Named Wine Co.

DEMOCRACY! We love it. Especially when it goes our way…and involves wine. But do democracy and wine meet anywhere? Sure, the Greeks drank plenty of wine and invented the concept, but what about today? Where are the winemaking heroes prepared to put big decisions back in our hands?
Wait…should we leave non-experts to make such large and groundbreaking decisions?
One man who has proved democracy is alive and well, and can be found in the wonderful world of wine is Alex Brogan (not an IWSC 30 Under 30 Winner as some mistakenly think) founder of The Not Yet Named Wine Company. Avid listener of the show will have heard not only his name before, but also the man himself; he appeared as a special guest on our well thought out live episode at The Sampler way back when.
In today’s episode Lee (Ferg’s got a problem with his gravity and is still floating around the winery) talks to Alex about the origin of The Not Yet Named Wine Co, the first (discounting a one off American project over a decade ago) the bring democratic principles to the wine drinking masses. From concept to first vintage, we explore how the concept has progressed and understand more about the kind of options the community are able to make and influence.
TNYNWC is more than just the wine though, with discussions and votes involving names, labelling, and many other things too. Also, the community involved have access to special events and Dictator Wines. Talking of events, there is still time for you to join an Arrival Party this Saturday 27th July…hit the social medias of TNYNWC website to join the fun.
Beyond this we focus on the impending vintage 5, which will see Alex travel to Slovenia to carry out the demands of his faithful followers…and there is still time for you to join the action. As well as this, Alex shares stories of how the project is connecting people across continents, school trips, and an incident with a pig.
With huge thanks to Alex for his time and sharing his fabulous story; we’re huge fans of this business and think you will be too.
TM&TM: THE NOT YET NAMED WINE CO. available to castdown from your podloads on Thursday morning.
@fergelias @wineman147 @alexanderjbrogan @notyetnamedwineco #wine #podcast #winecast #winetime #notyetnamedwineco #democracy #vote #voting

TM&TM: Have You Been To A Wine Dinner?

Welcome back dear listener. You can't help yourself can you? Following the ENORMOUS success of our English Wine Week series, Ferg & Lee review the week itself. From the big news of the week, to the announcement of the Wine GB awards, we name our favourites and highlight once again the exciting world of English Wine.
 
Lee then raises of the question of just where to have a good wining and dining experience in Oxford. The city may be a seat of culture and learning, and be home to many great wine merchants, but where in town can you go for a great evening of Michelin recommended food and wine pairing? Lee it seems has the answer. He recently attended just such an event at Summertown's Pompette Restaurant. Under the expert guidance and tutelage of Suzy Nemeth, Lee traveled the world of the Loire with wines that were both excellent, and not necessarily obvious. Not only that, it was a culinary trip of excellence. Prepare to be regaled with tales of superb wines, excellent food, and a wonderful evening. Just think about how much it would have been if he wasn't there!
 
Check out Pompette's website for details of future events and get yourself along if you're in the area. We send our thanks to everyone at Pompetter not only for giving Lee a wonderful evening, but also giving us a night off.
 
So sit back, strap in, and enjoy HAVE YOU BEEN TO A WINE DINNER? Available to loadpod from your downcasts on Thursday morning.
 
#wine #podcast #winecast #winetime #wineoclock #winedinner #Oxford #Pompette
@fergelias @wineman147 @winegb @suzynemeth @pompetterestaurant @shedlikesfood 

TM&TM Wine GB industry report special with Phoebe French

In this week’s emergency episode, Fergus delves into the latest industry statistics released by Wine GB, accompanied by the wonderful Phoebe French, communications manager at Wine GB. 
Unfortunately, Lee couldn’t join the podcast this week as he found himself unexpectedly detained by Sussex Police on suspicion of attempting to “float a winery out to sea.” While this peculiar incident has temporarily sidelined Lee, rest assured he’ll be back with us next week to share his unique perspectives.
Seizing this unexpected opportunity, Fergus decided to record from his parked car in an industrial estate. Consequently, the sound quality on his end is less than optimal. We apologise for this inconvenience and kindly ask you to bear with this episode, dear listener. Despite the audio hiccups. Phoebe’s contributions are crystal clear, providing genuinely important and relevant information about the state of the fastest-growing agricultural sector in the United Kingdom.
Phoebe discusses the significant growth the industry has seen recently, the challenges it faces, and the exciting developments on the horizon. From advancements in viticulture to the impact of climate change, this episode covers a broad spectrum of topics that are essential for anyone interested in the UK’s burgeoning wine sector. There are many challenges ahead, but also much to be positive about, making this a truly enlightening episode.
So, tune in and enjoy this informative discussion, and stay tuned for Lee’s return next week.