The Maker and The Merchant

Geotrichum Candidum - PART ONE -

What do The Meisner Technique, controlled ageing of milk, and New York Wines have in common? We know, it's a bit too easy this one. The answer is of course: Dan Belmont. Dan literally wrote the book on New York wines. Literally in the traditional (and best) definition of the word. From a background in the theatre to becoming a leading expert in the worlds of both cheese and wine, Dan joins us for a two part episode where we explore his incredible journey so far.
 
We explore his approach to acting and learn why he didn't make it in the ballet. From here Dan takes us on an adventure to Finger Lakes and dipping his toes into the world of New York wines. Amongst these fingers and toes are many stories of revelation, revolution, and mold. Ferg compares Finger Lakes (and other New York appellations) establishing themselves both locally and internationally with England, while Lee attempts to get to the beating heart of Dan's acting method and love for cheese.
 
This is the first of a two part episode featuring Dan. Next week we will talk about how he went on to establish Good Wine Good People and learn a great deal more about New York State wine. This is a great episode, primarily as Ferg and Lee don't interrupt our wonderful guest too much.
 
Enjoy this first slice of Prime Dan; this man's knowledge and passion seem to know no bounds.
 
TM&TM: Geotrichum Candidum available to castpod from wherever you laddown Thursday morning.

What does supreme belief taste like (vineyards of wales special)

Last week on TM&TM we promised you a bonus episode. This is more like a threat, but either way, we have delivered. You get what you deserve.
 
Early in March (so it's a timely one) Lee bothered The Welsh Wine Showcase in London. This event celebrated the great and the good of Welsh wine and showcased the diversity, dynamism, and creativity to be found in this mighty country. From the first plantings in the 1870s to more than 70 hectares today, Wales has made incredible strides over the last few years. Strides that TM&TM are incapable of replicating; largely due to poor physical fitness, age, and utter laziness. We know what we're about.
 
Over the course of this bonus episode, Lee guides Ferg (and you our dear listener: Hashtag: Ferg's Mum) through the producers who were there on the day. We start with Ancre Hill and travel through Wales taking in Hebron Vineyard, Montgomery, The Dell Vineyard, The Vale Vineyard, Velfrey, Whinyard Rocks, and White Castle. Lee shares his thoughts on the producers and their standout wines and chooses his favourite sparkling, white, and red from the event.
 
We then return to England briefly to talk about Ferg's latest project at Balfour: the brand New Albariño.
You didn't ask, and we didn't listen, but here it is.
 
TM&TM: What Does Supreme Belief Taste Like? available to castpod from wherever you loaddown on Thursday morning.

Nordic Stories

You will well know that at TM&TM we tackle the pressing intellectual questions of the day. There’s next to no prevarication in our latest episode as Fergus & Lee ask just what was Humpty Dumpty? Is the Forbidden Fruit actually a PIWI? And what connects the Tuscan Maremma with Sussex?
But it’s not all fun and games. Firstly we wish FotP Janina our best wishes as she has lost her voice (she had when we recorded this mess 3 weeks ago). Then we deal with a most serious complaint that has arrived via unofficial channels. Karen Jenkins was furious when she accosted Lee and gave him a piece of her mind. He deserved it. We hope to use the AAA technique as we Acknowledge, Apologise, and Assure Karen that we will right the severe injustice she has discovered.
If you were expecting one of our host to ‘Go Full Partridge’, you’d probably think it would be Lee. Well, you’d be wrong. Ferg out-Partridges Partridge as he introduces a new segment: Ferg’s Nordic Stories’ This leads to another issue as Ferg takes umbrage with Lee’s response to Brad Horne’s March Madness questions.
We see the return of our incredibly popular* ‘This Week I Have Been Mostly Drinking’ feature. Ferg explores Sangiovese clones with Cecchi and Lee drinks his way through a French Viognier from the fandabiedozie Wine Society.
Prepare to be wowed as we introduce our new sponsor** Diam Corks as Ferg regales us all with some #OTRChat. We can’t wait to see those advertising dollars roll in. We also share a very special discount code for our other sponsor Bin Two***
Lee talks us through his new role as Ambassador for Flavours of Spain & l’Oculto Restaurant and covers what exactly is his current employment status?
Remember to email us@themakerandthemerchant@gmail.com.
What a mess. TM&TM: Ferg’s Nordic Stories available to lodpoad from wherever you cowndast this Thursday. We’re sorry.
*it’s not popular at all
**This is not true
***Neither is this
 

Nominative Determinism

Despite what you may think about TM&TM (an you're probably right), we somehow keep getting interview with increidbly high profile, smart, and talented guests. This time around we are delighted to talk to the enormously talented, trend-setting, winemaking wonder that is Zoë Driver. Given her stature and credibility within wine, you may expect us to take things a little more seriously. If that's what you really expect, you've clearly stumbled upon this pod by accident.
 
Fergus inflicts his game of [guest name] Doo [guest name] Don't upon poor Zoë but in so doing manages to get under the skin of her appraoch to winemaking and thoughts on sparkling wine production. Prepare for some #clonechat. Zoë talks to us about the current range at TM&TM favourite Black Chalk and also clues us in to some exciting new releases and in so doing, gives us an insight into the incredible creativity that is to be found in English wine.
 
Lee continues his quest to prove that everyone else is just better at what they do than Ferg. Zoë proves to be a much kinder judge in these areas than Lee and there is disparity in scoring. We would like to assure listeners that a full, independent review is under way.
 
Of course, Ferg also sets out to establish just how good a Driver Zoë is with his ill thought out 'Nominative Determinism' experiment. TM&TM would like to wholeheartedly apologise to Zoë for this experience.
 
It's a good one, carried entirely by the magnificent Zoë and oyu should give it a listen when it pops into your podfeeds on Thursday morning.
 
Our enormous thanks to the one, the only, the phenomenally brilliant Zoë Driver.

Strobe Lights and Aspirin

TM&TM Have long stood in admiration at the many great people who make English wine happen. It doesn't just appear magically y'know; there are people working literally *hours* to bring you the best bottles possible. We are absolutely thrilled to say that we have one of them on this episode.
 
In our efforts to bring you the best that English Wine has to offer, Fergus & Lee are thrilled to introduce Luke Spalding. Viticulturalist, Grape Lover, & Knower Of How To Stop Badgers, Luke brings his wit and wisdom to bear on a show that desperately needs it. From dairy related bombshells to discussing whether English Wine has yet found its identity (does existence preceed essence?), Luke shares his thoughts on regenerative and organic viticulture and exactly what grape varieties we should think about growing in our fair climbs.
 
Ferg continues his interview strategy of asking black or white questions on themes that really are more shades of grey, while Lee once again pits the two of them against each other in an effort to discover who is England's best professional. Through the key subjects of life, people, wines, and legislation, we get inside Luke's head and have likely left him requiring therapy.
 
There is absolutely nothing controversial in this episode, mainly because Lee has learned how to use an audio editing programme.
 
Thanks to the measured, reasoned, thoughtful, and balanced Luke for joining us, and standing up to our insistence that there are only binary answers to all questions.
 
TM&TM: Strobe Lights & Aspirin, available to loadcast from your serverpods on Thursday morning.

Tommy Doo Tommy Don't

For the second episode in a row we have as a guest a proper, genuine, home grown, corn fed, English wine heavyweight. Following on from a deeply insightful interview with Ingrid Bates last time out, this time we tackle the winemaking behemoth that is Tommy Grimshaw. Yes, that's right, Tommy G of Langham fame brings the Devonshire Class which TM&TM so desperately needs.
 
Ferg has been honing his interview skills, and in an effort to become the new Jeremy Paxman, interrogates Tommy not through waterboarding or by shining lights in his eyes; no, Tommy is forced to endure a game of Tommy Doo Tommy Don't. This is highbrow stuff indeed. Throughout we tackle wine rating apps, the joys of Buckfast, and ponder whether wine can be made on a boat.
 
And talking of boats, Lee has devised his own devilish interview strategy. This is the start of Lee's quest to discover if Ferg is actually any good. In a series of brutal winemaking questions, Lee pits the knowledge and skills of Ferg and Tommy against each other in an audio equivalent of Gladitorial combat. Who comes out on top? You'd better listen to find out.
 
Ferg & Lee then waffle about something or other for far too long.
 
Strap in folks, TM&TM are going to the next level. With HUGE thanks to the wonderful Tommy for his time and generosity in sharing his incredible knowledge and insights.
 
TM&TM: Tommy Doo Tommy Don't, available to loadcast from your poddown sites on Thursday morning.

Ice Cold in Bristol

After months of incessant demands, outrageous riders, and Lee's ineptitude, we finally give our listening public (hashtag: Ferg's Mum) what they want. Yes, Ferg and Lee are joined by super-cool, Bristol-grower extraordinaire Ingrid Bates. After a discussion about scones we learn mroe about Ingrid's journey from Nearly The Next Sir David Attenborough to founding Dunleavy Vineyards. Along the way we cover off the genius of Tommy Grimshaw, Shed Seven's new album, and celebrity hotel riders.
 
Ingird talks us through establishing vineyards around Bristol, and discusses the creative scene that permeates the city. From her great labels with local musicians by Pete Axford, to establishing a visitor's centre, we learn about her use of less well known and potentially groundbreaking grape varieties, and working with local shops and restaurants to build a knowledge and understanding of her work.
 
Lee reveals how he has essentially* become Chief Winemaker for his beloved All Angels, shares a whisky for Burns Night (when we actually recorded this mess), and doesn't seem at all bitter about life. Ferg gives the down low on what is going on in the life of England's third best paid winemaker.
 
It's a bumper episode, but we think you'll agree, totally worth it.
 
A huge thanks to Ingrid for being so generous with her time, and putting up with our absolute nonsense.
 
TM&TM: Ice Cold In Bristol, available to castload from wherever you downpod this Thursday morning.
 
*this is FAR from the truth obviously

The Maker and The Mobbs

We're not completely stupid at TM&TM. We've analysed the viewing figures, done indepth consumer research, and looked at salaries. We know what isn't working and how to fix it. We've retained fan favourite Fergus Elias and binned (for this episode) Lee Isaacs, who has cost this show dearly. A mid season cast change NEVER goes wrong, and in this episode we beta test our new concept...THE MAKER AND THE MOBBS.
 
We are delighted that stepping into Lee's clown shoes is Great British Wine founder, Masterchef, and Encyclopaedia of all things English Wine, the mighty John Mobbs. The man whom we consider to be the greatest resource on English wine today. Ferg learns where the English wine bug first grabbed John, and how he set about creating his fabulous website. Following this is a State of the Nation address which considers the opportunities available, the future of Charmat, pints, names, and Seyval Blanc.
 
While sipping on a firm favourite of ours, the Dalwood still white blend, John highlights the standout English wines in various categories and pinpoints lesser known varieties we should get to know. All while effortlessly taking up the grand position of new cohost.
 
In the vein of American TV drama though, we expect the next episode will open with Lee stepping out of the shower and revealing it was all just a dream.
 
The Maker And The Mobbs: available to lodpoad from wherever you downcast this Thursday.

I Hear You’re Posessed Now Father

Do you want to get your new year off with a bang?
Do you value the thoughtful and reasoned input of two seasoned, rational, articulate wine professionals?
Do you want up to date pop culture references?
 
Then look elsewhere. The Maker And The Merchant are back! In imperious form too. Having not yet quite recovered from Christmas debauchery, Fergus & Lee tackle the big issues of the day head on. What were their best presents? What are their hopes and dreams for 2024. And just what do consumers have against mushroom shaped corks?
 
Amongst those hopes for 2024 is that Lee's Not Yet Comedy night in support of The Not Yet Named Wine Company goes well; head to NYNWC's website to grab yourself one of the few remaining tickets. Ferg talks up three exciting new releases from Balfour, while we also explore a brand new potential fault in wine that neither of us have heard of. This involves some serious, big league named dropping by Fergus.
 
We touch on the very serious issues facing catering and hospitality and urge you to get out to support your local bars and restaurants as well as the usual mixture of chat, horrendous jokes, and wondering how Ferg can top this year's Christmas present he gave to our dear listener.
 
Wishing you all a wonderful 2024...let's be honest, if it's starting here, it can only get better.

Chasing zero

Quelle surpise! Ferg and Lee have actually managed to fulfill their contractual duties by recording an episode. We know, who would have thought the most basic requirment of hosting a podcast is to record a podcast?
 
You'll be equally surprised to know this is a topsy turvy episode. We start with Lee sharing some genuine and heartfelt thanks to a great many people before we talk up our recent competition winner, the amazing Alice. Huge thanks To Csaba at Daddy Wine Club for not just creating us a range of merch, but for sponsoring this competition. We can't wait to see Alice in her full TM&TM regalia and wonder if she'll be incorporating it into her act? 🙂
 
We then tackle, or rather gentle prod, the perennial 'indies vs supermarkets' title fight event. Who is better? Is there a reason for choosing one over the other? Just how far would Ferg be prepared to travel to visit an indie?
 
This moves effortlessly, well, with some tremendous effort actually, to a discussion about what we'll be drinking for Christmas. 
 
This episode is perhaps our most political, and be prepared for some industrial language as things get heated at TM&TM Towers. There's a surprise feature with Nicole Scherzinger too. Don't worry, we can't see it becoming a regular event.
 
Finally, Lee talks up his event working with Alex and The Not Yet Named Wine Co. Have you ever seen wine standup? Do you want to? We can guarantee it will be 'an experience' Check out Not Yet Named Wine Co's events page for further details and tickets.
 
With our sincere thanks and gratitude to all our listener for their constant support of the pod, and wishing everyone a very merry Christmas and happy new year. Thanks for sticking with us.