Bottles & Bites Without Borders
Welcome to Bottles & Bites Without Borders, where the wine flows, the whiskey pours, and the food never disappoints! Hosted by Rob Clark, a WSET-certified wine enthusiast, whiskey collector, and home chef extraordinaire, this podcast is your go-to for all things delicious. Rob brings a mix of expertise and humor as he chats with friends, fellow foodies, and top-tier experts in the world of food, wine, and whiskey. Whether you're here for tips on pairing wine with dinner, exploring new whiskey finds, or simply enjoying a good laugh over some fantastic bites, Rob’s got you covered. Tune in, grab a gl...
Bourbon Basics: Three Guys Walk Into a Distillery...
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Bourbon Basics: Three Young Guys Enter the Bourbon World — and Nothing Goes as Expected
My son Ian and his two best friends Bryant and Evan are 25 years old. They've been drinking bourbon for about two years. And when I started asking them what they actually knew about it… well, let's just say we had some work to do.
In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we sit down for a full bourbon education — covering everything from distillery profiles and mashbills to wheated bourbons, high rye, s...
Rye or Die: Three Bourbon Boys Try Rye Whiskey for the First Time
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What happens when three 25-year-old bourbon lovers sit down and taste rye whiskey for the very first time? We're about to find out.
On this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob is joined by his son Ian and Ian's friends Evan and Bryant — three young men who know their bourbon but have never crossed over into rye territory. We put a few bottles on the table, poured some glasses, and let the reactions fly.
Will the spicier, drier profile of rye win them over, or wi...
Talking Scotch with Whisky Expert David Allardice
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On this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with whisky expert David Allardice from Paradice Whisky Experiences for a fun, educational, and approachable introduction to the world of Scotch whisky.
If you’ve ever been curious about Scotch but didn’t know where to start, this is your episode. David breaks down the basics of Scotch 101 — the different regions of Scotland, the styles of whisky, peat and smoke, age statements, single malt vs blended Scotch, and why Scotch can feel intimidating to new drinkers. Most importantly, we discuss why it...
If You Could Only Drink Wine From One Country
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What if you could only drink wine from ONE country for the rest of your life?
In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob Clark tackles one of the hardest wine questions imaginable and explains why Italy might just be the ultimate forever wine country. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the volcanic soils of Sicily, Rob dives into the incredible diversity, value, food compatibility, and endless exploration that make Italian wine unlike anywhere else on earth.
Why does Italy feel so different from France, Napa, or...
Bourbon Drinkers, It's Time to Cross the Pond!
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If bourbon is your first love, Scotch might just be your greatest adventure. In this episode, we break down exactly why bourbon drinkers are uniquely positioned to appreciate Scotch whisky — and why so many are missing out. We'll explore the surprising similarities between the two spirits, bust the biggest myths about Scotch (no, it's not all smoke and peat), and map out a beginner's tasting journey from familiar bourbon flavors into the rich, complex world of single malts and blends. Whether you're a Kentucky purist or just Scotch-curious, this episode will change how you...
Talking and Sipping Wine - I Join Bob Paulinski on his Livestream
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What happens when a WSET-certified enthusiast from Katy, Texas sits down with one of just 400 Masters of Wine in the world? A relaxed, honest, and genuinely fun conversation about something every wine lover deals with — walking into Total Wine and figuring out what to buy.
Rob sits down with Bob Paulinski, Master of Wine, for an organic wide-ranging chat that covers how to navigate one of the largest wine retailers in the country without feeling overwhelmed. From decoding shelf tags and point scores, to finding real value, to knowing what to sa...
FULL PROOF… Kinda? Breaking Down Green River Wheated + Penelope Rio First Taste
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Two brand-new bottles hit the table—and we’re going in blind.
On this episode, I crack open Penelope Rio and Green River Full Proof Wheated Bourbon for the very first time. No notes, no hype filters—just real reactions, honest takes, and a little bit of whiskey skepticism.
But here’s where things get interesting…
Green River calls this release “Full Proof.”
…Is it though?
We’re breaking down what full proof actually means, how this bottle stacks up, and whether the la...
The Sazerac Rye Lineup & Our Bourbon Journey with Chris Chambers
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In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob is joined by longtime friend Chris Chambers to do more than just taste whiskey — we take a trip back through 16 years of bourbon, friendship, and the evolution of our palates.
What started as a couple of guys figuring out what bourbon even was has turned into a full-blown appreciation for great whiskey… and a few stories along the way that probably shouldn’t be told (but are anyway).
We use the Sazerac Rye lineup — 90 proof, 100 proof, and 125 full pro...
Want Young People to Drink Wine? Stop Acting Like This
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The wine industry keeps saying they want to attract younger drinkers and make wine more approachable… but their actions say otherwise.
Wine dinners are still $200–$300 per person.
Tastings focus on $100+ bottles.
Events are held in white tablecloth restaurants.
Meanwhile, the wines that actually bring people into the category — the $20–$40 bottles that overdeliver — barely get any attention.
If the industry truly wants to attract younger wine drinkers, the approach needs to change.
In this episode I talk about:
• Why the wine industry struggles to a...
The Truth: Whiskey and Wine Are More Alike Than You Think
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If you love whiskey but ignore wine… you're missing half the experience. And if you love wine but never explore whiskey… the same is true.
In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob Clark breaks down the surprising parallels between wine and whiskey. Both are complex, expressive beverages shaped by agriculture, fermentation, aging, and regional identity.
We’ll talk about:
• Why whiskey and wine are more similar than most people realize
• How terroir influences both beverages
• The role of barrels in flavor development
Shelf vs Allocated: The Best Bourbon in Every Proof Range
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Does allocated bourbon actually taste better… or are we just chasing labels?
In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, I break down the best bourbons in every proof category — comparing readily available shelf bottles to their allocated, hard-to-find counterparts.
We’re covering proof tiers from 90 proof all the way up to hazmat heat — and putting standard releases head-to-head with some serious heavy hitters.
We’ll explore:
• How proof impacts flavor, texture, and balance
• Where everyday bottles compete with — or beat — allocated releases
• Whe...
From Flattop to Pit: Neal Williams (The Flattop King) on BBQ, Creativity & Cooking Without Limits
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In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we sit down with Neal Williams, the creator behind the popular YouTube channels The Flattop King and Pellets & Pits.
Neal is a Navy veteran who began his cooking journey in the military, where he learned discipline, consistency, and how to cook at scale. Today, he’s teaching backyard cooks how to level up their game—whether it’s mastering the flattop, maintaining your gear, or dialing in low-and-slow BBQ on a pellet grill.
W...
$500. Empty shelves. Bourbon and rye only. What are you buying?
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In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob, Carter and Matt take on the ultimate home bar challenge: build the best possible bourbon and rye collection with a $500 budget. No tequila. No Scotch. No wine safety net. Just America’s native spirit and its spicier sibling.
Each guest reveals their strategy, selection criteria, and final lineup — from everyday sippers and cocktail workhorses to barrel-proof heavy hitters and age-statement plays. Did they maximize bottle count or chase higher-end quality? Did they build for versatility, proof progression, or pure flavor impact?
Al...
The Perfect Warm-Up Pour: 7 Bourbons Under 100 Proof
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When it comes to bourbon, higher proof often gets all the hype — but that doesn’t mean lower proof means lower flavor.
In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, I’m sharing 7 bourbons under 100 proof that I regularly reach for as my “warm-up pour.” These are the bottles that help ease your palate into a tasting session, acclimate your body to the alcohol, and set the stage before jumping into higher proof pours.
Everyone reacts to alcohol differently. For some, diving straight into 120+ proof can overwhelm the palate and mute s...
Wine Conversations with Matthew Horkey
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In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with wine YouTuber Matthew Horkey to talk about how real people actually buy, drink, and enjoy wine. From grocery store shelves to wine shop intimidation, from price myths to blind tasting surprises, this is a no-snob, no-pressure conversation designed for the average wine drinker.
We dig into what really matters when choosing a bottle, whether expensive wine actually tastes better, how much wine knowledge is enough, and why trusting your own palate might be the most...
The Essential Rye Shelf: 6 Must-Have Bottles + 3 Unicorns
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Rye whiskey doesn’t get enough love—so we’re fixing that.
In this episode, I’m breaking down my Top 6 Rye Whiskeys every home bar should have. These are bottles that actually get poured, not just admired on the shelf. Great flavor, solid availability, and strong value—whether you like your rye neat, on the rocks, or in a killer cocktail.
We’ll talk mash bills, proof, spice levels, and where each bottle really shines. From bold and punchy to smooth and approachable, these ryes cover all the base...
No Hype, No Hunting: 12 Bourbons That Belong in Every Home Bar
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Every bourbon shelf doesn’t need unicorns, secondary prices, or bottles you’re afraid to open. What it does need are dependable, great-tasting bourbons that overdeliver for the price—bottles you can pour for friends, sip neat, or use in a killer cocktail without hesitation.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the 12 bourbons that are always on my home bar. These are bottles with fantastic quality-to-price ratio, consistent flavor, and real-world availability—the kind of bourbons you’ll actually drink, not just admire.
<...The State of Bourbon: Trends, Tastes & the Road to 2026
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Bourbon has never been bigger—but is it on solid ground?
In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob is joined once again by friend of the show Matt Carter to take a hard look at the current state of bourbon. From explosive growth and shifting consumer tastes to pricing fatigue, limited releases, and changing hype cycles, we break down where bourbon is right now—and where it may be headed next.
We discuss the biggest trends we’re seeing in 2025, ask the uncomfortable question of whethe...
In Egg We Trust: Why the Egg Is the G.O.A.T
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The egg is everywhere—and for good reason. In this episode, we make the case that the egg is the greatest food and ingredient ever created. From over-easy and sunny side up to omelets and scrambled eggs, the egg shines as the star of breakfast. But it doesn’t stop there.
Eggs elevate burgers, crown fried rice, finish enchiladas, and form the soul of iconic dishes like Pasta Carbonara. They’re essential in baking, foundational in fresh pasta, and quietly responsible for texture, richness, structure, and flavor across cuisines and cultures.
T...
Wine Through a Young Lens: Questions, Curiosity & First Steps
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In this warm and thoughtful episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with a very special guest—Jaime Deleon’s daughter, Ashley, a young wine enthusiast beginning her journey into the vast and fascinating world of wine. Together, they dive into the real questions that new wine drinkers often feel too intimidated to ask.
She shares what excites her, what confuses her, and what sometimes feels overwhelming as she starts exploring bottles, regions, aromas, and flavor profiles. Rob & Jaime help break it all down—from understanding value and recognizing qualit...
The Year of Italy: What We Learned from Exploring the Regions
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2025 was the Year of Italy for Bottles & Bites Without Borders. From Tuscany to Piedmont, Sicily to Friuli, Rob dives back into all five Italian regions explored this year and breaks down the wines, the culture, the surprises, and the discoveries that left a mark.
In this episode, Rob uncorks the highlights of the Italian series—what he loved, what challenged him, which grapes over-delivered, and why Italian wine continues to be one of the most rewarding deep dives for any wine lover. We revisit iconic styles like Chianti Classico, Ba...
Breaking Down the Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025
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In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with wine expert and friend of the show, Jaime Deleon, to dive deep into the newly released Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025. We break down how many wines each country landed on the list—and whether we actually agree with the rankings.
Rob and Jaime also share how they use the Top 100 list in their own wine journeys, and offer practical, no-nonsense advice for how you, the consumer, can make the most of it. Is...
Low-Alcohol Reds for Cooler Weather
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As wine drinkers lean increasingly toward whites for their freshness and lower alcohol, the shift into fall and winter brings back that familiar craving for red wine. But what if you want the comfort and complexity of a red—without the big alcohol punch?
In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with Advanced Sommelier Jaime Deleon to explore the world of low-alcohol red wines you can enjoy as the weather cools. From elegant Pinot Noir and juicy Gamay, to vibrant Me...
The Biggest Waste of Money in Food: Fine Dining Exposed
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In this episode, we dive into a controversial take: fine dining isn’t worth the hype — or the price tag.
Sandra and I recently visited a so-called “authentic Italian” fine dining restaurant, and let’s just say… it was anything but.
The service was polished but clueless, the Bolognese tasted like grocery-store jarred sauce, the wine list was marked up five times retail, and they even tried to upsell us on a membership just to get reasonable wine prices.
Oh — and they rushed us out in 45 minutes...
Wines That Feel Like Fall: Cozy Reds and Warming Whites
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As the weather cools and comfort food takes center stage, the wines we crave start to change too. In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob Clark sits down with Advanced Sommelier Jaime Deleon to explore the perfect wines for fall. From soulful reds that pair beautifully with stews and roasts to whites that still shine when the temperatures drop, we dive into the bottles that give you that warm, cozy feeling — like a good meal and great company on a crisp autumn evening. Whether you’re sipping by the fire or at th...
A Discussion on Old World & New World Wines with Jaime Deleon
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In this episode, Rob sits down with Advanced Sommelier Jaime Deleon for a deep dive into the fascinating contrast between Old World and New World wines. They explore how history, climate, and winemaking philosophy shape what ends up in the glass — from structure and balance to ripeness and expression. Together, they compare examples side by side, discuss how modern winemakers are blurring those lines, and offer insights on how to identify which style best fits your palate.
🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders
Exploring the world of food...
Why Americans Drink Wine Differently — and What We Can Learn from Europe
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In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob Clark explores how American wine culture stands apart from the rest of the world — from how we buy wine to how we drink it and even how we think about it.
Why do most Americans grab bottles at grocery stores instead of wineries? Why is wine treated as a special-occasion drink instead of part of everyday life? And what can we learn from places like Italy, France, and Spain, where wine flows as naturally as conversation?
Rob br...
Battle of the Burgers / Our Top 5 Fast Food Favorites
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In this episode, Rob sits down with Tony, Garrison, and Anthony Ford to settle one of the greatest debates of all time — who makes the best fast food burger? From classics like the Big Mac and the flame-broiled Whopper to heavy hitters like Wendy’s Baconator and beyond, each of us reveals our personal Top 5 lists. Expect plenty of laughs, nostalgia, and maybe a few controversial picks as we break down what makes a great burger — the flavor, the sauce, the bun, and the sheer satisfaction factor. Who will come out on top? Tune in...
What to Order? The Takeout Dilemma
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With endless options on apps and menus, why does ordering dinner still feel like such a struggle? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob and Sandra dive into the real frustrations of modern takeout—sky-high prices, disappointing portions, inconsistent quality, and the nagging question of whether it’s even worth it. From the role cost and timing play to why Asian food often feels like the only safe bet, we unpack why America’s takeout scene feels broken and what we really want from our food-to-go.
🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottl...
Fantasy Wine: Drafting the Ultimate Grape Roster
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🍇 Draft season… but make it wine! 🍷
On the next episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, I’m joined by Hector Ramirez, Jaime De Leon, and Matt Carter for a fantasy draft of wine grapes.
4 people. 10 rounds. 40 grapes.
Once a grape is picked, it’s OFF the board.
Who’s building the grape roster you’d actually want to drink from the most? 👀
This one’s going to be fun, competitive, and maybe a little controversial. Stay tuned!
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Chain Reaction: Can Domino’s or Papa John’s Deliver a Good Pizza?
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It’s Sunday, the craving for pizza is strong, but our favorite local spot has its doors shut. So Sandra throws out an idea: what if we put the big chains to the test? In this episode, we order up pizzas from Domino’s and Papa John’s to see if the national giants can actually satisfy when the craving hits. Is there such a thing as a “good” chain pizza? Did either impress us—or leave us saying “never again”? Tune in as we taste, debate, and maybe discover a guilty pleasure.
🎙 Rob Clar...
Top 10 Global Wine Regions for Bang-for-Your-Buck Bottles
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Great wine doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. In this episode, we count down the top 10 wine regions around the world that consistently deliver serious quality at approachable prices. From Portugal’s hidden gems to South Africa’s Chenin Blanc, Argentina’s cool-climate reds, and Austria’s crisp Gruner Veltliner, these are the wines that punch well above their weight. Whether you’re hunting for everyday drinkers or bottles that feel like steals compared to their Old World counterparts, this list will help you drink smarter—and better—for less.
🎙...
Stacked & Subjective: Our Top 5 Sandwiches
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In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob and Sandra are joined by friends Chris and Teri for a delicious debate: our Top 5 Sandwiches of all time. With completely subjective criteria (and plenty of laughs), we share our picks, from deli classics to international favorites. The only rules? No hamburgers, no hot dogs, and no breakfast sandwiches. Which sandwiches make the cut—and which ones spark controversy? Grab your favorite bite and join us for this layered conversation.
🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders
Exploring the worl...
Food Court: Settling the World’s Greatest Food Fights
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Step into the Food Court with Rob and Sandra as they go head-to-head over the most heated food controversies of all time. From ketchup on hot dogs and scrambled eggs, to whether Chicago deep dish is really pizza, to the bizarre joys of cheese on apple pie — no dish is safe from debate. Are boneless wings just nuggets? Is a hot dog actually a sandwich? Does ice cream belong with French fries? We argue, laugh, and maybe even change each other’s minds… but in the end, the final verdict is up to you. <...
If We Could Only Eat One Cuisine Forever
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Rob and Sandra imagine a world where they can only eat one cuisine for the rest of their lives. Italian, Mexican, Japanese, French, Indian, Thai, etc. Each makes their case, defends their choice, and pokes fun at the other’s pick.
🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders
Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time.
🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com
📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb
🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813
📧 Email: rob@bottlesandbiteswb.com<...
Why the Sandwich Might Be the G.O.A.T. of Street Food
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From smoky brisket buns in Texas to lobster rolls in Maine, America’s love affair with the sandwich is as diverse as its regions. In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob takes a flavorful road trip across the U.S., exploring the most iconic and beloved sandwiches from each region—Northeast, Southeast, South, Midwest, Southwest, West Coast, and Pacific Northwest.
We’ll dig into the stories behind these regional favorites, what makes them culturally significant, and how local ingredients, history, and tradition shape what we eat between the bread. Whether...
Southern Italy - Uncorking Italy Pt. 5
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In this final episode of Uncorking Italy, we head south — where the sun is hotter, the soils are volcanic, and the wines are bursting with character. Host Rob Clark uncovers the raw beauty of Southern Italy’s wine regions, from the powerful Aglianico of Campania and Basilicata, to the rich, fruit-forward Primitivo and Negroamaro of Puglia, and the ancient, resilient grapes of Calabria.
Along the way, we’ll spotlight world-class whites like Fiano and Greco di Tufo, explor...
Alto Adige & Friuli - Uncorking Italy Pt. 4
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In this episode of Uncorking Italy, Rob heads into the cool, mountainous vineyards of Northeast Italy—where high-altitude precision meets bold experimentation. From the pristine whites of Alto Adige to the skin-contact pioneers of Friuli Venezia Giulia, this region delivers some of the most fascinating, food-loving wines in the country.
Rob explores crisp Pinot Bianco, floral Gewürztraminer, and structured Friulano, before diving into the world of orange wines made from Ribolla Gialla and other nat...
Sicily - Uncorking Italy Pt. 3
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In Part 3 of Uncorking Italy, Rob Clark takes you to the sun-drenched, wind-swept island of Sicily—a region once known for bulk wine that's now one of Italy’s most exciting wine destinations. From the powerful Nero d’Avola to the elegant, lava-soaked Etna Rosso, Sicily is full of contrast, character, and volcanic energy.
You’ll explore bold reds, electric whites like Carricante and Grillo, and discover why Nerello Mascalese is one of the most talked-about grapes in the wine wor...
Piedmont - Uncorking Italy Pt. 2
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Piedmont is where elegance meets complexity. We dive into the home of Barolo and Barbaresco, discuss the mystique of Nebbiolo, and spotlight the charming everyday wines like Dolcetto, Barbera, and Arneis.
Topics Covered:
Nebbiolo: The grape behind Barolo and BarbarescoTerroir differences: Barolo villages vs BarbarescoOther reds: Barbera d’Asti, Dolcetto d’AlbaWhites to know: Arneis, Gavi (Cortese), ErbaluceTruffle & wine culture: Why fall is magical in PiedmontWine travel tip: Best towns for tastings and truffles🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders
Exploring the world of...
