Thanks! It's Vintage

Revitalizing Rioja – Inside the Cellars of Martínez Lacuesta

Thu, 21 May 2026 16:56:41 GMT

In Season 1, Episode 10 of Thanks! It's Vintage, co-hosts Andrew Putnam and Lydia Sharrad take listeners on a sun-drenched journey to the heart of Spain to unpack the bold, historical, and heavily structured world of Rioja. Ditching the stuffy terminology, the duo swirls and sips their way through the iconic portfolio of Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta, a legendary family-run estate that has been shaping the region's viticulture since 1895. From decoding the traditional aging tiers—Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva—to exploring how Martínez Lacuesta perfectly balances old-world oak aging with vibrant, modern fruit expressions, Andrew and Lydia serve up a highly approachable crash course on Spain's premier wine region. Whether you are a dedicated Tempranillo collector or simply searching for the perfect pour to pair with your next weekend tapas spread, this episode uncorks exactly why Rioja remains a timeless, dynamic powerhouse in the global wine landscape.

Bubblegum, Bananas, and Beaujolais – The Magic of Carbonic Maceration

Thu, 14 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

In this week's episode of Thanks! It's Vintage, we’re diving headfirst into the funky, intensely fruity world of carbonic maceration—the winemaking wizardry behind your favorite gluggable, crushable reds! If you’ve ever taken a sip of a juicy Beaujolais Nouveau or a vibrant natural wine and wondered why it tastes delightfully of fresh red berries, candied banana, or even bubblegum, this is the episode for you. We break down the fascinating science of fermenting whole, uncrushed grapes from the inside out in a carbon dioxide-rich tank, exploring how skipping the traditional stomping process completely transforms the flavor profile and softens those mouth-drying tannins. Grab a lightly chilled glass of your favorite whole-cluster red, and join us as we explore why this quirky, historic technique is currently taking the modern wine scene by storm!

Part 2: The May 2026 VDV Select Wine Club

Thu, 07 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

The May 2026 wine club tasting continues in Episode 8 of Thanks! It's Vintage, where Andrew and Lydia are shifting gears to explore two bottles that truly capture the spirit of their historic homelands. We kick things off in France's Loire Valley with the 2025 Maison Foucher Chinon ‘Le Verre Vignon’ Rosé, a brilliant example of how compelling a 100% Cabernet Franc rosé can be when it breaks away from the typical Provence style, showcasing the region's signature elegance and deep viticultural roots. Next, we travel to Greece to tackle the 2023 Vaeni Naoussa Xinomavro, an ancient and legendary grape often compared to the great Nebbiolos of Italy for its commanding structure and impressive ageability. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting to expand your palate, tune in to discover the rich history, striking terroir, and unique winemaking traditions behind these fascinating pours.

Part 1: The May 2026 VDV Select Wine Club

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Welcome back to Thanks! It's Vintage! In Episode 7, hosts Andrew and Lydia are diving into the first half of the May 2026 wine club with two incredible bottles that spotlight indigenous grapes and fiercely passionate winemakers. First, we head to Italy's volcanic soils for the Giannitessari Brut ‘Alpone Blu’ Durello, an exciting, under-the-radar sparkling wine that proves there is so much more to Italian bubbly than just Prosecco. Then, we travel to the coastal Bairrada region of Portugal to explore the 2023 Luís Pato ‘Maria Gomes’. Crafted by a legendary winemaking family famous for putting Portugal's native vines on the global map, this bottle perfectly captures the fierce Atlantic energy and unique coastal terroir of the region. Pour yourself a glass and join us as we celebrate the rule-breakers and hidden gems of the European wine world!

Uncorked & Unfiltered – Decoding the "Natural Wine" Umbrella

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In Season 1, Episode 6 of Thanks! It's Vintage, co-hosts Andrew and Lydia pour themselves a glass of something refreshingly unfiltered as they tackle the deeply misunderstood world of natural wine. As this buzzy beverage continues to take over hip bottle shops and restaurant menus everywhere, the duo breaks down exactly what the phrase actually means—and spoiler alert: it operates as a massive, loosely defined umbrella term. Together, they swirl and sip their way through the cloudy definitions of organic farming, biodynamic practices, and minimal-intervention winemaking, helping listeners distinguish between a conventional pour and a wildly untamed, zero-additive pét-nat. Whether you have done a deep dive into the world of natural wines or steered clear all together, Andrew and Lydia serve up a crisp, highly approachable crash course on the grassroots movement currently shaking up the viticulture landscape.

Put a Cork in It: Wine Closures

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:32:33 GMT

Pop the bottle and pour yourself a glass for episode five of Thanks! It's Vintage, where co-hosts Andrew and Lydia uncork the fascinating history behind how we seal our favorite wines in "Put a Cork in It: Wine Closures." From the ancient origins of natural cork harvested from Mediterranean oak trees to the modern-day controversy of the aluminum screw cap, this episode dives deep into the evolution of wine stoppers. The duo explores why winemakers still overwhelmingly prefer the satisfying "pop" of a real cork, while also tackling the dark side of traditional closures (like the devastating threat of cork taint) which paved the way for synthetic alternatives. Breaking down the cheap stigma associated with the Stelvin closure, they explain why screw caps are actually just as good for preserving certain vintages, all while taking a detour into the world of glass stoppers. Whether you are a seasoned wine drinker, a dedicated collector, or just someone who enjoys a casual weeknight Pinot, this episode will give you a brand-new appreciation for the top of your bottle.

Bubbles, Bubbles, Everywhere!

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Pop the cork and pour a glass! This week on Thanks! It’s Vintage, Andrew and Lydia are diving deep into the world of effervescence as they taste and compare four iconic styles of bubbles. They break down the essential differences between Prosecco, Sekt, Cava, and Champagne, demystifying everything from the "Tank Method" to the rigorous standards of the Méthode Traditionnelle. Whether you're curious about the crisp accessibility of Italian glera or the prestigious heritage of a vintage French bottle, this episode explores the unique production methods, regional flavor profiles, and price points that set these sparklers apart. Join the conversation as we find the best value for your palate and toast to the fine art of the fizz. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and grab a bottle for yourself at the link in bio and let us know your favorite bottle in the comments!

The April 2026 VDV Select Wine Club

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Welcome back to another episode of Thanks! It's Vintage! In Episode 3, Andrew and Lydia are uncorking the highly anticipated April 2026 edition of the VDV Select Wine Club. Spring is officially in the air, and this month’s box is taking us on an incredible European road trip packed with unique regional expressions, fantastic food pairings, and the perfect mood settings for every pour.

We kick things off with two stunning, vibrant whites. First, we head to the hidden gem of Lorraine, France, to taste the Domaine Lelièvre Côtes de Toul Auxerrois (2024), a crisp, mineral-driven delight that will have Chablis fans packing a quiche and running to the park for a breezy, French-pop-fueled picnic. Then, we travel to Italy to explore the exotic, lychee-scented Cormòns Traminer DOC Friuli (2022). It's an aromatic powerhouse from a legendary cooperative that practically begs for spicy Thai takeout and a lively, Wes Anderson-themed dinner party.

For the second half of the episode, we transition into two highly versatile reds. We get into the nitty-gritty of traditional Portuguese winemaking (yes, we’re talking foot-treading in granite lagares!) with the rustic, structured Casa de Saima Colheita Tinto (2020). If you love an earthy Chianti, this Baga blend is your new go-to for cozying up by the fire with some melancholic Fado music. Finally, we wrap things up with the ultimate couch-and-comedy-binge companion: the Franco Serra Pinot Noir (2024). Hailing from Piedmont, Italy, this bright, cherry-laden Pinot is an easy-drinking, weeknight hero that Beaujolais lovers will absolutely adore.

Pour yourself a glass, grab your tasting notes, and let's get into the April wines!

Bordeaux's Great Reset

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:54:52 GMT

In this episode, Andrew and Lydia tackle the biggest (and perhaps most dramatic) story in the wine world right now: the historic crisis and attempted rebirth of Bordeaux.

Once the undisputed titan of fine wine, Bordeaux is currently navigating some seriously troubled waters. The hosts unpack the complex reality behind the headlines, from the massive, government-funded vine-pulling programs (grubbing up) designed to curb the region's massive inventory glut, to the unpredictable climate shifts that have plagued recent harvests.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Andrew and Lydia discuss how this existential crisis is forcing a much-needed evolution. They dive into the fading allure of the traditional en primeur futures system, the market's shift away from heavy, formal reds, and how a new wave of winemakers is fighting to make Bordeaux more approachable, sustainable, and relevant to modern palates.

Tune in for a candid conversation about what happens when tradition collides with reality, and whether this legendary region can successfully reinvent itself for a new generation of wine drinkers.

Uncorking the Cult of Claude Riffault

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:48:21 GMT

In the premiere episode of Thanks! It's Vintage, hosts Andrew Putnam and Lydia Sharrad kick off the season by diving into the fascinating, terroir-driven world of Sancerre. Their focus for this debut? The highly coveted and notoriously hard-to-find wines of Domaine Claude Riffault.

Join Andrew and Lydia as they explore exactly how this family estate achieved its elite, cult-like status among sommeliers and collectors. They break down the meticulous, biodynamic vineyard practices—now spearheaded by Stéphane Riffault—that perfectly capture the region's distinct limestone and flint soils. From the vibrant, laser-focused Sauvignon Blancs to their elegant, small-production Pinot Noirs, you'll learn what makes these bottles so special and why they fly off the shelves.

Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just starting to expand your palate, pour yourself a glass and tune in to discover why a bottle of Riffault is always worth the hunt.