You know Pinot Noir. But do you know Spätburgunder?
For years, wine insiders have known that German Pinot Noir offers Burgundian-level quality at a fraction of the price. But in this episode we’re blowing this industry secret wide open courtesy of Zack Musick (German Wine Collection) who joins us for a fresh take on one of the world’s most beloved grapes. From unexpected flavor profiles (think bone broth, mushrooms, and spice) to why an eagle on the label is a true marker for quality, we’re digging into how Pinot Noir expresses itself in Germany outside of its classic regions and why it’s often considered the ultimate “terroir grape,” capable of transparently reflecting the soil, climate, and place it’s grown. Plus, we’ve got all your food pairings ranging from classic duck to Philly cheesesteaks and Amanda’s unexpected (but highly effective) Costco salad and chicken schnitzel hack.
🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode
2022 Rings Estate Spätburgunder Pflaz
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IG: @wineaccessunfiltered
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Host: Amanda McCrossin
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55:38
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55:38
Napa Valley Summer Block Party featuring Audra Chapman, Josh Phelps, and Scott Dale
They say there "ain't no party like a Napa party" and our guests are true Napa Valley locals who know how to deliver the Napa Valley experience. We’re throwing a “virtual” summer block party and inviting our wine country friends to hang and share some “locals only” tips and tricks. Audra Chapman (Newfound Wine), Josh Phelps (Grounded Wine Co.), and Scott Dale (Wild Vine Tours) join us to dish on their favorite hidden gem wineries, where to hike and bike, and the secret charcuterie spot that even Amanda didn’t know existed!
🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode
2022 Newfound Gravels Red Wine
📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club
4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda
Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year
$120 + tax
Shipping Included
Cancel anytime
10% off all Wine Access purchases
Follow us on social!
IG: @wineaccessunfiltered
Twitter: @wineaccesspod
Host: Amanda McCrossin
Shop all the wines at Wine Access
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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52:17
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52:17
Wine Travel Hacks — How to Sip Smarter, Pack Better, and Never Get Burned Abroad
Whether it’s to Burgundy, Barolo, or Barossa, wine travel delivers big-time pleasure—but can come with serious setbacks, from shipping snafus and suitcase spills to winding wine-country road nausea. Enter Amanda, whose passport’s been stamped by just about every wine-producing country on the globe. In this episode, she shares hard-earned travel hacks, favorite flight-friendly accessories, tips on how to find the best coffee, and the best way to educate yourself—before you arrive. Let’s go!
🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode
2019 Esprit de Pavie Bordeaux
🧳 Amanda’s Amazon Travel List
📦 Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club
4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda
Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year
$120 + tax
Shipping Included
Cancel anytime
10% off all Wine Access purchases
Follow us on social!
IG: @wineaccessunfiltered
Twitter: @wineaccesspod
Host: Amanda McCrossin
Shop all the wines at Wine Access
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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53:27
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53:27
Not Your Grandma’s Riesling — Reclaiming One of the World’s Greatest Grapes
When you hear “Riesling,” do you still think syrupy sweet? If so, you're not alone, but you're definitely missing out.
In this episode, Amanda and Wine Access experts Eduardo Dingler and Laura Koffer set the record straight on one of the world’s most versatile yet vexing grapes. They unpack Riesling’s reputation in the US, share tips on how to decode sweetness levels, and reveal where (outside Germany) you should look for great Riesling. Oh, and for those who love everything from oysters and sushi to spicy noodles and summertime salads, they get into why Riesling might just be the GOAT when it comes to food pairings!
🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode
2024 Henschke Riesling Peggy's Hill Eden Valley
Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club
4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda
Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year
$120 + tax
Shipping Included
Cancel anytime
10% off all Wine Access purchases
Follow us on social!
IG: @wineaccessunfiltered
Twitter: @wineaccesspod
Host: Amanda McCrossin
Shop all the wines at Wine Access
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40:49
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40:49
Wines of the Pacific Northwest featuring Samantha Cole-Johnson
Oregon Pinot, Washington Syrah, and… heavy metal? Believe it or not, all three fit right into this episode’s deep dive into the Pacific Northwest, one of the world’s most exciting (and misunderstood) wine regions.Fresh off a National Geographic wine cruise through the Columbia and Snake Rivers, host Amanda McCrossin is joined by journalist, educator, and senior editor at JancisRobinson.com Samantha Cole-Johnson. In this enlightening (and, of course, unfiltered) conversation, Amanda and Sam get into Washington’s red-hot Rocks District, where to eat and drink in Portland, and—HOT TAKE ALERT—why Oregon might actually be best suited to white wines. Whether you’re Pinot-obsessed, Syrah-curious, or just wondering what to do on your next trip to the PNW wine country, this one’s for you
2023 Tior Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
📢 Links & Mentions
Follow Samantha Cole-Johnson on InstagramFor updates on her wine reviews, blind tasting series, and more.👉 @samanthacolejohnson
Read Samantha’s work on JancisRobinson.comCheck out her writing and the “Wine News in Five” feature.👉 📰 Wine News in Five – read on JancisRobinson.com
👉🎧 Wine News in Five -- listen to the Podcast
Nat Geo x Lindblad Columbia & Snake Rivers CruiseThe wine-adventure cruise Amanda went on.👉 Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey
Kann Restaurant (Portland)Amanda’s top meal of 2024.👉 Kann Portland
Coquine RestaurantHighly praised spot in Portland mentioned by Samantha.👉 Coquine Portland
Bar Casa ValeFor Spanish wine and Sherry in Portland.👉 Bar Casa Vale
St. Jack & Lovely’s Fifty FiftyFavorite neighborhood spots also mentioned in the episode.👉 St. Jack | Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
Blood of Gods Wine x Metal Festival (Walla Walla)Yes, it’s real—and Samantha is speaking at it.👉 Blood of Gods
Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club
4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda
Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year
$120 + tax
Shipping Included
Cancel anytime
10% off all Wine Access purchases
Follow us on social!
IG: @wineaccessunfiltered
Twitter: @wineaccesspod
Host: Amanda McCrossin
Shop all the wines at Wine Access
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wine Access Unfiltered—The Official Podcast and Wine Club of Wine Access—goes deep into what we really love about wine: the intimate moments, unforgettable occasions, and hilarious stories that a great bottle brings about. Hosted by former PRESS wine director and Napa Valley insider Amanda McCrossin with appearances from our team of unrivaled experts, we’re popping our favorite bottles and sharing them with you.
The Wine Access Unfiltered Wine Club delivers a completely new wine education experience. Once every two months, you’ll receive four bottles. They will all be featured and discussed on the Wine Access Unfiltered podcast. That way, you can drink along with us as we tell stories, share knowledge, and answer your questions!