In episode 190 of The Drinking Hour podcast, host David Kermode is joined by Richie Allen, senior director of viticulture and winemaking at Napa Valley’s Rombauer Vineyards. The conversation starts with Rombauer’s origins as a garage wine before a discussion of the estate itself, with Allen giving a quick overview of some of the 400 hectares owned by Rombauer.
Kermode dives into how Allen went from a seasonal cellar hand to the top job. They then move onto the wine itself; Kermode professes his love of Rombauer’s Carneros Chardonnay and Allen explains just why it is so beloved throughout America.
Next on the table for discussion, the pair approach the subject of Cabernet Sauvignon, exploring the impact the grape has on the rest of Rombauer’s wines, and explain how the variety differs throughout California.
Finally, the duo discuss who inspired Allen, with the list ranging from Chapel Hill’s Pam Dunsford, the first female Australian winemaker to graduate from the University of Adelaide, to Max Schubert, the legendary Australian winemaker behind Penfolds Grange.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here.
