What Is…? by Winexel

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026 · 12 minNew

What is Margaret River?

1. WHAT IT IS A small but celebrated wine region in the south-west corner of Western Australia, about 300 km south of Perth. It runs around 110 km from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, with ocean on three sides. Its 5,800 hectares of vines make it about a third the size of Napa and a small fraction of Bordeaux: a boutique fine-wine region, not a wine factory. Its Mediterranean climate and cooling ocean winds let the grapes ripen fully while keeping their freshness. 2. A BIT OF HISTORY In the 1960s, Dr John Gladstones’ research showed the area was ideal for premium grapes, especially the…

Play episodeWhatsApp (opens WhatsApp)Download

Earlier episodes 4 most recent

1. 

   S1 · E4 · 7 Oct 2026 · 13 min

   What is Champagne?

   1. WHAT IT IS A small, cool region in north-eastern France, 140km from Paris, with 34,000 hectares of vineyards. Only sparkling wine made here can be called Champagne, mainly from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. 2. HOW IT TASTES Fine bubbles, citrus and green apple, with brioche and toast notes from ageing in the bottle. Crisp and elegant. 3. THE LAND • Montagne de Reims – mainly Pinot Noir • Vallée de la Marne – mainly Meunier • Côte des Blancs – mainly Chardonnay • Côte des Bar - further south, Mainly Pinot Noir 4. HOW IT’S MADE First fermentation – still wines are made, then blended…

2. 

   S1 · E3 · 30 Sep 2026 · 11 min

   What is Rioja?

   1. WHAT IT IS Spain’s most famous wine region, along the River Ebro in the north. Red Rioja is led by Tempranillo, traditionally blended with Garnacha. Look out, too, for white Rioja from Viura: fresh, textured and quietly having a revival. 2. HOW IT TASTES Red cherry and plum when young, moving towards darker fruit as the grapes ripen. The signature is oak: vanilla, coconut and sweet spice, with leather, tobacco and dried fruit as the wine ages. 3. THE LAND • Rioja Alta – high vineyards (around 400–800m), mostly Tempranillo; home to Haro, the main wine town • Rioja Alavesa – the smallest…

3. 

   S1 · E2 · 23 Sep 2026 · 11 min

   What is Cabernet Sauvignon?

   “WHAT IS…?” SERIES Episode 02: “What is Cabernet Sauvignon?” Date: September 23, 2026 Hosts: Gavin Jones with Chris Page Recorded at: Winexel HQ, Hong Kong 1. WHAT IT IS The king of black grapes – the world’s most planted. Thick skins, small berries, deep colour, hardy in the vineyard. Born in Bordeaux, a natural cross of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Now grown almost everywhere. 2. HOW IT TASTES Blackcurrant and black cherry, front and centre. A green-pepper, herbal edge; often a hint of mint. Oak brings toast, spice, vanilla – and that famous “pencil lead” or cedar note. Cool…

4. 

   S1 · E1 · 14 Sep 2026 · 10 min

   What is Chablis?

   1. What It Is A place, not a grape. Chablis is a small town in northern France, around 180km south-east of Paris, making wine from 100% Chardonnay. But it's cool-climate Chardonnay - none of the heavy oak and butter the grape was once known for. 2. How It Tastes Crisp lemon, lime and green apple, zesty and bright, with high, piercing acidity, a chalky minerality, and a slight salty kick on the finish. 3. The Soil & Terroir The secret is underfoot. Around 150 million years ago this part of France lay under a shallow sea, leaving soils rich in fossilised oyster shells — the famous Kimmeridgian…

More English arts & books

• "The Black Man Talking Emotions Podcast" Starring Dom L'Amour Dom L'Amour
• "The Textile Creative" with Virginia Wygal Virginia Leigh Studio
• #ASKDRBEN™ Ben Johnson, MD | Founder & CEO of Osmosis Beauty
• #AmWriting KJ
• #skinthusiast: the podcast Amy Koberling
• (WIP) Podcast Ways Into Practice