70: Frog’s Leap Winemaker John Williams Shares Witty & Wise Stories

Do all wines taste better with time? What similarities are there between winemaking and cheese-making? Why is Zinfandel your perfect summer drink? How does dry farming impact the flavour of wine?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, we're chatting with one of the wittiest, smartest winemakers, John Williams, winemaker and owner at Frog's Leap Winery, about the unique benefits of organic winemaking and dry farming.

 

Highlights

• What makes Napa Valley such a diverse region despite its small geographical area?
• Why should you visit Rutherford in the Napa Valley?
• How is Rutherford particularly well-suited for Cabernet?
• How did Frog’s Leap Winery get its name?
• What sense of personality will you get from Frog’s Leap’s packaging and branding?
• Why should you join the Fellowship of the Frog?
• Is Frog’s Leap wine organic?
• Why is the Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc held up to such a high standard?
• What tasting notes should you look out for with the Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc?
• How can you make a fantastic food pairing with the Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc?
• How does co-fermentation affect the flavour of wine?
• What is dry farming?
• How does dry farming impact the flavour of wine?
• Is dry farming advantageous in periods of lower rainfall?
• Why should you save a case of Frog’s Leap wine?
• Why should you renew your love for Merlot?
• What types of versatile food pairings can you have with Merlot more than other wines?
• How do you experience Rutherford dust when drinking Frog’s Leap Cabernet?

 

About John Williams

John Williams made his first pilgrimage to Napa Valley in the early 1970s and began making wine for a little-known winery called “Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.” He met physician Larry Turley while camping out illegally on his property, which was a former frog raising farm. In 1976, John and his now friend Larry Turley made their first barrel of wine at the “Frog Farm” with “borrowed” grapes from Stag’s Leap, and coined the name “Frog’s Leap” as an inside joke. In 1981, John and Larry decided to get serious and the rest, as they say, is history. As the motto says, Time’s Fun When You’re Having Flies!

 

To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the https://www.nataliemaclean.com/70.