The Zonda Wine Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Joaquín Hidalgo — Buenos Aires-based wine journalist, Vinous reviewer, and the first Argentinean to join the international wine critic elite. Joaquín covers Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Portugal for Antonio Galloni's world renowned publication, Vinous, and has written for La Nación, Playboy and other local newspapers. We talk about his journey from winemaker to wine critic, his ironclad rules for integrity in a crumbling system, tasting with the world's best producers, and the only wine he ever gave 100 points. Joaquín also shares his thoughts on the rapidly evolving Argentine wine scene. This interview was filmed in Buenos Aires at Romanée Wine Experience.Timestamps:0:02 — Introduction to Joaquín Hidalgo 3:18 — Origins in Mendoza and the Agricultural School 3:37 — From enologist to journalist 9:43 — First steps in wine journalism 12:07 — Integrity and independence as a critic 16:50 — The role of the critic and scores 17:32 — Tasting with producers and calibrating the palate 21:46 — Covering Spain for Vinous 27:25 — The wine that deserved 100 points 34:45 — Favorite regions in Argentina 42:30 — The Argentine DNA and the wine industry 49:00 — The rise of white wines in Argentina 52:02 — Wine consumption and the Buenos Aires market 59:21 — Pairings: the best wine for a barbecue 1:00:22 — The oldest wine and personal preferences 1:02:29 — Wines at home and favorite cocktail

Historian Adam Zientek is the author of A Thirst For Wine & War: The Intoxication of French Soldiers on the Western Front (2024), winner of the Tomlinson Prize for best First World War monograph.In this episode, Adam shares his groundbreaking research on the role of wine and distilled alcohol in the daily lives of French soldiers during World War I. From boosting morale to masking the stench of death in the trenches, alcohol became a powerful tool of survival and solidarity. As of 1915, up to 35% of every French winemaker's harvest went directly to the military. Soldiers called wine 'Pinard', the lifeline in a world of chaos and fear.We explore how wine became a symbol of courage, community, and even national identity on the Western Front, and how intoxication was woven into the brutal fabric of modern warfare.Don’t miss this deep dive into the social history of alcohol and war, and how it shaped the experience of trench fighting in WWI.

How do the world’s top wine tasters sharpen their palates? In this episode, we dive into 'Beyond Flavour', the award-winning book from Master of Wine Nick Jackson—a must-read for anyone serious about blind tasting, or needing to pass that WSET or Master of Wine (MW) exam. Nick, who aced all three parts of the MW exam on his first try, joins us to share why he trusts structure over flavor when identifying grape varieties. We unpack his unique approach to wine analysis, talk about the evolution of fine wine, and discover Nick's dream wine.Get your taste buds battle ready. This is blind tasting 101.

The Zonda Wine Podcast brings entertainment to the world of wine. Hosted by industry insider Shawn Zylberberg and produced by Zonda Wine Services, this show dives deep into the basics of wine straight from the most influential figures in the business—glassmakers, sommeliers, celebrities, and the top names shaping the industry today. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious newbie, each episode uncorks engaging conversations that address our biggest questions. What's yours?