Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine
Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine
Podcast Description
Hosted by Toronto-based sommelier Alex Abbott Boyd, Tasting Notes Toronto explores the personal and professional stories behind the people shaping the city’s food and wine scene. We talk about the real work behind the scenes — from first jobs and turning points to running restaurants and shaping wine programs. If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes of hospitality and the people who drive it, this is the show for you.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes related to the hospitality industry, wine culture, and personal storytelling. Episodes feature guests discussing their journeys in food and wine, such as Ian Stoddart on creating a community wine bar and Robert Luo on crafting world-class wine programs. Other topics include innovation in restaurant concepts, the evolution of wine lists, and the artistry behind hospitality.
Hosted by Toronto-based sommelier Alex Abbott Boyd, Tasting Notes Toronto explores the personal and professional stories behind the people shaping the city’s food and wine scene. We talk about the real work behind the scenes — from first jobs and turning points to running restaurants and shaping wine programs. If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes of hospitality and the people who drive it, this is the show for you.
In this episode, I sit down with Fabienne Dourdon, a Champagne grower whose family has farmed vines in the Marne Valley since 1812. She shares the family’s journey from selling 100% of their grapes to the big houses to crafting their own wines—and what it meant to her to return home after more than a decade working in Paris to take over the family estate.
We talk about how she’s reshaping the winery with a focus on freshness and precision, her belief in Pinot Meunier’s aging potential, and the story behind her barrel-fermented Meunier and long-aged Réserve de Germain. We also explore changing drinking habits and why exploring grower Champagne— and trusting your own palate—can reaveal just how diverse and exciting the region can be.
01:18 Family Roots Since 1812
02:13 Champagne Then vs Now
03:18 From Growing Grape to Making Champagne
06:00 Coops and Small Growers
07:56 Finding Early Customers
11:35 Growing Up in the Vines
12:51 Weather Risks and Reserves
15:24 Early Career in Paris and Returning to Champagne
21:01 Training and Modern Viticulture
24:06 Organic Farming and Quality Winemaking
29:52 Meunier Reputation Revisited
32:15 Barrel Fermented Meunier
35:09 Reserve de Germain Blend
36:44 Youth Drinking and Authenticity
41:21 Grower Champagne Exploration
45:43 Inspiration and Next Generation
49:27 Closing Thanks and Signoff
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Champagne: Cork Pop and Pour by ultradust — https://freesound.org/s/166923/ — License: Attribution 4.0
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