#107: Brian Smith | Oyster River Winegrowers

We're joined this week by Brian Smith of Oyster River
Winegrowers, at he and his wife Allie's farm/ vineyard/orchard in
Warren, ME. Despite over a hundred episodes, we've yet to talk
with a winemaker, due not to lack of interest but lack of a
vibrant grape-based wine/vineyard culture in Maine and New
England.  The inherent difficulty in growing grapes suitable
for winemaking in the region makes Oyster River's products -- and
its nearly fifteen year history -- all the more impressive. Brian
lays out his view on what defines "natural wine" (all of Oyster
River's products) means, relays how he's developed a habit of
doing things before he knew they had a term, and reveals that
orange wine is not, in fact, made from oranges. The conversation
came on the heels of a multi-hour tour of the property, so the
guys do their best to keep their excitement engines from
overheating as Brian discusses everything from harvest, carbonic
maceration, Pet-Nat, and disgorgement, before wrapping with an
Old MacDonald-esque Three Bay. There wasn't a better place or
person to open the door on oenology with; Listen to Natural Wine
101 in full NOW! ...................
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................................................Music: "Mountain
Climb" by 
Jake Hill