Why is biodynamic viticulture sometimes associated with dark magic or the occult? Why is using wine in religious rituals as a sacrament considered normal for many people, but taking it beyond that is not? Why are wines from England becoming increasingly popular?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Jo Penn, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, about her latest novel, Blood Vintage, set in an English vineyard.

You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks

Highlights

What were the most memorable aspects of the Pinot Noir tours Jo attended in South Otago while living in New Zealand?

Which New Zealand foods pair best with their Pinot Noirs?

What is Jo’s new book, Blood Vintage, about?

Which wines would Jo and I pair with Blood Vintage?

How did Jo find the inspiration for writing Blood Vintage?

What’s behind the rise of English wines?

How did a high school performance of Euripides' "The Bacchae" influence Jo’s writing of Blood Vintage?

What are some of the ways that people can get injured or die working in a vineyard?

What did Jo learn about biodynamic winemaking from visiting Limeburn Hill Vineyard?

Why is biodynamic winemaking sometimes associated with the occult?

How might you experience the differences between the taste of a biodynamic wine versus a conventionally produced wine?

What was the most surprising thing Jo learned about winemaking while writing Blood Vintage?

Key Takeaways

Jo shares her experience visiting a biodynamic vineyard, where various preparations were made from animal stomachs, intestines, and skulls, as well as plants like Yarrow and chamomile. Some people hear about these practices and think they’re strange. Others view the vineyard as an ecosystem where they’re trying to infuse a sense of place into every single drop of the wine.

In both Christianity and Judaism, but taking it further to a different plane of consciousness, like some of the ancient Celtic celebrations tied to nature and fertility she explores in the book, is often considered outside the norm.

Climate change has made the south of England similar to the Champagne region in France in terms of the warmth needed to ripen grapes. The UK now produces about 8 to 10 million bottles annually from 800 vineyards. English sparkling wines are winning the awards, and in many blind tastings, they're often placing ahead of French bibblies. Champagne producers are also buying English vineyards.

About Jo Penn

Jo Penn is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of horror, thrillers, dark fantasy, crime, travel memoirs, and short stories. She’s also an award-winning podcaster. She has a Master's in Theology from the University of Oxford. Her latest novel is Blood Vintage, a folk horror story set in an English vineyard.

To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/305.