Italian Wine Podcast

Annette Scarfe MW visits Monty Waldin at Itialian Wine Podcast home base to discuss her journey from corporate banking to Master of Wine. At the peak of a successful banking career in Singapore, Annette was asked by her company to pick up and move to South Africa. Instead, she “retired” to follow her passion for wine. Annette describes what she believes are the most important factors shared by successful MWs as well as the biggest pitfalls along the way. Listen in to a conversation that ranges from home wine bottling kits to the many Italian wines finding popularity in Singapore. Warning: this episode contains content that may cause the listener to travel to Singapore to experience “bottomless” brunch culture in person.

Senior Editor at Wine Spectator Bruce Sanderson joins Monty Waldin on the podcast to talk about his career in wine journalism and Italian wine trends in the United States. Former model and actor in Australia, Canada, and the United States, Sanderson tells Waldin how he got into wine and about his beginnings as a sommelier in New York. Sanderson also talks about his approach to wine writing and wine tasting and discusses his work at Wine Spectator, particularly in relation to Italian wine and his areas of expertise (Piemonte and Toscana). Tune in to learn more about current U.S. trends with regards to Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto and the rebirth of Montalcino and its Brunello.

Ondine de la Feld of Tenuta di Tavignano takes time out from wine2wine 2019 to speak with Monty Waldin and help us understand the wines that come from “le terrazze delle Marche,” or the stage that looks out from the Apennine Mountains toward the Adriatic Sea. Ondine paints a vivid picture of how the physical landscape coupled with calcareous and argillaceous soils help produce special wines, such as Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Rosso Piceno, near the town of Cingoli, Italy. She tells her story with a backdrop of Picene and Roman influences and we learn why the Marche of present day is a hotspot of organic agriculture, biodynamic wines, and cooperatives that add value to the region. Listen in to find out why Gambero Rosso rates Tenuta di Tavignano’s Misco.

Lawrence Francis, host of the Interpreting Wine Podcast, joins Monty Waldin in the wine bunker to discuss his path to become a prolific podcaster. Lawrence, previously a qualified business psychologist, only entered the “world of wine” in 2017 when he began driving around Spain to interview wine producers. The Interpreting Wine Podcast explores trends in the wine industry, and Lawrence interviews “…growers, importers, merchants, bar/shop/restaurants and everything in between.” Here, he describes what it took to find his voice, refine his craft, and leave a successful earlier career behind! Lawrence sees room for growth in the podcast space and he seeks to inspire others to launch their own creative endeavors — he even makes available a free guide to podcast startup equipment on his website: interpretingwine.com/kit. Get to know a fellow podcaster who embraces change and manages to find the positive side of every situation.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews US-based sommelier Yannick Benjamin, co-founder of Wine on Wheels and Wheeling Forward, owner of Contento restaurant, and Head Sommelier at the University Club in New York. Yannick talks about his beginnings in the hospitality sector in New York until a life-changing accident left him paralyzed from the waist down and forced him to reconsider his life and career choices. Yannick tells Monty about his struggles and the process that led him to return to work in hospitality and in the wine industry. Tune in for an amazing story of resilience that inspired attendees at wine2wine 2019.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Elizabeth Schneider, host of Wine for Normal People Podcast, a show for wine lovers and learners. Elizabeth tells Monty how the show came about in 2009 and talks about her focus on wine consumers. From the show, Elizabeth also published a book entitled Wine For Normal People, now widely available in print and ebook format. Tune in to also learn more about her outstanding work as a wine educator.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Gaia Gaja, co-owner of the Gaja Estates in Barbaresco, Montalcino, Bolgheri, and Etna. Gaia is the fifth generation of a family who started making wine in Barbaresco in 1859. Gaia tells Monty about the beginnings with her great-great grandfather Giovanni in the nineteenth century and about the work of her grandfather and father (both named Angelo). Gaia speaks about their “sori” or crus in Barbaresco, about her father Angelo’s groundbreaking work in the vineyard and his passion to embark in new projects such as the estates in Montalcino (Pieve di Santa Restituta), Bolgheri (Ca' Marcanda), and most recently in Etna, Sicily, with Alberto Graci. Tune in to listen to the history of an iconic family who shaped trends and styles in Piemonte and beyond!

In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews Heini Zachariassen, Founder of Vivino, world’s largest wine app. Heini, who is originally from the Faroe Islands, tells Monty how he founded Vivino and helped the project grow into a community of 30 million users. Heini also talks about life in California where he currently lives and some of his favourite Italian wines.

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Giovanni Luigi Brumat, Brand Manager at Cantina Toblino in Madruzzo, near Trento. This wine coop was established in 1960 and features more than 600 growers to date. 10% of its vineyards are organic and local grape varieties such as Nosiola, Schiava, and Rebo are grown. Monty and Giovanni talk about award-winning Vin Santo made with Nosiola grapes and Rebo, a crossing between Teroldego and Merlot, which was developed by Rebo Rigotti in the enological institute San Michele all’Adige in the province of Trento. Giovanni suggests some interesting food pairings with Cantina Toblino wines and discusses wine tourism in the area. Tune in to learn more also about Cantina Toblino’s latest experiments in the vineyard with the traditional “pergola trentina” training system and in the cellar with amphoras.

In this episode Monty Waldin interview Angelo Minelli, Italian wine specialist at Wine-Searcher, one of the most influential wine search engines. Angelo, who is based in Auckland, New Zealand, tells Monty about his role at Wine-Searcher, how the search engine works, and the importance of the data gathered by the Wine-Searcher for producers. Angelo, whose family also owns a small winery in Franciacorta, tells Monty about his passion for Italian wines from native grapes and for New Zealand Pinot Noir!

In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews book author and vine genetics expert Serena Imazio who recently published a book with scientist Attilio Scienza on the lineage and genetic ties amongst Italian and European vines. The book entitled La Stirpe del Vino came out in 2018 in Italian and was a bestseller; in November 2019 the English translation with the title Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and Other Vine Stories followed. Serena tells Monty some of the fascinating stories that the book presents: the journey of Malvasia vines and wines across the Mediterranean, Leonardo Da Vinci’s vineyard in Milan, the genetics of the Lambrusco varieties, and the origin of the Sangiovese grape. Tune in to learn more about iconic Italian and European grapes with Serena Imazio, co-author of the newly published "Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and Other Vine Stories".

In this episode which is part of the Let’s Talk Wine Biz Series, Monty Waldin interviews Gérard Spatafora, E-Commerce strategist and Director of E-Studi’OZ.wine. Gerard tells Monty about his experience in e-commerce platforms for wines and discusses the state of the art of online sales for wine globally. He also talks about the importance of big data analysis for wineries and the potential of creating content for SVOD platforms. Tune in for the latest insights into wine e-commerce, big data, and digital content!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Mauro Di Maggio who serves as the President of the Consorzio Primitivo di Manduria, in Apulia, the “heel” of Italy. Mauro who comes from a wine-growing family and is the Director of Cantine San Marzano talks about the Primitivo di Manduria appellation and the characteristics of the Manduria terroir. Mauro explains the origin of the name of the Primitivo grape and the geology of the Manduria region. Tune in to learn more about a typical lamb dish from the area paired with Primitivo and about their DOCG “Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale”!

In this episode recorded on site, Monty Waldin meets Lorenzo Fortini, winemaker at Poggio al Tesoro and Luca D’Attoma, Consultant Enologist. Lorenzo and Luca explain how winemakers and consultants work together during harvest and discuss the impact of climate change in the vineyards in Bolgheri as well as measures to prevent its damaging effects. This episode ends our Bolgheri series, which was recorded on the road at the end of September during harvest.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Michele Scienza, whose family owns Guado al Melo, in the Bolgheri area in Tuscany. Michele explains Monty the viticultural methods at Guado al Melo: co-plantation or so-called field blends, whereby different grape varieties are planted together in the one vineyard. Michele goes into his winemaking techniques and presents his wines which bear legendary and antiquarian names: Criseo, Jassarte, Bacco in Toscana, Atis, and Rute! Tune in to learn more about the history of the Guado al Melo winery in Bolgheri, as well as their viticulture and winemaking that combine tradition, innovation, and sustainability!

In this episode recorded on site, Monty Waldin interviews Marco Ferrarese, winemaker and vineyard manager at Guado al Tasso, an estate owned by the Antinori family in Bolgheri. Marco tells Monty about the history of the estate, its soils, and his approach to vineyard management. He presents Guado al Tasso’s iconic wines which bear legendary names such as Scalabrone (their rosé), Il Bruciato (Bolgheri DOC), Guado al Tasso (Bolgheri DOC Superiore) and others. Discover the flavours and the legends behind these wines and Marco’s favourite food pairings. Warmest thanks to Marco’s wife, Luisa Foschetti, Hospitality Manager at Guado al Tasso for the greatest welcome and for the facilitating the recording of this podcast!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Leonardo Raspini, General Manager of Tenuta Argentiera near Donoratico, Tuscany, in the Bolgheri denomination area. An agronomist by training who has been worked in Bolgheri for almost 20 years, Leonardo tells Monty how he recently joined Tenuta Argentiera and began working on its vineyards, some of the highest in altitude in the Bolgheri DOC area. Monty and Leonardo discuss covercrops and the importance of soils in the Bolgheri area. Leonardo also talks about the origin of the name “Argentiera” and presents the estate’s main wines: their flagship Argentiera, Villa Donoratico, and Poggio ai Ginepri (among others). Tune in also for a tour of some of the main wine areas in Tuscany!

In this episode recorded in September 2019, Monty Waldin interviews Federico Zileri Dal Verme, Former President of the Consorzio Bolgheri DOC (until September 2019). Zileri is also the owner of the Castello di Bolgheri winery and Manager of Tenuta Argentiera. In this interview, Zileri focuses on the history of the Bolgheri DOC Consortium that celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019. Zileri talks about the varieties which make the Supertuscans, the characteristics of the Bolgheri appellation and terroir, the importance of the Bolgheri and Tuscany brands and the main export markets for Bolgheri DOC. Tune in to learn more about a distinctive wine region in Tuscany!

In this interview, Monty Waldin talks to Shigeru Hayashi, CEO of Solo Italia, a Japanese wine import company based in Tokyo. Shigeru, who has lived and worked in Italy for 14 years, is an importer, wine educator, and wine writer who authored several publications on Italian wine and food. With Monty he talks about the Japanese market for Italian wine, and what strategies and approaches may work best to penetrate it. He also talks about Japanese wine consumers, his latest book on the basics of Italian wines and Italian restaurant in Japan! Tune in to this useful podcast about the Japanese wine market! --- This episode is part of the Native Grape Odyssey sponsored series. This podcast series is brought to you by Native Grape Odyssey. Native Grape Odyssey is an educational project financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini and Interprofesional del Vino de España (OIVE) for the promotion of PDO and PGI European wines in Japan, Canada, and Russia. Learn more about "Europe. Quality. Wine." at nativegrapeodyssey.com/. Enjoy it's from Europe!

In this podcast, Monty Waldin interviews Brandon Tebbe MS, currently the lead sommelier at the Encore Boston Harbor in Boston, MA. Brandon is a certified Master Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers and a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. In this interview he tells Monty how he got into wine and what the sommelier profession in the United States is like. He also talks about his new winemaking project in the Willamette Valley in Oregon producing Pinot Noir. Tune in to also learn more about Brandon’s passion for Piemonte and Barolo!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Alessandro Gallo, general manager as well as vineyard manager and wine maker at Castello d’Albola, an estate in Radda in Chianti, Tuscany, which belongs to the Zonin family. Alessandro, who is originally from the Langhe region in Piemonte, has been living and working in the area for 15 years and tells Monty about the Chianti Classico terroir of Radda in Chianti. The village of Radda in Chianti is one of the highest in the appellation and the most historical for Chianti Classico production. Castello d’Albola grows mostly Sangiovese, which is cultivated up to 600 meters on the sea level. The estate also grows Chardonnay at 700 meters to make their Poggio alle Fate white wine; they also grow Cabernet Sauvignon for their “Super Toscano” Acciaiolo. Monty and Alessandro discuss the difference between the Chianti Classico Riserva and the Gran Selezione and Alessandro presents some of Castello di Albola’s flagship wines: Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva, and the Gran Selezione Santa Caterina and Il Solatio. Tune in to learn more about the Chianti Classico soils and wines and discover Alessandro’s passion for steak!

In this episode, which is part of the wine2wine series “Let’s Talk Wine Biz,” Monty Waldin interviews Sara Norell, Director of Assortment, Purchasing, and Supply Chain at Systembolaget AB, the Swedish alcohol monopoly. Sara tells Monty about her career: her beginnings in the hotel business as a sommelier and her current position at Systembolaget. Sara provides useful insights into the way the Swedish liquor board operates in comparison with other national alcohol boards such as those in Canada. She talks about Systembolaget’s commitment to alcohol awareness and to organic wines. In particular, Sara presents some interesting demographics about organic wines in Sweden. Tune in to learn more about the Swedish wine market and their monopoly system.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Ginevra Venerosi Pesciolini, owner and CEO of Tenuta di Ghizzano near Pisa in Tuscany. The Venerosi Pesciolini family arrived in Pisa around 1370 and the estate is a beautiful medieval “borgo” surrounded by vineyards. Ginevra tells Monty the reasons behind her choice of going organic and then biodynamic in the vineyard. She talks about her red wines, Il Ghizzano, Veneroso, and Nambrot. Veneroso in particular is made with a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon from her oldest vines; Nambrot which she considers her “Tuscan Pomerol” is made with a blend of French grapes. Ginevra also presents her white and Passito wines and discusses a new project still in the making from her oldest Sangiovese vines. Tune in to learn more about a historic estate in the heart of the Pisa province and about Ginevra’s commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture!

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Massimo Serradimigni, Portfolio Specialist for Winebow Imports in Chicago and Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. Massimo, whose family is originally from Modena, also worked for Eataly U.S. and tells Monty about current trends in wine in the United States. Massimo discusses wine styles and Italian regions with potential in the U.S. market and explains some of the educational initiatives and tastings he undertook as Portfolio Specialist at Winebow. Tune in to learn more about Massimo’s love for the Montecucco area near Montalcino, his interest in travelling to Sardinia, Sicily, and Campania to discover wines from local grapes, and his passion for tortellini!

In this podcast which is part of the wine2wine series “Let’s Talk Wine Biz”, Monty Waldin interviews Dmitri Fedotov, Russian wine journalist and Brand Ambassador at Gambero Rosso. Dmitry discusses the trends for wine in the Russian market and talks about his passion for Italy, a country which “is promoting its wine more actively than other countries.” Monty and Dmitry also talk about Russian wine growers and Dmitry’s love for Barbaresco!

In this podcast, Monty Waldin interviews Rosa Moio Communication and Hospitality Manager at Quintodecimo in Campania. Monty and Rosa discuss the main wines of the estate—Taurasi, Greco di Tufo, and Fiano di Avellino—and some gourmet food combinations. Rosa also talks about the main foreign markets for Quintodecimo and the origin of the winery name deriving from a toponym of the Longobard era. Tune in to learn more about the iconic wines of Campania and its native grapes.

In this educational podcast recorded in Italian, Monty Waldin welcomes again Professor Attilio Scienza, vine genetics scholar and also the Chief Scientist of the Vinitaly International Academy, to discuss the Nebbiolo grape and two of its iconic expressions: Barolo and Barbaresco. Scienza discusses the geology and topography of the Langhe region, techniques of cultivation and training for Nebbiolo, its genotypes and phenotypes, and the Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Tune in to learn more also about some wine and food pairings from the region! [A transcript of this interview in Italian is available on www.italianwinepodcast.com. A recorded audio translation into English of this interview is available in the next episode. An English-language transcript can also be found on the Italian Wine Podcast official website].

This is the English-language translation and dubbed version of episode 237, which has originally been recorded in Italian. In this interview, Monty Waldin welcomes again Professor Attilio Scienza, vine genetics scholar and also the Chief Scientist of the Vinitaly International Academy, to discuss the Nebbiolo grape and two of its iconic expressions: Barolo and Barbaresco. Scienza discusses the geology and topography of the Langhe region, techniques of cultivation and training for Nebbiolo, its genotypes and phenotypes, and the Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Tune in to learn more also about some wine and food pairings from the region! A transcript of this interview in English is available on www.italianwinepodcast.com

In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews Francesco Ripaccioli, co-owner and winemaker at Canalicchio di Sopra winery in the Montalcino wine area near Siena. Canalicchio di Sopra is a producer of Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino wines from Sangiovese grapes. Monty and Francesco talk about the Montalcino terroir and its climate, particularly the way winds and the great temperature excursion between day and night affect viticulture and grape ripening in the area. Francesco also discusses the difference between his crus (Montosoli and Canalicchio) and presents the main markets for his wines. Tune in to learn more about all-things Brunello di Montalcino with one of its most distinguished producers!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Veronika Denisova, wine journalist, educator and Deputy Director of the Enotria Wine School in Moscow, Russia. Veronika is an agronomist by training and has worked in vineyards in the Czech Republic. She specializes in Italian wine and is also a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassadors. She writes regularly on wine in the Russian press. In this podcast, Veronika talks about her training, her favorite Italian regions and wines (Piedmont’s Nebbiolo-based wines as well as Veneto’s Amarone and Soave), and her work in wine education at the Enotria Wine School. --- This episode is part of the Native Grape Odyssey sponsored series. This podcast series is brought to you by Native Grape Odyssey. Native Grape Odyssey is an educational project financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini and Interprofesional del Vino de España (OIVE) for the promotion of PDO and PGI European wines in Japan, Canada, and Russia. Learn more about "Europe. Quality. Wine." at nativegrapeodyssey.com/. Enjoy it's from Europe!

In this episode Monty Waldin chats again with Sarah Heller MW, Master of Wine based in Hong Kong, Proprietor of Radix Consultancy as well as Vinitaly International Academy member of Faculty. In this informal chat on Italian wine and wine education, Sarah tells Monty about her beginnings in the wine world, her WSET and Master of Wine studies, her professional career with Debra Meiburg MW, and her creative work with visual tasting notes. Tune in to a fun interview where you will also learn more about her college years’ shenanigans and some of her favorite Italian wines!

In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews Debora and his brother Diego Bosoni, whose family owns the Cantine Lunae near La Spezia in Liguria. Debora and Diego talk about their recently re-furbished cellar built with sustainable materials in tune with the local landscape and environment. They also present their iconic wines made from local grapes Vermentino and Albarola and suggest some food pairings. Tune in for a fun podcast and learn more about a small yet promising wine region of Italy: Liguria.

In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews Patrick Schmitt MW, Editor in Chief of The Drinks Business, the English-language print and online magazine for the wine, spirits, and beer industries with offices in London and Hong Kong. Patrick tells Monty how he got into wine, starting from his training in landscape architecture to his Master of Wine studies and then the editorship of the magazine. Patrick talks about the latest trends in the beverage sector, in particular sustainability and the strong position of Italian wines in the U.K. market, from Prosecco to fine wines. Patrick also discusses wine journalism and the ins and outs of publishing a print and online magazine. Tune in to also learn more about Patrick’s passion for historic tennis!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Paulo De Carvalho who works and is a member of the Famiglia Cotarella winery near Orvieto, in Umbria. Paulo, who was born in Brazil and is of Italian descent, tells Monty about his move to Italy to pursue a college degree in business and economics and about meeting his future wife, Marta Cotarella, while working in a multinational financial firm. In the Famiglia Cotarella winery, Paulo now works in the sales office. Paulo tells Monty about the family history of brothers Renzo and Riccardo and their achievements as winemakers and enologists. Paulo also talks about Famiglia Cotarella’s flagship Merlot, Montiano, and their Vitiano blend made with Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet. Tune in to also learn more about a new winery acquisition in Tuscany, Le Maciocche estate in the Brunello di Montalcino area.

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Francesco Marchio, Managing Director of Vino Veritas, an Italian wine import company based in Hong Kong. Francesco is also a certified Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Expert. Francesco tells Monty about his beginnings as a sommelier in the U.K. and how he ended up in Hong Kong with the help of his mentor and friend Michael Palij MW. Francesco provides some insights into the Hong Kong wine and restaurant scene and talks about the growing interest in Italian wine there. Tune in also for some useful tips on how to position Italian wines effectively in the Hong Kong market.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Cristian Ridolfi, winery manager at Cantina Santi which is part of the Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV) and located in the Illasi valley near Verona. Santi was found in 1843 and now produces its signature Lugana from Trebbiano di Lugana grapes planted in a soil which is rich in clay. Santi alo produces Valpolicella wines such as Valpolicella Superiore, Valpolicella Ripasso and two kinds of Amarone wines, with one Amarone label in particular (Proemio) coming from cru vineyards located in Marano at 500 meters on the sea level. Tune in to also learn more about cherry trees in Valpolicella vineyards!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Sharon McLean, wine educator and consultant at Cru Consultancy based in Victoria Island near Vancouver, Canada. Monty and Sharon talk about the wine market in British Columbia and the upcoming trends for Italian wine. She also talks about her approach to wine education and her “VinCub” sessions, wine vocabulary sessions aimed at de-mystifying technical wine jargon. Tune in for an exciting discussion about the Canadian wine scene and Sharon’s passion for Italian wines such as Barolo, Franciacorta, and Lugana! --- This episode is part of the Native Grape Odyssey sponsored series. This podcast series is brought to you by Native Grape Odyssey. Native Grape Odyssey is an educational project financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini and Interprofesional del Vino de España (OIVE) for the promotion of PDO and PGI European wines in Japan, Canada, and Russia. Learn more about "Europe. Quality. Wine." at nativegrapeodyssey.com/. Enjoy it's from Europe!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews winemaker Valter Fissore, the co-owner of the Elvio Cogno winery with his wife Nadia Cogno. The winery is located in Novello, in the Langhe region of Piemonte, and specializes in the production of Barolo. Valter tells Monty about his family history, about the soil types in his vineyards and Elvio Cogno’s iconic Barolos coming from different bricchi or crus, and his idea and definition of a “post-modern” Barolo. Monty and Valter also talk about the famous clones of nebbiolo grape and discuss unusual food pairings with Barolo. Tune in to also learn more about the indigenous white grape Nascetta grown in Novello and what foods can be paired successfully with it!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Pierangelo Tommasi, Owner and Executive Director at the Tommasi Family Estates. The family owns estates in Veneto where they produce their signature Amarone as well as Lugana, Bardolino Chiaretto, and more. They also expanded in Tuscany in areas such as Chianti and Montalcino, in Basilicata where they produce Aglianico, in Puglia in the Primitivo di Manduria region, and in the Oltrepò Pavese area. Tune in for a wine tour of Italy with an iconic family in the Italian wine trade and discover also some regional wine and food pairings!

Bonus Track | "Wine podcasts around the world: the craft of audio storytelling" Panel discussion on wine podcasts during wine2wine 2018. During wine2wine 2018, the hosts of three podcast show in English gathered together in a panel discussion to talk about wine podcasts and their personal approach to podcasting about wine. Adam Teeter and Zach Geballe of The Vine Pair Podcast, Chris Scott of the UK Wine Show, and Monty Waldin of the Italian Wine Podcast discuss the power of the podcast medium, what makes a successful wine podcast, their listenership, podcast advertising, and the way they engage and interact with listeners and interviewees. Panelists also answer questions from the audience. www.wine2wine.net.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino at the Tenuta Conte di Vistarino in the Oltrepo Pavese area of Lombardy. The winery specializes in Pinot Noir but also grows the Croatina indigenous grape variety which features in their Sangue di Giuda sweet blend and Riesling. Tune in to learn more also about local foods and specialties to pair with these wines.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Catherine Stratton, founder of C.S. Selections and Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. A native of Los Angeles, Catherine lived in Italy for over six years and is a big fan of southern Italian wines. She tells Monty about the reception of Italian wines in the multifaceted L.A. market and discusses some consumer trends in the area. She also talks passionately about her work as an educator, leading Italian wine tastings for consumers. Catherine and Monty also talk about Italian organic and biodynamic wines.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Gabriele Brugnoni, export manager at Bisci winery, in the Verdicchio di Matelica zone in Le Marche. Monty and Gabriele talk about the Verdicchio grape and the Matelica denomination. The Bisci family winery produces roughly 120,000 bottles and has three types of Verdicchio di Matelica wines: their entry level Verdicchio, the Vigneto Fogliano D.O.C. from one of their crus, and the Senex, which is a selection of the Vigneto Fogliano cru produced only in the best years. Tune in to learn more about an iconic white wine denomination which Gabriele dubs the “white Barolo.”

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Silvia Imparato, the owner of the Montevetrano winery near Salerno in the Campania region. Silvia talks about her grandparents who acquired the property and the vineyards in the forties and explains how she turned it into a business in the mid-eighties. Silvia also tells Monty about her previous career as a professional photographer and how she fell in love with the wine world while taking a portrait picture in Rome! The Montevetrano winery produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Aglianico into their signature blend “Montevetrano.” Tune in to learn more about pairing Montevetrano wines with regional foods such as fried anchovies, fat fish and “capretto” (goatling) roast.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Armando Castagnedi, whose family owns Tenuta Sant’Antonio in the Illasi valley between the Valpolicella and Soave region in Veneto. Tenuta Sant’Antonio produces Soave, Valpolicella Superiore, and Amarone (among other local wines). Armando talks about local viticultural techniques such as pergola veronese and the winery’s rediscovery of two indigenous grapes: Oseleta and Croatina. Armando also tells Monty about Tenuta Sant’Antonio’s style of Amarone and presents some typical food matches also with their Recioto sweet wine! Tune in for a journey in the heart of Veneto wines and local grape varieties.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Puru Manvi, owner of the Manvi winery together with his wife Sudha in the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano area. Puru and Sudha left their career in the banking sector in Switzerland, Canada, and India (among other countries) to move to Italy and become vignerons, acquiring the winery in 2015. Manvi is the smallest winery in the Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and its owners are very much focussed on quality and they have been organic since its previous owners. Puru tells Monty about the location of his vineyards and some changes he brought about in the wine-making, for instance the use of French oak barrels instead of barrique. Tune in to learn more about a beautiful spot in Tuscany and Puru and Sudha’s Italian dream come true!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Diana D’Isanto, whose family owns I Balzini Winery in Barberino Val D’Elsa in Tuscany. The winery specializes in IGT Toscana and Supertuscans and all its workers are women, including I Balzini’s consultant-oenologist Barbara Tamburini. Tune in to learn more about their signature wines—I Balzini White Label and I Balzini Black Label—the tufo soils which are ideal for their Merlot grapes, and the main markets!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Simona Fino. Simona and Gianfranco own the Gianfranco Fino winery in the Manduria region of Puglia. Simona tells Monty about how her adventure in wine started and the winery’s focus on old vines which are from 60 to 90 years old. Simona and Monty talk about the winery’s signature Primitivo di Manduria, the Es 2012, and their main markets. Tune in to also learn about typical dishes to pair with Primitivo.

In this episode Monty Waldin hosts three special guests: Alessandro Carucci, the creator of the Carucci Barbera Chinato; Gianluca Cariniti, export manager at Pico Maccario, the winery which produces the Barbera wine used to make Alessandro’s Chinato; Alessandro’s wife and business partner Ilaria Gambino, who also owns the Cugini di Campagna Bar in Nizza Monferrato where the Barberatonic cocktail was born. Tune in to find out how these people work together in the name of Barbera. In the interview Gianluca talks about the Barbera d’Asti “Lavignone” used for Carucci’s Barbera Chinato; Ilaria talks about the multiple ways in which Barbera Chinato can be tasted, both as an aperitivo or as a digestivo; and Alessandro reveals some of the “secret” herbs and spices used to make his Chinato. Alessandro also gets mixing and prepares some Barbera Tonic cocktails live in our podcast studio. Listen to the story of this fantastic collaboration coming from the Barbera d’Asti area in Piemonte and join us for a cin cin with Barberatonic! www.barberatonicofficial.it/

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Tommaso Chiarli whose family owns the historic Cleto Chiarli winery in Modena, Emilia-Romagna. Cleto Chiarli is the oldest winery in Emilia-Romagna and famous producer of Lambrusco wines. Tommaso talks about the Lambrusco varieties vinified by Cleto Chiarli—Lambrusco Salamino, Lambrusco di Sorbara, and Lambrusco Grasparossa—and explains the origin of the grape names. Tommaso also presents a typical four-course meal from the region paired exclusively with Lambrusco. Tune in to also learn another local white variety, Pignoletto, and the potential of Lambrusco wines in the international markets.