Italian Wine Podcast

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Shenghan Karla Wang, Chinese wine influencer originally from Chengdu in the Sichuan province. Shenghan is the founder of the Lady Penguin brand, the most active wine community in China on various digital and social media platforms. Shenghan tells Monty her personal and family story. She talks about her Lady Penguin project and provides her insight into the Chinese wine market. Tune in also to learn about Shenghan’s memorable visit to an Italian winery with her mother!

In this episode, Monty Waldin meets Angela Maculan, whose family owns the Maculan Winery in Breganze, near Vicenza. Angela tells Monty about their famous Torcolato and Acini Nobili sweet wines. They also discuss local grape varieties such as the distinctive Vespaiola grape and the climate of the area. Angela also provides some very interesting historic information about the cultivation of French grape varieties in the area, documented in a pamphlet dated 1855! Tune in to learn more also about food and wine pairings for Torcolato!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Georgia Panagopoulou a.k.a. Wine Gini, wine influencer and communicator based in Greece whose Instagram profile @wine.gini counts over 85,5 k followers. Wine Gini, who is a chemical engineer by trade, started her wine love affair by studying WSET courses and by working for a winery in the Greek island of Santorini. Wine Gini talks about the way wineries can find their own voice on social media by following… “the hero’s journey.” Tune in also to learn more about Greek native varieties and Wine Gini’s love for Italian wine!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Bianca Ferrini, whose family owns Podere Giodo in the Montalcino area of Tuscany. Bianca tells Monty about the winery’s production of Sangiovese-based Brunello di Montalcino and Toscana Rosso IGT. Bianca talks about the winery’s location and soil and the most important markets for their wines, namely the United States, Norway, and Sweden. Tune in to learn more also about Poderi Giodo’s new endeavor in Sicily in the Etna area with Nerello Mascalese grapes!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Viviana Malafarina at the Basilisco Winery in the Aglianico del Vulture area of Basilicata in the South of Italy. The winery produces Aglianico and Fiano based wines. Viviana and Monty talk about vineyard soils that in her estate are made of 95% volcanic lava stones and located on 620mt on the sea level. Viviana also tells Monty about one of their vineyards that is more than 85 years old. Tune in also to learn about the local vine growing method called “a capanno” or “accannato” and to discover Aglianico’s potential for ageability.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Michaela Morris, wine educator from Canada and Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Expert. Michaela tells Monty about how she got into wine and, in particular, how she fell in love with Italian wine in Piemonte despite some initial diffidence. Michaela also talks about the latest trends for Italian wine in Canada and what difficulties foreign students have in learning about Italian wine. Tune in also to hear about her cycling trips around Italy and her love for Bologna!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Jeanette Servidio, CEO of Campo alle Comete, a winery in the Bolgheri area and a recent acquisition of the Capaldo family from the Campania region in the South of Italy. Monty and Jeanette discuss the poetic name of the winery that means "fields of comets" and the distinctive soil conditions of the Bolgheri area. Tune in to learn more about their wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vermentino, and various blends Bolgheri-style!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Barbara Philip MW, Category Manager at British Columbia Liquor Stores, one of the governmental liquor boards of the Canadian provinces. Monty and Barbara talk about the latest trends in wine drinking in Canada, Canadian wine, and the Italian grape varieties grown there (some Nebbiolo experiments and Sangiovese).

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Elisabetta Geppetti owner of Fattoria Le Pupille in the Morellino di Scansano area, in Tuscany. Elisabetta tells Monty about the history of her winery which developed at a time when there weren't many producers of Morellino. Monty and Elisabetta also talk about the Morellino di Scansano denomination and some of Fattoria Le Pupille's iconic wines, Poggio Valente and Saffredi.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Leonardo Ricci who produces Prosecco col fondo at the Leo Ricci winery near Treviso. Leonardo, who is also a gourmand, is the president of the Accademia dello Spiedo d’Alta Marca (or spitroast academy). Tune in to discover how Prosecco col fondo is made through re-fermentation in the bottle. Monty and Leonardo also talk about some exciting wine and food pairings!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Danish wine importer Ole Udsen, CEO at Estrup & Udsen Vin Aps in Denmark. In addition to Italian wine, Ole has a deep passion for and knowledge of Southern Italy, Sicily, and the King Frederick II. In the interview, Monty and Ole get philosophical and talk about the famous king and the need for humanism in the wine world. Ole also discusses the Danish wine market and wine consumption in Denmark.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Michele Manelli owner of the Salcheto Winery in Montepulciano (Tuscany). The winery produces Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Michele tells Monty about his energy-efficient winemaking strategies and techniques. Salcheto is a winery that is also cutting-edge with regards to sustainability standards for viticulture, winemaking, and research. Tune in to learn more about an iconic producer of the Montepulciano area and his secrets to get his distinctive expression of Vino Nobile from Sangiovese grapes.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Maddalena Pasqua di Bisceglie, owner of the Musella Winery in Veneto near Verona. The winery is biodynamic and produces Valpolicella, Amarone, Valpolicella Ripasso. Maddalena tells Monty abour her vineyards that look like gardens full of flowers, insects and vegetation. Maddalena explains some the biodynamic viticultural strategies that she implements in the vineyard such as spraying vines with cow milk to naturally prevent diseases and fungi. Monty and Maddalena also discuss the winery’s markets such as Scandinavia and Canada. Tune in to learn more about biodiversity in the vineyard, the role of bees, and delicious biodynamic wine!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Isidoro Vajra at the G. D. Vajra winery in Barolo, in the heart of the Langhe hills in Piedmont. Isidoro talks about the history of the family and about one of their famous vineyard sites for Nebbiolo grapes called “Bricco delle Viole” (literally the summit of pansies). The winery also produces Barbera as well as local native grape Nascetta. The winery is also re-planting a long forgotten indigenous grape the “Baratuciat.” Tune in to discover also Isidoro’s passion for the work in the vineyard and a lake oasis in the middle of the winery grounds where wild ducks stop by!

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews William Predhomme, Canadian sommelier based in Toronto and Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. William tells Monty about the burgeoning wine culture in the city and the strong Italian wine selection there. Will also praises the great diversity of Italian wines and recommends some old favorite of his, Timorasso and Verdicchio. Tune in to get a glimpse into the world of somms in Canada!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Luca and Lisa Tommasini (father and daughter) who own the San Gervasio Winery between Pisa and Florence in Tuscany. The winery is certified organic and focuses on the Sangiovese grape variety. Lisa and Luca talk about viticulture, the vineyards soils, their production of Chianti DOCG and Chianti Riserva, and their signature wine A Sirio (100% Sangiovese).

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Aldo Vacca, General Manager of the Produttori del Barbaresco coop. Produttori del Barbaresco now comprises 54 farmers. The project started back in 1958 thanks to the work of the local priest who set up the coop to give work to local vintners and prevent them from fleeing the Langhe hills to go and work in factories in the big cities. Vacca tells the fascinating story of the Coop and their rigorous system of 31 steps to measure and reward grape quality brought to the coop by its associates. Vacca also talks about the main markets for Barbaresco and its most famous crus such as Asili and Ovello. Tune in for another wine story dedicated to the Langhe territory in Piedmont!

In this episode rugby meets wine! Monty Waldin interviews Marco Lazzaroni, rugby player in the Benetton Rugby Team in Treviso and aspiring sommelier. Marco is studying to become a somm and work in the wine business after his rugby career. His family already manages some vineyards in Friuli Venezia Giulia and Marco is great wine and food lover. Tune in for an exciting conversation about rugby, Italian wine and food pairing, and role models!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Valentina Abbona at the Marchesi di Barolo Winery in Barolo, in the heart of the Langhe hills, in Piemonte. In the podcast Valentina and Monty discuss the history of the winery and the wines that they produce, that is, all the typical wines of the area: Arneis, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo Langhe, Barolo, and Barbaresco. Valentina also tells Monty about the winery’s 200 year-old wooden vats recently restored in which they age wine. Tune in also to discover wine and food pairings, such as hand-made “Tajarin” pasta with "Fassona" beef ragout and rabbit roast, the latter paired perfectly with Arneis wines.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Christopher Barnes, wine writer, video maker, and founder of Grape Collective, an online magazine and store aimed at younger consumers. Christopher tells Monty about his previous career in the movie industry and how he founded Grape Collective. Monty and Christopher talk about Grape Collective’s video making techniques such as the 360 videos, the store in New York that features jars of soils from the different wine regions, and the latest Italian wine trends on the U.S. market.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Roberto Di Filippo, owner of the Di Filippo Winery in Umbria. The Di Filippo winery is an organic and biodynamic estate producing Montefalco Rosso, Sagrantino, Grechetto, and other traditional wines from the region. Roberto explains his strategies for biodynamic vine growing—the use of draft horses and geese in the vineyard—and his ‘think global, act local’ philosophy. Roberto also tells Monty about the economics of biodynamic viticulture and his trip to the Hamish communities in the United States to learn how to build more efficient horse-working tools. Tune in to discover also how his Grechetto with no added sulphites is made!

In this episode Monty Waldin talks to Mario Napolini of the Napolini Winery in Umbria. Monty and Mario talk about Sagrantino, Grechetto, and Trebbiano Spoletino grapes grown in the estate and the winery’s foreign markets. Mario explains also his vine cultivation system and the process of cryomaceration for Sagrantino, that he uses to soften the grape’s tannins. Tune in to discover also some wine and food pairings for Sagrantino- and Grechetto-based wines!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Fillipo Mazzei whose family, the Mazzei, is the owner of three estates, two in Tuscany (Castello di Fonterutoli in Castellina in Chianti and Belguardo in the Maremma Toscana) and one in Sicily (Zisola in Noto). Mazzei talks about the recent Chianti Classico Gran Selezione and the main international markets for his Chianti wines. He also talks about his production of Morellino di Scansano in Maremma and his Nero d’Avola vineyards in Sicily. Tune in to learn more about a great producer of iconic Italian reds made from native grape varieties, Sangiovese and Nero d’Avola!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Leonardo Raspini at the Tenuta Alzatura (part of the Cecchi family) in Montefalco, Umbria. Monty and Leonardo talk about the (in)famous Sagrantino’s tannins, the winery’s softer style of Sagrantino, and Sagrantino as a restaurant wine. Leonardo also discusses the U.S. and Northern European markets for Sagrantino and recommends some his old-time favorite wine and food pairings!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Daniele D’Anna Bortolotto at the Bortolotti winery in Valdobbiadene, Veneto. Tune in to learn about all-things-Prosecco, including the way its grapes are cultivated and vinified! Monty and Daniele talk about different styles of Prosecco, Bortolotti’s Rive DOCG, and the winery export markets. Join us on our channels for a sparkling interview with an iconic Prosecco producer!

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Giusy Moretti at the Moretti Omero Winery in Umbria. Giusy and Monty discuss the winery’s production of Sagrantino, Grechetto, and Trebbiano Spoletino and the winery’s organic viticulture. Giusy also tries to teach Monty how to make handmade pasta following her grandmother’s Quinta’s recipe! Tune in for another journey at the heart of Umbria’s wine and food traditions!

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews wine producer, restaurateur, MasterChef TV star, and musician Joe Bastianich. Tune in for a fantastic interview where Bastianich talks openly about his Italian origins and his relationship with Italian culture. Joe tells Monty that his parents came to America from the contested North-Eastern territory of Istria (former Italian territory and now Croatian) and set up an innovative and successful restaurant business in New York City. After talking about his upbringing in New York, Joe unveils his passions for rock music, good food and good wine—the latter culminating in starting the family winery in 1997 in the Colli Orientali area of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Joe tells Monty about his non-interventionist wine-making philosophy, marketing wine to millennials, and wine and food pairings. Enjoy Monty Waldin’s exclusive conversation with Italian wine and food celebrity Joe Bastianich!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Lamberto Spacchetti, owner of Colle Ciocco winery in Montefalco, Umbria. Before starting his wine business in Montefalco, Lamberto spent 40 years in the navy as a Commander. His experience taught him a great deal also on the weather and particularly on winds and their impact on grape growing. Monty and Lamberto also talk about pairing Sagrantino with local dishes such as wild boar, truffles, and T-bone steak and Sagrantino Passito with cheese. He also Lamberto also talks about one of Colle Ciocco whites, the Clarignano Umbria Bianco IGT, a blend of Grechetto and Viognier. Tune in for another gourmet stop in the wine heart of Umbria!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Simon Grosjean, owner of Grosjean Vins, an organic winery in the bilingual region of Valle d’Aosta. Monty and Simon talk about Valle d’Aosta’s indigenous grape varieties such as Petit Rouge, Fumin, Cornalin, and Vien de Nus. They also chat about the Torrette Valle d’Aosta’s appellation, Grosjean’s wines and viticulture in the mountains. Tune in to discover wine and viticultural traditions in a charming mountainous region in the North-West of Italy.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Giampaolo Tabarrini, owner of the Tabarrini Winery in Montefalco, Umbria. Giampaolo tells Monty about the beginnings of the winery and its first important awards from Gambero Rosso. He describes his single-vineyard wines, which are bottled from his three sites Colle alle Macchie, Campo alla Cerqua, and Colle Grimaldesco. Tune in also to find out how Monty reacted to a Sagrantino “grammar” lesson and to discover Giampaolo’s passion for Trebbiano Spoletino and his dream of building a wine village.

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Gina Gallo, Senior Director of Winemaking at E. & J. Gallo Winery in California, the largest family-onwed winery in the United States. Gina tells Monty all about her family’s Italian roots and her personal connections with Italy. Gina also talks about market trends for her wines with the new generations and provides her views on how Italian wineries and wine brands can harness the potential of the American market. Tune in also for some “bubbly” conversations on the Chinese market for wine and… Prosecco!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Donatella Adanti from Cantine Adanti in Bevagna, near Montefalco, in Umbria. Donatella talks about the evolution of wine making and wine growing in the area from the seventies onwards and the role her father Domenico and their winery played in the promotion of Sagrantino and Umbria. She also talks about her views on recent investments made in the region, and the reception of Sagrantino among American consumers. Tune in also to find out more about Adanti’s Sagrantino and Montefalco Rosso wines!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Devis Romanelli, owner and winemaker at the Romanelli winery in Umbria. Romanelli produces wine but also olive oil. Monty and Devis talk about harvesting Sagrantino grapes, the winery’s production of Grechetto and Trebbiano Spoletino and their cru wines. Tune in for a deep dive into Sagrantino terroir and viticulture in Umbria!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Maria Stella Carletti at the Poliziano Winery in Montepulciano, Tuscany. Maria Stella tells Monty all about the origin of the name Poliziano and discusses the rich family history. Maria Stella introduces also Poliziano’s famous crus, the “Vigneto Caggiole” and the vineyard of the Asinone, the latter yielding Poliziano’s signature Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. She also talks about their Maremma vineyards and their production of Morellino di Scansano. Tune in for another fantastic immersion in the Tuscan wine tradition!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Gelasio Gaetani D’Aragona, whose historic family winery (Argiano) is located in the Brunello area of Tuscany. Gelasio and Monty talk about Brunello di Montalcino and the changes and developments in the area across five decades, from the seventies onwards. Gelasio also reflects on other Tuscan wine areas such as Bolgheri and sketches his personal vision for the future of Montalcino. Tune in to learn more about the history of one of the leading wine denominations of Italy with an iconic wine personality!

In this episode, Monty Waldin meets Valentino Valentini, one of the owners of the Bocale Winery in Montefalco and also former town counsellor and mayor of Montefalco. Valentino tells Monty all about the rich history of the Montefalco area, including old vine-growing systems on elm trees, the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi and his Franciscan monks who were among the first wine producers in the region. An energy efficient winery, Bocale specializes in Sagrantino- and Trebbiano Spoletino-based wines and is also a mixed farm growing olive trees and cereals. Tune in for a deep dive into the rich history, culture, and delicious wines of Umbria!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Debora Bosoni at the family-owned Cantina Lunae Bosoni in Liguria. Debora explains that the area of Lunae takes its name from an ancient Roman site of Luni, that was also renowned for its wines. Debora and Monty talk about local indigenous grapes such as Vermentino and Albarola and the complexity of the Ligurian terroir between the Alps and the sea. Tune in to discover another incredible and underrated wine region in Italy!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Peter Heilbron at Bellafonte Winery in Umbria. Peter, whose former career was in the Umbrian chocolate industry, tells Monty about his energy efficient winery, the aromas of Sagrantino wines and the rediscovery of Trebbiano Spoletino native grape. Tune in to learn more about the ins and outs of viticulture and winemaking in Umbria’s beautiful Montefalco region.

In this episode Monty Waldin continues his journey through the land of Sagrantino in Montefalco, Umbria. Monty meets Paolo Montioni, owner of the Montioni Winery. Monty and Paolo discuss the work undertaken in the vineyard and in the cellar to produce Sagrantino wines. The Montioni family is also involved in olive oil production at their local oil mill. Tune in also to learn all about pairing Sagrantino with truffle- and porcini-based dishes.

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Sara Goretti, whose family wineries Vini Goretti are located in Umbria. Sara’s wineries produce Sagrantino, Grechetto, and Trebbiano Toscano wines. Monty and Sara talk about the international markets for Sagrantino. Sara talks abut unusual wine and food pairings, matching Sagrantino with Korean spicy soup, Japanese fish tartare or grilled salmon. Sara also talks about traditional Umbrian dishes such as the Torta al Testo or the Umbricelli pasta. Sara also presents one of their reds, l’Arringatore (a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Ciliegiolo), that will make you talk a lot after drinking it! Tune in also to learn more about Nonna Marcella Goretti’s cooking classes and the wine therapy sessions offered at the Goretti winery!

In this podcast Monty Waldin meets Matteo Santoiemma, owner of Ognissole Winery in the Apulia (Puglia) region of Italy, a certified organic and biodynamic winery. Matteo takes Monty on a beautiful journey through the local grape varieties such as Primitivo, Uva di Troia, Bombino Bianco, Moscato Bianco and through the Puglia terroirs. Join Monty and Matteo also to discover more about local food and the history of the region!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Salvatore Santus, Manager at AgriPunica, a winery in the beautiful island of Sardinia, located in the Sulcis subregion, a land once connected with the ancient Carthaginians. Join Monty and Salvatore to learn more about the winery’s history, its incredible soil, and its Carignano- and Vermentino-based wines.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Paolo Bartoloni owner of Le Cimate winery in the Montefalco area in Umbria. Paolo tells Monty about his family and winery history built on former Church land. They discuss Sagrantino, Trebbiano Spoletino and Vermentino. Paolo and Monty give interesting suggestions about pairing Sagrantino with local wild boar, mushrooms, and truffles. Paolo also suggests vegetarian dishes to pair with Sagrantino. After chatting about Sagrantino Rosé and Passito wines, they also talk about moraiolo olive oil grown in Le Cimate Estate! Join us in this podcast for a gourmet tour of Umbria!

In this podcast Monty Waldin meets Antonio Capaldo, owner of the Feudi San Gregorio winery in the Campania region. Tune in to discover Antonio’s personal story, from his studies and jobs abroad in finance to his journey home working in the family business. Antonio tells Monty about Feudi’s 2,000 year old vines and his vision to combine tradition and innovation. Monty and Antonio discuss the Italian and international markets for Southern Italian wines, wine tourism, and Feudi San Gregorio’s signature wines such as Taurasi, Greco di Tufo, and Fiano di Avellino.

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Matteo Basili, winemaker at Benedetti & Grigi Winery in Montefalco, Umbria. Matteo tells Monty about his previous experience as a winemaker in Australia and his current work for Benedetti & Grigi with Sagrantino grapes in Umbria. Monty and Matteo go deep into the work done in vineyard and in the cellar to make Sagrantino wines. They also discuss the potential of Sagrantino grapes to be cultivated in Australia. Tune in for a close-up on Sagrantino winemaking practices!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets world-famous actress Carole Bouquet who has been making Passito di Pantelleria on the Pantelleria islands for over a decade. Carole talks passionately about Italy, wine, and her forays in the wine world. She tells Monty about the rich history and beauty of the island of Pantelleria where her Sangue d’Oro Passito is made.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Lorenzo Piccin, owner of the San Martino Winery in the Vulture area of the Basilicata region. The winery produces outstanding Aglianico del Vulture wines, the “Arberesko” and “Siir” Aglianicos. Its vineyards are located between 500 and 600 meters on the sea level, in an area populated by Albanian linguistic and cultural minorities. Tune in also to learn how to cook a local delicacy, the “Cruschi” peppers!

In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews Liu Pambuffetti at Scacciadiavoli Winery in the Montefalco area in Umbria. Liu talks about the origin of the Scacciadiavoli name that is also the name of the area. Liu tells Monty about her training in Bordeaux and how her studies in France have informed the winemaking in her family business. Liu describes the wines produced by Scacciadiavoli winery, including Sagrantino-based Montefalco Rosso, Trebbiano Spoletino, Sparkling Sagrantino, Sparkling Rosé and Sagrantino Passito. Tune in also to find out some interesting wine and food pairings!

In this episode of Italian Wine Podcast, we make a little exception in our topic selection and talk about the Italian connections with Japanese iconic drink sake, made with fermented rice! Monty Waldin meets “Sake Samurai” Marco Massarotto, founder of the association La Via del Sake. Marco tells Monty about his discovery of sake and about the sake scene and consumption in Italy. Marco also explores the similarities between wine and sake, both fermented drinks. Tune in to learn more about sake drinking etiquette and how sake was judged at the international wine tasting 5StarWines 2018!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Filippo Antonelli at the Antonelli San Marco Winery in Umbria. Filippo tells Monty a little bit about the history of the estate and the area, from the Longobards to the Papal State. Antonelli San Marco Winery is also certified organic and produces Sagrantino-based Montefalco Rosso, Grechetto, and Trebbiano Spoletino. Filippo talks about the Trebbiano Spoletino Renaissance and his most recent endeavours in the production of cold cuts from pigs that he keeps in the estate.