Italian Wine Podcast

In episode 200 Monty Waldin interviews Wine Spectator Executive Editor Thomas Matthews. Thomas tells Monty about his personal and professional journey in wine, from picking grapes in Bordeaux while writing a novel to his current role as Executive Editor of one of the most prestigious American wine magazines. Thomas talks about Italian wine in the United States and the latest trends in Italian wine consumption as documented in a survey launched through the Wine Spectator website and illustrated also during the Press Conference of OperaWine 2019 “Finest Italian Wines, 100 Great Producers selected by Wine Spectator.” Tune in also to find out about the way wine brought together Thomas and his wife Sara Matthews, who works as a wine photographer!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Bernardo Pinto, technical director for Zahil Importadora in Brazil and Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. Monty and Bernardo discuss the Brazilian market for Italian wine. Bernardo talk about recent changes in market trends and the thriving online market for wine in Brazil (wine drinkers who buy online in Brazil are 25% of all Brazilian wine buyers). Monty and Bernardo speak about Italian and Brazilian cuisine and the Italian wines which are trendy in Brazil. Tune in to learn more about the Brazilian wine market and the opportunities for Italian wineries there.

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Daniele Cernilli, Founder of the Doctor Wine magazine (www.doctorwine.it/) and Doctor Wine in person! Daniele was also the Founder of Gambero Rosso and is a major Italian wine expert and writer. Daniele and Monty speak about future trends in wine learning and how to learn about Italian native grape varieties. Daniele brings listeners on an exciting journey all around Italy discussing some of Doctor Wine’s favourites! Tune in for a tour of Italian gems from Campania, Alto-Adige, Tuscany, Marche, Umbria, Sicily, Puglia, Calabria, Abruzzo, Piemonte, Liguria, Friuli and Veneto! --- 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 Marino Braccu, General Manager at the renowned 8 ½ Bombana Restaurant in Hong Kong (a three star Michelin restaurant). Marino is a sommelier originally from Olbia in Sardinia. Marino tells Monty about life in Hong Kong and his daily work in a Michelin-start restaurant. He also gives some advice on how wineries could penetrate the sophisticated Hong Kong market. Learn also about some typical Sardinian wine and food pairings courtesy of Marino!

In this educational podcast recorded in Italian, Monty Waldin meets Attilio Scienza, vine genetics scholar and Chief Scientist of the Vinitaly International Academy. Scienza’s most recent book La Stirpe del Vino (Sperling & Kupfer, 2018) explores the genetic history of an iconic grape variety. In this interview, Scienza and Monty discuss the genetic origins of Sangiovese, its genetic relationships with Mantonico, Nerello Mascalese, Foglia Tonda and other Southern grape varieties. Scienza redefines the notion of grape indigeneity by stating that a grape is native to the place where it finds its best expression, rather than to the place where it originates. Thus, despite its Southern Italian origins and progeny, Sangiovese has found its best expression in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Scienza talks about Sangiovese’s soils and wine-making styles and introduces key issues related to the main Sangiovese territories and denominations: Morellino di Scansano, Brunello, Chianti, and the Sangiovese in Emilia-Romagna. This podcast will give you an overview of the importance of Sangiovese to the Italian wine tradition and cannot be missed if you are studying wine! [A transcript of this interview 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 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!

This is the English-language translation of episode 196, which has originally been recorded in Italian. In this educational podcast, Monty Waldin speaks to Attilio Scienza, vine genetics scholar and Chief Scientist of the Vinitaly International Academy. Scienza’s most recent book La Stirpe del Vino (Sperling & Kupfer, 2018) explores the genetic history of an iconic grape variety. In this interview, Scienza and Monty discuss the genetic origins of Sangiovese, its genetic relationships with Mantonico, Nerello Mascalese, Foglia Tonda and other Southern grape varieties. Scienza redefines the notion of grape indigeneity by stating that a grape is native to the place where it finds its best genetic expression, rather than to the place where it originates. Thus, despite its Southern Italian origins and progeny, Sangiovese has found its best genetic expression in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Scienza talks about Sangiovese’s soils and wine-making styles and introduces key issues related to the main Sangiovese territories and denominations: Morellino di Scansano, Brunello, Chianti, and the Sangiovese in Emilia-Romagna. This podcast will give you an overview of the importance of Sangiovese to the Italian wine tradition and cannot be missed if you are studying wine! [A transcript of this interview in English is available on www.italianwinepodcast.com]. --- 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 Sue Tolson, wine writer and editor based in Budapest, Hungary. Sue also contributes to the periodical Wine Sofa which specializes in food and wine from central Eastern Europe and is also a certified Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Expert. In this interview she offers some insights into the Hungarian market for Italian wine and on Hungarian consumers. Tune in to learn more about which Italian wines are popular in Hungary and which segment of the Hungarian market Italian wineries should invest on if they would like to sell their labels in Hungary.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Henry Davar, Vinitaly International Academy Faculty Member and experienced wine educator. In this educational podcast, Henry offers students of Italian wine a road map to understand one of the Italian varieties with greatest quality potential: Verdicchio. The Verdicchio grape is highly expressive of place and demonstrates the variety and complexity of styles that Italian native white grapes can produce. Henry explains the ABC of the Verdicchio variety and what distinguishes the two iconic territories and denominations where Verdicchio is cultivated: Castelli di Jesi and Matelica.

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Niklas Bergqvist, sommelier at Vinkallaren Grappe, a wine club located in Stokholm, Sweden. Niklas is also a certified Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Expert. Monty and Niklas talk about wine clubs and Sweden’s growing interest in Italian wines. Niklas illustrates emerging trends on the market such as natural wines and Sweden’s love for Italian classics such as Brunello di Montalcino. Tune in to find out more also about how Niklas got into wine while skiing on snowy Alpine slopes!

In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews Sarah Heller Master of Wine and Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) Faculty Member on the approach to tasting Italian wine devised by the Academy. Sarah talks about the reformatted, tasting-intensive VIA Italian Wine Ambassador course and the new VIA Tasting Schematic, VIA’s standardised tasting grid with descriptors which are specific to Italian wines. The new VIA schematic forms the basis of both tasting sessions during the course and the blind tasting section of the exam. In the interview, Sarah goes through each descriptor and explains its relevance to Italian wines. If you are planning to take the next VIA Italian Wine Ambassador course, you cannot miss this podcast!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Erik Klein, wine export consultant based in Slovakia. Erik has more than ten years of experience and has worked with the famous American wine importer Neil Empson. Monty and Erik talk about the Slovakian and the Czech market for Italian wines and their attraction to the dolce vita! Tune in to learn which Italian native grapes and related wines are popular in those markets!

***This episode is brought to you by: Native Grape Odyssey is an educational project financed by the European Union to promote European wine in Canada, Japan, and Russia. Enjoy, it's from Europe!*** --- In this podcast in Italian with consecutive translation, Monty Waldin interviews Federica Capobianco, press officer at Silvio Carta Winery in Sardegna, a beautiful Mediterranean island and home to wonderful wines such as Vernaccia di Oristano. Tune in to discover Silvio Carta's iconic Vernaccia di Oristano, its terroir as well as the way grapes are vinified. Monty and Federica also talk about the winery's main markets and the best food matches.---***This podcast has been brought to you by Native Grape Odyssey, Discovering the true essence of quality wine from Europe. Find out more on www.nativegrapeodyssey.eu. Enjoy, it's from Europe!***

***This episode is brought to you by: Native Grape Odyssey is an educational project financed by the European Union to promote European wine in Canada, Japan, and Russia. Enjoy, it's from Europe!*** In this podcast about Sardinia, Monty Waldin meets Renzo Erasmi, agronomist at Cantina Arvisionadu, a winery located in the center of Sardinia. Arvisionadu is also the name of the indigenous grape variety which the Cantina cultivated and which makes their award-winning wine. Monty and Renzo talk about the difficulties in growing the Arvisionadu grape. Renzo also described the sensorial profile of the wine and explains the meaning of the word Arvisionadu. Tune in to learn more also about Cantina Arvisionadu’s signature red wine, a blend of Cannonau, Sangiovese, Shiraz, and Cagnulari.---***This podcast has been brought to you by Native Grape Odyssey, Discovering the true essence of quality wine from Europe. Find out more on www.nativegrapeodyssey.eu. Enjoy, it's from Europe!***

***This episode is brought to you by: Native Grape Odyssey is an educational project financed by the European Union to promote European wine in Canada, Japan, and Russia. Enjoy, it's from Europe!*** --- In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews Luca Fontana of Cantina Mesa in the Sulcis area of Sardinia, in the south-west of the island. The winery is part of the Gruppo Santa Margherita. Luca talks about the history of the winery founded in 2003. He also speaks about the strong bond which links Sardinians with their homeland and the cultural differences and rivalry between the north and the south of the island. Luca and Monty discuss the Carignano di Sulcis denomination: the Carignano bush vines of the winery are located at sea level in sandy-clay soils and benefit from a hot climate as well as very long summers. They are also characterized by high-yields. Tune in to learn more about this unique denomination and the traditional wine culture of Sardinia with out passionate Sardinian guest at Cantina Mesa. --- ***This podcast has been brought to you by Native Grape Odyssey, Discovering the true essence of quality wine from Europe. Find out more on www.nativegrapeodyssey.eu. Enjoy, it's from Europe!***

In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews Chiara Meloni, export manager at Tenute Olbios in the north-east of Sardinia. Tenute Olbios produces Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, Vermentino di Sardegna as well as a native-grape-based red and a rosé. Chiara and Monty talk about the Gallura terroir, the local and foreign markets for the winery’s Vermentinos (Tenute Olbios exports 35% of their production), as well as some interesting wine and food pairings. Tune in to discover a beautiful region of Italy and its delicious wines!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Sergio Solinas, General Manager at Cantina Sociale Giogantinu in the Gallura area in Sardinia. Founded in 1955, this wine coop produces 1.5 million of bottles per year and it is one of the largest coops in Sardinia. Monty and Sergio talk about Giogantinu’s wines, including sparkling Vermentino and Cannonau-based wines such as their “Eja” (among others). Giogantinu also produces rosé, interesting blends with traditional and indigenous Sardinian grapes, and “mirto” the traditional berry liqueur from Sardinia. Learn more about the Gallura area and Sardinian wines in this podcast.

In this episode, Monty Waldin meets Sarah Heller MW who is a member of the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) Faculty and teaches the Italian Wine Ambassador course. In this educational podcast dedicated to the iconic Italian wine denomination of Barolo, Sarah introduces the geology of the Barolo area, the profile of its grape variety, and different vinification styles which were also at the core of the famous traditionalist vs. modernist debate. Tune in to learn the ABC of one of the most iconic Italian wine appellations and discover Sarah’s personal connection to Piemonte and her proficiency in the Piedmontese dialect!

In this episode, Monty Waldin meets Ettore Nicoletto, CEO of the Santa Margherita Group, owned by the Marzotto family since 1935. Ettore tells Monty about the evolution of Santa Margherita’s iconic pinot grigio and reports some of the Group’s achievement for 2018: 22 million bottles of wines across 6 different wine regions of Italy. Ettore talks about the Group’s penchant for white wines along with its most recent investments and plans for developments. Monty and Ettore discuss Santa Margherita’s presence in the U.S. market, their marketing strategy, and how they are facing the challenges posed by climate change. Ettore also tells Monty about his personal approach to leadership, his past career in motorbike races, and his passion for golf and volleyball (Ettore is 1.97 mt. tall!).

March 10 2017 - March 10 2019: To celebrate the second "birthday" of the Italian Wine Podcast, we are releasing a special episode where podcast host Monty Waldin is interviewed by his son Arthur. In the interview Arthur asks Monty about his passion for wine, Biodynamics, and his favourite Italian wines and places to visit. Tune in to a fantastic interview and enjoy Arthur's flair for interviews, which -- of course -- runs in the family! Cin cin!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Tim O’Connell, Vice President of Vinitaly Wine Club. Monty and Tim talk about e-commerce for wine and the changed demographics of Italian wine consumers. Tim explains the ins and out of the e-commerce business for wine and the way Vinitaly Wine Club works, including the selection, logistics, and promotion of wines. Tune in also to find out which top wines are featured in the Vinitaly Wine Club and consumers’ latest trends for each season!

In this short bonus track, the Italian Wine Podcast host Monty Waldin talks about the second anniversary from the release of the first Italian Wine Podcast episode on March 10th, 2017!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Simon Taylor, wine merchant at Stone, Vine & Sun in Winchester, UK. Simon tells Monty about what is trendy in the UK market and talks about his passion for Italy’s wines. Simon talks about the appeal of the Italian wine industry to importers for Italy’s wine variety and quality. Tune in to find out Simon’s love for Recioto di Soave and his suggestions about potential pairing of Italian sweet wines and English cheese!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Andrea Sartori, whose family owns Casa Vinicola Sartori in the Veneto region in the North of Italy, near Verona. Andrea is the fourth generation of the family that started in the wine business in 1898, thus celebrating their 120th anniversary in 2018. Andrea tells Monty about the family history since the very beginning over a century ago, when the family also managed a hotel and restaurant business in Verona. Fast-forward to 2019 Casa Vinicola Sartori is now one of the most important in the Veneto area, with top wines such as Amarone, Valpolicella Classico and Ripasso, Bardolino, and Soave. Andrea also presents additional brands in the Sartori group portfolio such as the organic wines from the Mont’Albano estate in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Tune in to learn about 121 years of oenological and viticultural passion in the Veneto region and beyond with Monty and his guest Andrea Sartori of Casa Vinicola Sartori.

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Giovanni Mazzoni, manager at Podere Forte in the Orcia valley in Tuscany. Giovanni tells Monty about the origin of the estate, a 200-year-old “podere” that Pasquale Forte acquired in 1998 and developed as a biodynamic estate. Mazzoni talks about the biodiverse flora and fauna on the estate, its wheat production, Chianina cows, Cinta Senese pigs, and bees (among others!) which all contribute to a healthy vineyard ecosystem. Podere Forte produces Sangiovese-based wines, Petrucci, Petruccino, and Guardiavigna and its main market is Italy. Monty and Giovanni also go deep into technology for viticulture, such as the use of drones!

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Matteo Lunelli who leads Cantine Ferrari and Gruppo Lunelli, both crucial and historic players in the Italian wine industry particularly with regards to sparkling wines. Matteo tells Monty about the incredible story of Giulio Ferrari, the man who brought Chardonnay to Italy at the turn of the twentieth century and devised the bottle-fermented Trento DOC. Matteo also talks about mountain viticulture and the influence of the Trentino mountains over Ferrari wines. The Lunelli family acquired Cantine Ferrari in 1952 consolidating the brand and also investing in sustainability by creating an official protocol for mountain viticulture for their winegrowers in Trentino. The Lunelli group also further expanded by acquiring an ancient grappa distillery (Grappa Segnana) and by producing still wines in the Lunelli Estates in Trentino, Tuscany, and Umbria. The most recent acquisition of the group in 2014 is Bisol, an iconic producer of Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene. Tune in to learn more about over a century of iconic sparkling wines from the north of Italy with Monty Waldin and Matteo Lunelli of Cantine Ferrari and Gruppo Lunelli!

In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews Mark Cuff, owner of The Living Vine, a Canadian wine import company specializing in biodynamic, natural, and organic wines. Mark tells Monty about the restaurant and bar scene in Toronto and talks about the latest trends in Italian wine there. Listen to a chat about Canada's love for Italian wine and learn more about the changes in the Toronto wine scene.

In this podcast Monty Waldin meets Adriano Zago, biodynamic agriculture consultant specialized in viticulture as well as enologist. Tune in to learn the ins and outs of biodynamic and organic viticulture and the challenges posed by climate change. Adriano tells Monty about his educational path and his approach to dealing with wineries willing to embrace biodynamic and organic farming.

In this interview Monty Waldin meets José Rallo, whose family owns the Donna Fugata winery in Sicily. José and Monty discuss the long harvest season in Sicily in their vineyard lands such as the Contessa Entellina cru which yields the grapes for their flagship wine Anthilia. José also talks about their Zibibbo wine Lighea and Donna Fugata’s signature reds Tancredi and Mille e Una Notte. Tune in to learn more about the origin of these wines’ names and the artistic creation behind some of their labels. José, who is also a singer of Brazilian music, tells Monty of her passion for presenting her wines through singing as, in her own words, “wine is rhythm, wine in energy.”

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Lynne Sherriff MW, wine consultant and passionate educator whose career in the wine business has taken her all over the world and most recently in Italy where in Verona she will be the Senior General Chairman for 2019 edition of 5StarWines – the Book blind tasting. Originally from South Africa and former Chairman of the Institute for Masters of Wine, Lynne tells Monty about her beginnings in the hotel business and her Master of Wine studies. She also talks about her wine travels and work experiences in France, Germany, South Africa, Japan and Italy and how these travels and work experiences have shaped her career. Tune in to learn more about Lynne’s dedication and expertise in the global wine industry as well as a cottage near Lucca that she calls home.

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Caterina Dei whose family owns the Cantine Dei winery in Montepulciano, Siena. The winery produces Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from the “Prugnolo Gentile,” the local name for the Sangiovese grape. Monty and Caterina talk about the history of the winery and of the Vino Nobile denomination. Caterina also explains the way different soil types (clay and sandy soils) affect flavour in their Vino Nobile; she also talks about Cantine Dei’s signature wine “Bossone,” their single-vineyard Vino Nobile. Tune in to learn more about Cantine Dei’s sustainable viticulture, their top markets, and some interesting food pairings.

In episode 173, Monty Waldin talks to Adam Teeter & Zach Geballe, the hosts of the VinePair Podcast, which airs once a week and covers stories from the beverage industry at large. Adam and Zach tell Monty about their approach to podcasting and the power of audio storytelling. They also discuss the challenges to talk about the complexity of Italian wine to the wider public. Tune in to learn about what drives podcasters’s passion in the wine industry.

In episode 172, Monty Waldin meets Chris Scott, the host of the UK Wine Show Podcast, one of the earliest podcast shows. Chris started in the early 2000s and his podcast currently broadcast on average once a week. Chris tells Monty about his beginnings and his passion for podcasting and wine education. Chris also manages a wine education business in the UK with his wife Jane—ThirtyFifty—a certified Wine & Spirits Education Trust course provider and organizer of various wine tasting events. Chris talks about his most recent podcast series on the UK Wine Show Podcast, which aims to support WSET Level 3 students in their studies. Tune in to learn about the fascinating world of wine podcasts with Monty Waldin and “podcaster extraordinaire” Chris Scott. You will also discover how Chris selects his wine in an Italian restaurant!

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Angelo Peretti, Director of the Consorzio Chiaretto e Bardolino, business strategist, as well as director and wine writer at The Internet Gourmet. Angelo illustrates the wine denominations typical of the Lake Garda area: Bardolino, Lugana, Custoza, Chiaretto, and Bardolino. Angelo focuses on the history of the Chiaretto denomination, its production, vinification, and turn to the rosé style. Monty and Angelo discuss the markets for Chiaretto as well as very interesting food pairings. Tune in for an exciting journey of discovery into one of the most famous Italian rosés.

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Emma Bentley, a representative of the VinNatur association founded by natural wine grower Angiolino Maule at La Biancara winery in Gambellara, Veneto. Emma tells the story of how Angiolino founded the association and started to make natural wine following a “wine epiphany.” Tune in to learn about VinNatur’s objectives and certification parameters. Emma and Monty also reflect on the challenges for wine growers and the future the natural wine movement.

In this podcast, Monty Waldin interviews Chiara Giannotti, the mastermind behind the multimedia project Vino TV. Chiara, whose social media channels are very popular (107,000 followers on Facebook), has an extensive background in the Italian wine world as she worked for 15 years in the family winery Fazi Battaglia in the Marche region and also in the Fassati winery in Montepulciano. Chiara talks about her Vino TV project and her radio show on Radio Food. She tells Monty about the importance of sharing producers’ personal stories and about building a relationship of trust with her interviewees. Tune in to also learn more about Chiara’s life-long passion for Verdicchio!

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!