Italian Wine Podcast

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Enrico Rivetto of the Rivetto Winery in the Langhe region of Piemonte. Enrico talks about Piedmontese varieties such as Nascetta, Barbera, Nebbiolo, but also a white grape called Nascetta. Enrico presents his wines and tells Monty all about his wine-making philosophy based on biodynamic principles. He also discusses his experiments with winemaking in claypot and terracotta containers. Tune in to discover another energetic Italian wine personality!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Tim Manning owner of Vinochisti Winery in Tuscany. Tim tells Monty all about his experiments with Italian native grape varieties such as Sagrantino, Erbaluce, Vernaccia di San Giminiano, and Lacrima di Morro d’Alba. Tune in to discover another exciting wine-making and ‘wine-anarchist’ story from the heart of Tuscany!

In the second part of Monty Waldin’s interview with Paolo De Marchi, Monty and Paolo continue their conversation about the Chianti Classico landscape and terroir. Paolo discusses his signature wines and his viticulture and wine-making philosophy. Join us for a cin cin with another outstanding Italian wine personality!

In the first of this two-part interview with Paolo De Marchi, Monty Waldin digs deeper into the history of the Chianti Classico area. In this first part, Monty and Paolo discuss the end of the old sharecropping era in the Chianti region and the developments in viticulture in the sixties and seventies. Paolo also talks about the beauty of the Chianti region, the importance of biodiversity in viticulture, and research findings on wild yeasts.

In this episode Monty Waldin talks to Sean O'Callaghan who recently started a new wine project called Il Guercio in Chianti Classico. Tune in to discover another compelling story about wine making and the history of the one of the most famous wine areas in Italy and in the world.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Michael Schmelzer, owner of the Monte Bernardi Winery in Chianti Classico. A German-American producer who arrived in Tuscany in 2003, Michael tells Monty about his viticulture studies in Australia and his "Retromarcia" wine-making philosophy --literally meaning reverse but also the name of one of their wines-- implying the commitment to go "back to simple and straight-forward Chianti Classico." Tune in for an exciting conversation about Sangiovese, Chianti Classico, and biodynamic wine-making.

In this episode Monty Waldin meets John Baum, Director of the Winemakers Club in London. John tells Monty about his career in the world of Italian wine and his fondness for the Italian regional wines of Calabria and Basilicata. Monty and John also discuss winemaking trends in popular wine regions such as Chianti.

In this episode Monty Waldin talks to Laura Bianchi, owner of Castello di Monsanto winery in Barberino Val d’Elsa in Tuscany. Laura tells Monty about the story of her family, her vineyards, and her forays in the wine business, when she was just a young woman. Laura also teaches Monty some Italian proverbs about wine, whereby you can’t have 'la botte piena' and 'la moglie ubriaca'! Tune in for some Chianti conversations and folk wisdom!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Stefano Chiarlo of the Michele Chiarlo Winery in Calamandrana, Asti. Stefano tells Monty about his family history and his own wine-making philosophy. He also recommends a walk in the vineyard as the perfect way to enjoy the territory and appreciate the wine. Tune in for another exciting conversation about the great Piedmontese wines Barolo and Barbera!

In episode 44 Monty Waldin takes us to England to meet Ben Robson, wine merchant at Bat & Bottle in Oakham, Rutland, that specializes in Italian wine. Ben talks about sales trends of Italian wine in England and his love for Italy and Piemonte. Ben also discusses the enormous potential of the Aglianico grape and his hopes for a growth in Lambrusco. Cin Cin with Italian Wine People from all over the world!

In episode 43 we take a virtual journey to Northern Europe to learn more about the appreciation of Italian wine in Sweden. Monty Waldin is joined by Anna Ronngren Head Sommelier at Restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm. Anna and Monty delve into an interesting conversation about the Swedish market for Italian wine. Anna also talks about wine and food pairings and her favorite combinations of Italian wine with Swedish food. Thirsty and hungry yet?

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Alessandro Ceretto from Ceretto Wines in the beautiful Unesco World Heritage Landscape of Langhe in Piedmont. Monty and Alessandro talk about the terroir, organic and biodynamic farming methods, and Ceretto’s famous wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, and Arneis. Join us for another #ItalianWine journey in one of the most famous wine regions.

In this episode Monty Waldin meets the “volcanic” Elena Fucci, owner of Elena Fucci Wines in Basilicata. Elena tells Monty about her forays in the world of wine and the distinctive character of Aglianico del Vulture and its terroir. Tune in also to find out what to eat with a bottle of Aglianico! Cin Cin with another charismatic Italian Wine Personality!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Julien Boulard who is a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador and wine educator based in China. Julien talks about his experience of learning about Italian wine last April in Verona and his favorite Sicilian wines. He also discusses the Chinese market for Italian wine. Tune in for a Cin Cin between Italy and China!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Mi Zhu, wine buyer for Amazon China and Vinitaly International Academy candidate in April 2017. Mi Zhu tells Monty all about his intense week of study at the Academy learning all about Italian wines and discovering a new favorite, Lambrusco. He also talks about the perception of Italian wine in China and the potential of Italian wine to be paired with Chinese food. Cin Cin with Italian Wine People all over the world!

In this episode, Monty Waldin meets Carlo Franchetti, Marketing Manager of Tenuta di Trinoro in Val d’Orcia. Tenuta di Trinoro is part of the Azienda Vini Franchetti with estates also in Sicily. Carlo tells Monty all about his family's wine projects and of his recent experiments with Pinot Noir in Sancaba, on the border among Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria.

Italian Wine Podcast travels back to Veneto to meet the Queen of Amarone, Marilisa Allegrini. Monty discusses the grape varieties of the Veneto region such as Corvina and the Allegrini family estates in Veneto and Tuscany. Marilisa also talks about her upbringing and future prospects for women working the wine business. Tune in to Italian Wine Podcast for another compelling story about Italy’s wine excellence.

In this episode, Monty Waldin meets VIA candidate Kevin Gagnon, a Canadian-born writer and Opera singer based in Germany. Kevin tells Monty of his first encounters with Italian wine in Germany and of his numerous road trips across Italy to discover Italy’s unique indigenous grape varieties. Tune in for another entertaining story about the excitement of learning about Italian wine.

In this episode, Monty Waldin talks to Gill Gordon-Smith “head girl at FFG Fall From Grace Wine Education and Tasting" in Australia and Vinitaly International Academy student. Gill tells Monty about the beautiful coastal region of McClaren Vale in South Australia, where a wide range of Italian grape varieties are cultivated. For example, they grow Nero D’Avola, Carignano, Montepulciano and Arneis. Italian grape varieties according to Gill, seem to respond very well to climate change in Australia. Tune in to discover a thriving wine-producing region and a piece of Italy down under!

In this episode, Monty talks to Alessandro François, owner of Castello di Querceto. Alessandro talks about the history of his French family in Tuscany, and how he became a wine maker from his previous engineering career. Tune in to discover more about Chianti Classico and Sangiovese and about personal and family history of another Italian Wine People.

In this episode, Monty Waldin meets Pascaline Lepeltier, Master Sommelier and Beverage Director at Rouge Tomate Chelsea in New York. Pascaline is also a natural wine expert and joins Monty in an interesting conversation about sustainability, biodiversity, and her forays in the world of philosophy.

In this episode Monty Waldin talks to Alice Feiring, award-winning wine writer and critic specializing in natural wine. Join Monty and Alice for an exciting conversation about natural wine, sustainability, and kosher wine! Alice has just published a new book entitled “The Dirty Guide to Wine: Following Flavor from Ground to Glass,” a new book that teaches us to look at wine from the soil in which originates. Photograph by Monty Waldin.

In this episode Monty Waldin takes us on another journey to Tuscany and talks to Bibi Graetz of Bibi Graetz Winery in Fiesole. In the interview Bibi defines himself as an Impressionist of wine-making and presents his signature wine Testamatta. Join Monty for a Cin Cin with another charismatic Italian Wine personality!

In this episode Monty Waldin takes us to Puglia to meet Edoardo Falvo, who introduces his winery, Masseria Li Veli. Edoardo, who is originally from Tuscany, tells Monty of his move to Puglia and his discovery of local indigenous grape varieties such as Susumaniello and Verdicchio. Listen to another great story about Italian wine-making and discover the heel of Italy between the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea.

In this episode Monty Waldin talks to Thomas Bar, the owner of Antico Podere Gagliole, a winery in Castellina in Chianti. Thomas Bar describes the Tuscan landscape of his winery, with dried stone walls. Thomas also reveals a favorite home recipe to accompany a bottle of his Chianti Classico. Join us for another Cin Cin with Italian Wine People!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Elena Pantaleoni of La Stoppa Winery near Piacenza in Emilia Romagna. Elena tells Monty about her family history and her forays in the wine world in the 1990s. Elena also discusses La Stoppa’s commitment to indigenous grape varietals and to sustainable viticulture.

Join us for another exciting wine story from one of Italy’s more well-known wine regions. Monty Waldin chats to Andrea Pieropan of Pieropan winery in Soave, Veneto. According to Andrea “wine is emotion.” Andrea tells Monty all about his family history, the innovation and integrity in wine-making brought about by his father Nino and the challenges in producing Soave.

“Wine-trade quintessential Englishman,” wine writer, and, recently also wine producer, Steven Spurrier reminisces about his initial forays in the wine-trade in London and Paris. In his account, Spurrier talks about the seminal blind competition “The Judgement of Paris” which he organized in 1976 and of his love for Italian wine and Italy. Join Monty Waldin in a friendly chat with a world-famous wine personality.

This Italian Wine Podcast journey today takes us to the beautiful island of Sardinia with Argiolas winery. Monty Waldin chats to Valentina Argiolas who helps listeners discover Sardinian grape varieties and the typical wine and food culture of the island. Sardinia is also the region which boasts the greatest number of centenarians alive. Sip some excellent Sardinian wine with Monty to learn how to drink from the fountain of youth!

In this podcast, Monty Waldin meets JC Viens, editor of the magazine Spirito diVino Asia and Vinitaly International Academy Ambassador. Monty and JC talk about the perception of Italy and of Italian wine in Asia. JC’s comments offer an interesting reflection about the potential of the Asian market for Italian wine producers.

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Henry Davar who completed the Vinitaly International Academy certification course in Verona in April 2017, reaching the Expert Level at first sitting. Henry talks to Monty about growing up in New York City, about his work as wine educator in Las Vegas, and his transformative encounters with Italian wine and the community of Italian wine producers.

In this episode Monty Waldin and Vinitaly International Academy Scientific Director 2014-2018 Ian D’Agata discuss Italy’s most widely planted red grape variety: Sangiovese. Ian brings us on a journey through Sangiovese areas in Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. He also talks about the origin of the name and his favorite wine and food combination for Sangiovese. Ian D'Agata is an award winning-wine writer, his book "Native Grapes of Italy" (University of California Press) received the prestigious Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Award in the category Book of the Year 2015. He has been writing and lecturing about food and wine for more than 25 years.

Here is another episode dedicated to Italian native grape varieties. Monty Waldin and Vinitaly International Academy Scientific Director 2014-2018 Ian D’Agata discuss the Glera grape variety and one of its most famous wines, Prosecco. Join Monty and Ian also to find out how to make the famous Prosecco-based cocktail Bellini. Ian D'Agata is an award winning-wine writer, his book "Native Grapes of Italy" (University of California Press) received the prestigious Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Award in the category Book of the Year 2015. He has been writing and lecturing about food and wine for more than 25 years.

Italian Wine Podcast aims to inform, educate, and entertain about Italian Wine. This episode introduces listeners to one of the many native grape varieties which are cultivated in Italy: the Aglianico. Join Monty Waldin chatting to wine expert and Scientific Director of the Vinitaly International Academy (2014-2018) Ian D’Agata. Ian is an award winning-wine writer, his book "Native Grapes of Italy" (University of California Press) received the prestigious Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Award in the category Book of the Year 2015. He has been writing and lecturing about food and wine for more than 25 years.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Deborah Brenner, Founder and President of Women of the Wine and Spirits, the “membership alliance dedicated to the support and advancement of women in the alcohol beverage industry.” Monty meets Deborah on the eve of the inauguration of the European chapter of Women of the Vine and Spirits, launched on 11 April 2017 during Vinitaly. Join Monty and Deborah for a compelling conversation about the work of the alliance in offering support and empowerment for women working in the wine and spirits business.

In this episode, Monty Waldin hosts Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga of Tenuta San Leonardo in Trentino to discuss regional grape varieties, their traditional methods of winemaking, interesting wine and food combinations, and ‘la botte’, an old and unusual wine bar in the heart of the San Leonardo estate. Tune in to Monty Waldin’s and his guests’ storytelling!

In this episode, Monty Waldin meets Norbert Reinisch of the Braida winery in Piedmont. Together they unveil the history of the Bologna family, the evolution and charm of Braida’s barbera wines and their suitability with some typical Piedmontese dishes. Not to miss if you love wines with a great character and versatility like barbera!

In this episode of Italian Wine Podcast, Monty Waldin talks to Karoline Walch of the Elena Walch wine estate founded in 1869 in Alto Adige. Karoline represents the fifth generation of wine-makers in her family. In the interview she talks to Monty about sustainable viticulture and indigenous grape varieties of Alto Adige, and about the reception of women working in the wine business.

In this episode Chiara De Iulis Pepe of the Emidio Pepe wineries tells Monty Waldin about the benefits of growing grapes using pergola supports — a technique her estate has always successfully employed since the beginning. Chiara fondly describes how grape stomping at Emidio Pepe is also a tradition which brings the family together. Hear more about Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and the story of Chiara’s grandfather Emidio in this conversation with Monty.

Fashion entrepreneur Renzo Rosso, generally known for being the “denim genius” who founded Diesel Jeans and a number of global fashion and lifestyle brands, is also a passionate wine producer. His Diesel Farm features over 100 hectares on the Marostica hills and grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Nero. In the interview Rosso speaks about his humble beginnings, growing up on a farm and helping his father with the land and the animals. Join us for another Cin Cin with Italian Wine People!

In this podcast Alessio Planeta of the Planeta Wineries talks to Monty Waldin about the history of his family wineries, five estates in beautiful spots around Sicily. Alessio tells Monty about his love for Sicily which he deems “the heart of the Mediterranean” not only for its wines but also for its food. He also tells Monty that “one of the greatest pleasures of life is to drink wine while you cook.” Join Monty Waldin on Italian Wine Podcast and stay tuned more “cin cin” with Italian Wine People, forthcoming after Vinitaly 2017.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Virginie Saverys of the Avignonesi Winery in Montepulciano, Tuscany, one of the producers who revolutionized biodynamic wine. Virginie talks about her commitment to work towards a copper-free and sulfur-free vineyard. She tells Monty that she loves cooking spicy food with the chilis she grows in her vegetable garden. Join Monty Waldin and his guests for another festive “cin cin” with Italian Wine People!

In this podcast Emilia Nardi from the Brunello di Montalcino family estate called Tenute Silvio Nardi talks to Monty Waldin about the challenges women face in the wine business. As she explains in the interview, her experience has been rewarding and one where she received help and solidarity from other women. Emilia speaks of the rhythms of wine-making and the need for patience and respect in order to understand what nature offers. She considers herself “a country woman,” who loves cooking and sharing her cooking with friends. Tune in to Italian Wine Podcast with Monty Waldin to discover the uniqueness of the Italian wine-making traditio

In this podcast, Monty Waldin interviews Lamberto Frescobaldi, whose family wine-making tradition in the Frescobaldi Wineries dates back to the fourteenth century. “All Number one wines in the world are able to capture the spirit of the soil, of the place, of the people and put them in a glass” explains Lamberto. He talks to Monty about his childhood growing up in the Nipozzano estate in contact with nature and about his recent project of setting up a vineyard on the prison island of Gorgona. On the island, prisoners work with enologists and agronomists of the Frescobaldi estates to produce wine and to learn new skills, with the aim of facilitating their reintegration into society at the end of their detention. Tune in to Italian Wine Podcast with Monty Waldin to meet the Italian Wine People!

In this episode, Giuseppe Mazzocolin from the Fèlsina Berardenga Winery in Chianti Classico tells Monty Waldin that he started to learn about wine “in the family of our farmers, in the osteria, in the trattoria, when wine was something in-between, a connection.” Giuseppe tells Monty that wine-making is also an important expression of man’s deep connection with the natural world. “When I see Siena from our vineyard it is a great way to understand that we are connected with the natural world.” Giuseppe talks about his former career as a literature teacher and how his career path changed when he fell in love with his wife Gloria Poggiali and with Sangiovese. Tune in to Italian Wine Podcast for a “cin cin” with Italian Wine People.

In this podcast, Monty Waldin meets Meri Tessari of the Suavia Winery in Soave. Meri tells Monty that she works in the family winery with her two sisters. Her winery works with locally-grown grapes such as Garganega and Trebbiano di soave and their aim is to transmit the unique identity of the Soave Classico territory. Italian Wine Podcast hosted by wine writer Monty Waldin explores family histories, wine-making traditions, and personal stories of renowned producers of Italian wine.

In this episode, Francesco Zonin of the Zonin Family Winery talks to Monty Waldin about the challenge to communicate the uniqueness of Italian wine, since Italy has a huge grape biodiversity. Francesco also talks about the Italian wine culture and how wine is synonymous with community: in Italy people “live wine” with family and friends. Italian Wine Podcast, hosted by wine writer Monty Waldin, explores family histories, wine-making traditions, and personal stories of renowned producers of Italian wine.

In this episode of Italian Wine Podcast, Maria Sabrina Tedeschi from Cantine Tedeschi in Valpolicella tells Monty Waldin about her commitment to protect what the past generations did for Valpolicella and her willingness to improve both the quality and the image of the land. She also tells Monty about her love for Burgundy wines and the Burgundy region where she spent 6 months in an Erasmus exchange. According to Maria Sabrina, Burgundy wines share a similar elegance to Valpolicella wines. Join Monty Waldin on Italian Wine Podcast for exciting conversations about Italian wine.

In this episode, Chiara Lungarotti from the Giorgio Lungarotti Winery in Torgiano tells Monty about the beautiful Umbrian landscape, and the way its climate brings about the unique flavors of their wine, Rubesco, a blend of Sangiovese (90%) and Colorino (10%). She also talks about their world-renowned wine museum ‘MUVIT’ whose collections explore the links between wine and the Mediterranean civilizations. Tune in to Italian Wine Podcast with Monty Waldin to discover the uniqueness of the Italian wine making tradition!

“Sicily is a place with a very deep culture, very deep roots that we can match all together and make a fantastic place for visitors from all over the world,” tells Giuseppe Tasca d’Almerita in this fourth episode of Italian Wine Podcast. Monty Waldin chats to Giuseppe Tasca d’Almerita about his love for Sicily and for aged white wines, and about his admiration for the young generations working in agriculture and viticulture. Join us for a cin cin with another key protagonists of the Italian wine-making tradition.