November 12, 2019
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!
November 6, 2019
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 […]
November 5, 2019
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!
October 30, 2019
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.
October 29, 2019
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!
October 23, 2019
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!
October 22, 2019
In this podcast, Monty Waldin interviews Danilo Drocco, winemaker at the Nino Negri winery near Sondrio, in the Valtellina valley in Lombardy. Danilo tells Monty all about the Nebbiolo grape, which also goes by the local sobriquet of “Chiavennasca,” and the Valtellina terroir featuring vineyards planted on steep dry-walled terraces which date back to the Roman times (including their single vineyard Sasso Rosso) and winds such as La Breva blowing from Lake Como and contributing to drying the Chiavennasca grapes to make Sforzato. Danilo also talks about the winery which was founded in 1897 and also buys grapes from 200 local small wine growers, thus keeping the local economy alive. Danilo and Monty also discuss Nino Negri’s top wines, Valtellina Superiore and the Sfursat (or Sforzato di Valtellina), as well as the top markets for the winery. Tune in to learn more about local food matches, such as the pizzoccheri pasta and local cheese types Casera and Bitto!
October 16, 2019
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!
October 15, 2019
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.
October 9, 2019
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 […]
October 9, 2019
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 […]
October 8, 2019
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!
October 2, 2019
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 […]
October 1, 2019
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!
September 25, 2019
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!
September 24, 2019
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.
September 18, 2019
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!
September 17, 2019
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.
September 11, 2019
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.
September 10, 2019
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!
September 4, 2019
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 […]
September 3, 2019
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!
August 28, 2019
In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Madeline Puckette, designer, sommelier, and mastermind behind the groundbreaking Wine Folly, book and website that teach about wine through infographics and multimedia materials. Listen to Madeline’s personal forays into the wine world starting from a wine club membership and culminating with the launch of Wine Folly. Madeline, who is a graph tells Monty about her future projects which aims at communicating wine sourcing and exploiting big data about vineyards acreage, production figures and more. Tune for a lively conversation on digital wine communication, infographics, and big data with Wine Folly creator Madeline Puckette!
August 27, 2019
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!
