Italian Wine Podcast Episode 285: Monty Waldin and Veronica Ruggeri of Le Colture have a nice fireside chat, making all of us jealous. (06:30) Veronica just so happens to have a Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze in the fridge. She explains why Cartizze is special and predates the other names we assign to wines of the territory. Supported by: Smart working!

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 283: Gill Gordon Smith and Rebecca Hopkins. New segment: #iobevoacasa - LOCKDOWN SERIES. Monty Waldin hands the keys to Gill and Rebecca for an update from Australia. (02:20) Though locked in her home, Rebecca has all of her Australian food groups covered including twisties (whatever they are?!) and Gill plans to send some Italian wine! Supported by: Vinitaly International Academy.

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 282: Monty Waldin and Axel Heinz of Ornellaia e Masseto Società Agricola discuss coastal winemaking, special vintages, and climate. (06:30) Axel shares the meaning behind the name "Ornellaia." Supported by: Smart working!

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 281: Monty Waldin and Alessandra Stelzer of Maso Martis discuss zero dosage Trento DOC via videoconference. Alessandra is a great sport and amazingly patient with the new technology. (09:00) "Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza" Tiziana Forni of Dark Star Imports asks the professor about "natural" wines and Stevie Kim has to talk him down. Musical guest: Frank. Supported by: Smart working!

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 280: Happy 3rd birthday, Italian Wine Podcast! In this special episode, Monty is interviewed by none other than his son Arthur.

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 280: Happy 3rd birthday, Italian Wine Podcast! In this special episode, Monty is interviewed by none other than his son Arthur.

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 279: Monty Waldin and Jonas H Röjerman MW discuss quality control at Systembolaget and Italian wine in Sweden. (16:50) "Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza" super serious Valpo blend question from Franco Zhang of Changsha Vinopera Wine Trading Co. Musical guest: Rareș. Check him out at www.rockit.it/rares and on every music platform out there! Instagram: raresmusica Supported by: Vinitaly International Academy.

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 278: Monty Waldin and Professor Attilio Scienza discuss Cannonau, its importance to the Mediterranean, and its place in viticulture as our climate changes. (09:35)Monty does a good job of hiding his annoyance that a neighbor has just started running a tile saw in the background. This is the original version of Episode 278 recorded in Italian. Transcript available at www.italianwinepodcast.com. Supported by Native Grape Odyssey: Europe. Quality. Wine. www.nativegrapeodyssey.com

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 278: Monty Waldin and Professor Attilio Scienza discuss Cannonau, its importance to the Mediterranean, and its place in viticulture as our climate changes. (07:54) Monty does a good job of hiding his annoyance that a neighbor has just started running a tile saw in the background. This is the English language version of Episode 278 with Rebecca Lawrence as the voice of Professor Scienza. Transcript available at www.italianwinepodcast.com. Supported by Native Grape Odyssey: Europe. Quality. Wine. www.nativegrapeodyssey.com

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 277: Monty Waldin and Matilde Poggi discuss the estate Le Fraghe, the Italian Federation of Independent Wine Growers (FIVI), and more. (23:30) "Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza" phone call with Susannah Gold, DWS, FWS of Vigneto Communications in New York. Musical guests: Min, Erik, Khắc Hưng, and the Vietnam Ministry of Health. Supported by: Vinitaly International Academy.

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 276: Monty Waldin and Simon Woolf discuss natural wine, "My January," writing, and more. (21:00) Monty tries to figure out how to replicate the success of Simon's book "Amber Revolution!" Supported by: Vinitaly International Academy.

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 275: Monty Waldin and Hannah Luxenberg of Tactic discuss virtual/augmented reality. New segment: "Everybody Needs a bit of Scienza" (24:30). Question provided by Gill Gordon-Smith of www.fallfromgracewine.com. Musical guest: i Rudi - Italian mod band. (Thank you!) Check them out at www.irudiband.com. Supported by: Vinitaly International Academy.

Monty Waldin meets Polly Hammond, founder of 5forests, a leading communication and marketing agency for wineries. Polly talks about how she got into wine, her experience as an expat in New Zealand, and best practice strategies she teaches to wineries regarding communication, marketing, and digital presence. Polly tells Monty about the ins and outs of her work with wineries and her brand workshops with a “Socratic” approach that ultimately leads wineries to communicate and position their brands more effectively.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Portuguese food, wine, and travel entrepreneur André Ribeirinho. André is the CEO and co-founder of Adegga and has piloted innovative digital projects about wine such as Wine Spots, an App that designs wine tours drawing on the input of local wine lovers with first-hand knowledge of wineries and regions. André also discusses the Portuguese market for Italian wine and his love for Italy and Sicilian wines in particular.

Professor Attilio Scienza returns to the Italian Wine Podcast to share knowledge of Mavisias in a discussion with Monty Waldin that will surely interest scholars of Italian grape varieties. In part 2 the Professor shares the story of a real-life mystery surrounding Leonardo da Vinci’s ancient vineyard in Milan as well as a fictitious crime story involving the Professor himself as told by Giovanni Negri in his novel, Il Vigneto da Vinci (rest assured: spoilers have been removed). As always, discussions with Professor Scienza are recorded first in Italian then re-recorded in English with Rebecca Lawrence playing the English language voice of Attilio Scienza. Both Italian and English transcripts are made available to assist studious listeners. This is the English Language version of IWP Episode 272.

Professor Attilio Scienza returns to the Italian Wine Podcast to share knowledge of Malvasias in a discussion with Monty Waldin that will surely interest scholars of Italian grape varieties. In part 1 the Professor gets into the various types of Malvasia and tries to clear up uncertainties surrounding the grape’s many names. Monty and Professor Scienza attempt to place the proliferation of the variety within a historical context and set out to explore its relationships with other varieties. As always, discussions with Professor Scienza are recorded first in Italian then re-recorded in English with Rebecca Lawrence playing the English language voice of Attilio Scienza. Both Italian and English transcripts are made available to assist studious listeners. This is the English language recording of IWP Episode 271.

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Cristina Ziliani, daughter of Franciacorta creator and co-owner of Guido Berlucchi - Franco Ziliani. Cristina talks about his father’s dream in 1961 of making a great Italian traditonal method sparkling wine and illustrates the characteristics of the Franciacorta terroir and microclimate near Lake Iseo in Lombardy. Cristina tells Monty about the company’s goal to make their vineyards organic in full (at present 2/3 of their vineyards are organic) and their work with precision farming technologies. She also presents various Franciacorta styles—rosé, Satèn, and zero dosage—and a typical dish from the area, Manzo all’olio, paired with Franciacorta rosé. Tune in to learn more about Guido Berlucchi’s new project with the Erbamat grape variety and don’t miss out on Monty’s attempts to uncover the secret location of the only 2 remaining bottles of Berlucchi’s very first vintage in 1961!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews wine journalist Julia Coney to explore issues of race and language in wine communication in the US. Julia, whose work has been featured in Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, Plate Magazine and others, tells Monty how she got into wine writing after a career as a paralegal and blogging about beauty. Julia discusses her advocacy work that challenges limited assumptions about wine consumers and ethnicity in the United States and encourages further awareness of diversity among American consumers. Tune in to learn how to avoid stereotyping in wine advertising and how to communicate in a more mindful and inclusive way to consumers in the U.S.

Maureen Downey, founding member of Chai Consulting (chai pronounced chez), walks Monty Waldin—and listeners of the Italian Wine Podcast—through her decision to start representing the interests of fine wine consumers and collectors who occasionally find themselves on the receiving end of deals gone bad. Maureen, having amassed loads of knowledge, skill, and industry experience, began to notice trends in fraudulent bottles appearing in collections and changing hands at auctions. She has called out famous wine sellers, collectors, and auctioneers, and has bravely backed up her claims against criminal organizations with facts and evidence. She’s even been tapped by the FBI and Department of Justice in the United States to assist in special cases requiring the highest authority on rare wines and wine scams. Tune in to find out how technology, observation, and logic combine to shine a light on fraudulent wines, and how Maureen and her crew seek answers to uncomfortable questions that media, industry professionals, and consumers often prefer to not ask.

In this episode Monty Waldin meets volcanic TV personality Joe Fattorini, co-host of TV show, The Wine Show (now broadcasting in 100 countries and on Prime). Joe is also a wine merchant and wine writer. In the interview Joe tells Monty about his beginnings in the wine business and relates a number of funny anecdotes in his broadcasting career. Tune in to learn more also about the UK wine market for Italy and his future plans for a new series of The Wine Show set in Italy!

Esteemed guest Lamberto Frescobaldi returns to the Italian Wine Podcast to further discuss Frescobaldi wines and associated social projects. Since 2012 Lamberto has been involved with a small vineyard on Gorgona Island, home to a prison, just off the coast of Tuscany. Here, select residents practice the cultivation of wine grapes, learn work ethic and skills, and earn money to ease their transition back into society. According to Lamberto, those that find success in the program develop a sense of self-worth and do not commit new offenses once free. Host Monty Waldin tries to imagine how one could commit a crime in a moment of blindness and live with the consequences for years afterward. Listen in to find out why Frescobaldi doesn’t seek reviews from wine critics and why the social side of the company isn’t a simple publicity stunt but an earnest investment in community and high-quality wine. We even manage to touch on grape varieties, wine composition, and organoleptic qualities.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews India’s first Master of Wine, Sonal Holland MW. Sonal, who is a wine educator, entrepreneur, and consultant, tells Monty how she got into the wine business after a career in the corporate world and how she got inspired to do so from Jancis Robinson. Sonal and Monty discuss the demographics of the Indian wine market and some of the changes that took place with regards to Indians’ wine drinking habits. She presents some interesting insights from the India Wine Insider market research, a survey she conducted on population segments of wine consumers such as “affluent drinkers”, “millennials” and “women”. Sonal also chats about her recent experience in the wine retail business with Vine2Wine, a chain of luxury wine stores in five big Indian cities. Tune in also for some advice about the way Italian wine producers should leverage India’s growing interest for wines.

English language translation of episode 264 (originally recorded in Italian). Italian Wine Podcast favorite (and Vinitaly International Academy Chief Scientist) Attilio Scienza returns to go another round with Monty Waldin. This time the two discuss Vermentino—its origins, etymology, preferred climate, soil, and importance in Italian viticulture and oenology. Monty grills Professor Scienza in near perfect Italian with an ever-so-slight Tuscan lilt. The professor is up for the challenge and offers insight into this grape variety that will surely interest wine scholars such as VIA candidates. As in previous iterations we offer both the original, Italian version as well as the English language recording, read by future voice of the BBC and WSET Programme Provider, Rebecca Lawrence. Though we’ll dig deep and may mention terms such as “flysch,” attentive listeners will also catch food pairing suggestions. Please find a full English transcript of this interview at the show's official website, www.italianwinepodcast.com.

Original educational podcast recorded in Italian language. Italian Wine Podcast favorite (and Vinitaly International Academy Chief Scientist) Attilio Scienza returns to go another round with Monty Waldin. This time the two discuss Vermentino—its origins, etymology, preferred climate, soil, and importance in Italian viticulture and oenology. Monty grills Professor Scienza in near perfect Italian with an ever-so-slight Tuscan lilt. The professor is up for the challenge and offers insight into this grape variety that will surely interest wine scholars such as VIA candidates. As in previous iterations we offer both the original, Italian version as well as the English language recording, read by future voice of the BBC and WSET Programme Provider, Rebecca Lawrence. Though we’ll dig deep and may mention terms such as “flysch,” attentive listeners will also catch food pairing suggestions. Please find a full Italian transcript of this interview at the show's official website, www.italianwinepodcast.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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