Ep. 445 Thomas Curtius MW

Welcome to episode 2544 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 220 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today, Marc speaks with Marco Nardi, sommelier at Caractère, the Michelin-starred London restaurant led by Chef Emily Roux. They discuss what it’s like to work in a Michelin-starred environment, how Caractère builds a uniquely personalized guest experience, and why its “wine list” is actually a storytelling book that diners love to explore. Marco also explains the four curated wine experiences he offers, and how his approach focuses on truly understanding what each guest wants. More about today’s guest: Marco Nardi is from the northern region of Lombardy. He started his journey in hospitality at catering college (Scuola Professionale Provinciale Alberghiera "C. Ritz"), in Merano while working in local restaurants during the weekend and school holidays. A certified AIS (Associazione Italiana Sommelier) sommelier, in 2014 he joined the sommelier team at Chewton Glen Hotel in Hampshire, where he was mentored by Francesco Gabriele. He subsequently worked as General Manager at the Michelin star restaurant l' Ortolan. He is currently Wine Buyer & Head Sommelier at Caractère, an independent fine dining restaurant situated in the heart of Notting Hill in London. Connect: Website: https://www.caractererestaurant.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-nardi-6a5a60108  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcobiowine/  More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel, boasting nearly 40 years of experience. Born in Mexico to a diverse family—his mother hailing from Hawaii via Korea and his father, an anthropologist, from New York via Paris—Marc was introduced to a rich tapestry of flavors from an early age. Since 2021, he has been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the taste of history” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (this book won the Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025.Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 other acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking illustrated series The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (winner of the Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. His other notable works include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, and Wine: A Global History.In addition to his writing, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website:  https://www.quaypress.uk   https://www.marcmillon.co.uk  https://www.vino.co.uk    https://www.quaypress.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon  _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!   Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

2 Joulu 32min

Welcome to Episode 2543 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews Tim Marson MW of wine.com, the leading online wine retailer in the United States, to unpack how the platform operates and take a closer look at its Italian wine category - what’s trending in price and style, and what drives their wine-selection decisions. Key Takeaways: Why does wine.com lean into or out of certain Italian wine categories? How does wine.com evaluate producer readiness for the US market? What formats and price tiers outperform in the Italian wine category. More about the guest:  Tim Marson MW is a Master of Wine and Category Director at Wine.com, responsible for purchasing over 7,000 wines from France and Italy. He graduated in Classics from Oxford University and entered the wine industry in 1997. After completing his WSET examinations with honors in 2000, he worked in various roles across the UK wine retail sector before moving to Napa, California in 2011. Tim is a highly respected wine judge and speaker, regularly participating in major international wine competitions and panels. He is one of only 416 Masters of Wine globally. Connect:   Website: https://www.wine.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmarsonmw/  More about the host: Juliana Colangelo is a leading communications and marketing professional for the beverage alcohol industry. Currently, Juliana is a Senior Brand Manager at Frederick Wildman, where she is focused on building their Italian wine portfolio. Prior to that, she led the California Division as a Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S. for over 10 years.  During her tenure at C&P, Juliana led the development of the California office, growing the agency’s domestic presence to a dedicated office of 15 people with representation of leading wine companies such as Jackson Family Wines, Far Niente, Charles Krug Winery, Foley Family Wines and more. Juliana has completed her WSET Level 3 and her eMBA in Wine Business with Sonoma State University. In 2021, Juliana was named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR in the “Rising Stars” category. In 2022, Juliana became a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julezcolang/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/ Twitter: https://x.com/JulezColang LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colangelo-mba-04345539/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

1 Joulu 27min

Welcome to Episode 2542 of the Italian Wine Podcast and a special edition of Voices to celebrate the 4th anniversary of this much loved show. In this episode, Cynthia Chaplin looks back on how Voices has evolved into a platform celebrating under-represented perspectives in wine. She reflects on the show’s mission, from amplifying women and people of color to spotlighting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ professionals, educators expanding access, sustainability leaders, career changers, and winemakers working in challenging contexts. To celebrate the milestone, Cynthia shares hand-picked outtakes from some of her most meaningful conversations, highlighting lessons on diversity, allyship, communication, and the future of an inclusive wine industry. More about our host:  VIA certified Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier with FIS, Cynthia Chaplin is a professor of Italian Wine and Culture, with 20 years experience in the wine industry. Cynthia is a certified wine educator, author, international judge, and content creator. She designs and presents events for embassies, corporate and private clients, develops Italian wine collections for restaurants and private clients and works with Italian wineries to train their sales and export staff. Hosting Voices has increased her commitment to DEI in the wine sector, interviewing emerging and established wine professionals and discussing topics such as inclusivity, equity, language, sustainability and challenges facing under-represented groups and cultures as they move into careers in wine. As a certified WSET Educator, Cynthia is passionate about developing wine education for a future that will have a place at the table for anyone interested in wine. Connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Italian-Wines-in-English/100036868372598/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiss_my_glassx/?hl=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia- _______________________________  Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!

30 Marras 1h 2min

Welcome to episode 2541 of the Italian Wine Podcast from wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2025, ITA masterclass "VINI RARI – Beyond the Ordinary". Speaker: Marco Sabellico Chicago was host to one of the most anticipated highlights of Vinitaly.USA 2025: the VINI RARI masterclass by Gambero Rosso, held with the patronage of ITA – Italian Trade Agency. Leading the experience was Marco Sabellico, Senior Editor of Vini d’Italia, who guided participants through 10 extraordinary wines, some produced in fewer than 500 bottles per year. VINI RARI masterclass was a sensory journey through tiny vineyards, rediscovered grape varieties, bold winemaking choices, and long patient aging. A unique opportunity to explore the most intimate, artisanal, and innovative side of Italian wine, in the heart of one of the most dynamic and receptive cities for Italian wine in the U.S. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum and is pleased to present this series of conversations from Vinitaly.USA in Chicago. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually since 2014. This year the Forum was held alongside Vinitaly.USA in Chicago, taking it outside of Verona for the first time. About ITA – the Italian Trade Agency: ITA – the Italian Trade Agency is the Governmental agency that supports the business development of our companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy.  With a motivated and modern organization and a widespread network of overseas offices, ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian small and medium-sized businesses. Using the most modern multi-channel promotion and communication tools, it acts to assert the excellence of Made in Italy in the world. Connect: https://www.ice.it/en/   _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!

29 Marras 37min

Welcome to Episode 2540 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor Attilio Scienza takes questions from the international wine community and answers them in his own inimitable way!  These episodes are generally in Italian. Today’s question comes from Beatrice Motterle (Part 2). Today’s question(s):  🇬🇧 Younger generations seem more attracted to pop narratives than to technical jargon. How can we teach wine without diluting its scientific and cultural complexity? 🇮🇹 Le giovani generazioni sembrano più attratte da narrazioni pop che da linguaggi tecnici. Come possiamo insegnare il vino senza annacquare la sua complessità scientifica e culturale? More about Professor Scienza: Professor Attilio Scienza is the one who checks all the facts and regulates when we mistakenly type “Verdicchio” instead of “Vermentino.” He is a full professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences where he teaches courses on genetic improvements to the vine; he also teaches Viticulture in the Master’s program of the University of Turin in Asti.  He has been the lead for many national research projects in the field of physiology, agricultural techniques, and vine genetics. As the author of over 350 publications on vine and viticulture in national and international journals, you can bet he knows his stuff! To find out more about Attilio Scienza visit: https://www.vinitaly.com/formazione/vinitaly-international-academy/attilio-scienza/    If you want to learn more about Stevie Kim, the Scienza wrangler: Stevie Kim is an Italian Wine Marketing & Communication Expert, Brand Positioning Specialist, and Public Speaker based in Verona, Italy. As Managing Partner at Vinitaly, she leads key initiatives, including OperaWine, Vinitaly International Academy, wine2wine Business Forum, and 5StarWines. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. The Italian Wine Podcast is part of Mamma Jumbo Shrimp, a brand Stevie launched in 2020 to make wine more accessible through books, maps, videos, and the Italian Wine Travel with Stevie YouTube series. Stevie often joins Professor Scienza in his shows to lend a hand keeping our Professor in check! You can also find her taking a hit for the team when she goes “On the Road”, all over the Italian countryside, visiting wineries and interviewing producers, enjoying their best food and wine – all in the name of bringing us great Pods! Connect:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steviekim222/ Website: https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/operawine/stevie-kim/  _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!   Share your love for our lovely Professor if you are a true Italian Wine Geek 🙂

28 Marras 13min

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2539 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Michele Longari IWA interviews Riccardo Binda, Director of Consorzio Vini Oltrepò Pavese, to explore his experience with the Bolgheri and Oltrepò Pavese consortia, and how Oltrepò can strengthen its positioning and strategy in today’s wine market. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Key Learning Objectives: Understand how Italian wine consortia shape regional identity, quality, and long-term strategy. Explore the challenges and opportunities of positioning Oltrepò Pavese on the global wine stage. Learn practical lessons in leadership, data-driven quality, and sustainability in regional wine development. More about today’s host:   Ten years ago, Michele Longari was working as a Computer Engineer in Emilia Romagna, but his passion for food and wine soon led him down a different path. What began as a casual interest inspired him to enroll in the Italian Sommelier Association’s professional course, and although he hadn’t planned to take the exams, he went on to earn his AIS Sommelier Diploma in 2013. That same year, Michele moved to the UK to pursue an MSc in Wine Business Management at the Royal Agricultural University. While completing his dissertation, he joined Hay Wines, an independent British wine merchant. Eight years later, he is now the company’s Purchasing Director, overseeing buying strategy and import management. Connect: Website: https://haywines.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheletlongari/  More about today’s guest:   Born in 1986 in Oltrepò Pavese, Riccardo Binda graduated in Gastronomic Sciences from the University of Pollenzo, later completing a master’s in gastronomic heritage management and further wine studies at San Michele all'Adige. He began his career in Bolgheri in 2013 at Tenuta Argentiera and, just a year later, became Director of the Consorzio Bolgheri DOC Wines at age 28. During his decade-long leadership, Bolgheri grew from 36 to 74 member wineries, achieved 99% production representation, created the Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, renewed the Bolgheri Bianco DOC, and became Italy’s highest-value appellation with €150M in annual turnover. In 2020, four Bolgheri wines ranked in the Liv-ex Power 100 top ten. In 2024, Riccardo returned to Oltrepò Pavese to lead its consortium, bringing his experience to support the region’s quality focus and premiumization. Connect Website: https://www.consorziovinioltrepo.it/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riccardobinda86  _______________________________  Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!    Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!

27 Marras 48min

Welcome to episode 2538 of Italian Wine Podcast. In this Bonus Episode Stevie sits down with Mattia Manferrari of Borgo del Tiglio, the Friulian winery recently devastated by a massive landslide. Mattia recounts what happened on that tragic night and shares the current state of the winery as they face the aftermath of destruction. It’s a heartfelt conversation about resilience, community support, and the first steps toward rebuilding. Stay tuned to learn how you can help Borgo del Tiglio on their path to recovery. More about the winery:  Borgo del Tiglio is a renowned winery located in the rolling hills of the Collio region in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Founded in 1981 by Nicola Manferrari, the estate is known for its meticulous terroir-driven approach. Spread across three estates, Borgo del Tiglio focuses on careful low impact vinification with a prevalence of white wine production, to enhance the organoleptic characteristics linked to the terroir of the different grapes and vineyards. Connect: Website: https://www.borgodeltiglio.it Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borgodeltiglio/  Linkedin: https://it.linkedin.com/company/borgo-del-tiglio  _______________________________  Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!

26 Marras 34min

Welcome to episode 2537 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 219 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc is in conversation with Heydi Bonanini of Possa Winery in the Cinque Terre, exploring the region’s ancient myths, its harsh past, and the loss of vineyards after people left for work in the 1960s. Once home to 24 native grape varieties, the area risked losing much of its biodiversity, yet Heydi, who began this work at just 17, has already restored 19 of them and continues bringing the heritage of the Cinque Terre back to life. More about today’s guest: Samuele Heydi Bonanini is a wine producer from the municipality of Riomaggiore, in the province of La Spezia, in the Liguria region, the heroic territory more commonly known as Cinque Terre. Possa winery is famous for heroic viticulture in the Cinque Terre region, which involves cultivating vineyards on steep, terraced hillsides. It is particularly renowned for preserving and producing local wines, especially the sweet Sciacchetrà dessert wine, and for its commitment to traditional, natural, and organic winemaking methods. The winery is also known for recovering ancient and nearly extinct grape varieties, using local woods like acacia and cherry for aging, and other artisanal products.  Connect: Website: https://possa.it/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/possaitara  More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel, boasting nearly 40 years of experience. Born in Mexico to a diverse family—his mother hailing from Hawaii via Korea and his father, an anthropologist, from New York via Paris—Marc was introduced to a rich tapestry of flavors from an early age. Since 2021, he has been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the taste of history” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (this book won the Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025.Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 other acclaimed books, including the groundbreaking illustrated series The Wine Roads of Europe, The Wine Roads of France, The Wine Roads of Italy (winner of the Premio Barbi Colombini), and The Wine Roads of Spain. His other notable works include The Wine and Food of Europe, The Food Lovers’ Companion Italy, The Food Lovers’ Companion France, and Wine: A Global History.In addition to his writing, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website:  https://www.quaypress.uk   https://www.marcmillon.co.uk  https://www.vino.co.uk    https://www.quaypress.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon  _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast    If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!   Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!

25 Marras 43min