Ep. 685 Vincenzo Ippolito | Wine, Food & Travel With Marc Millon

***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!***

1 Apr 201916min

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!

26 Mar 201914min

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.

25 Mar 20198min

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!

19 Mar 201914min

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!).

18 Mar 201916min

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!

14 Mar 20198min

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!

12 Mar 201916min

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!

10 Mar 20192min