Ep. 2826 Italianity for Me Is: Cherishing the Diversity of the Bel Paese with John Szabo MS | Italianity Series with Jessica Dupuy

Welcome to episode 2826 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 3 of the Italianity series with Jessica Dupuy. In this episode, Jessica is in conversation with Master Sommelier, author and critic John Szabo MS, to explore why diversity is the heart of Italian wine. John looks back on how he got into wine 25 years ago, from starting (and eventually closing) a wine import business in Canada to becoming a wine writer after earning his Master Sommelier title. He explains how his background in linguistics has made him a better writer, since people connect more when they are interviewed in their mother tongue. The conversation then turns to what makes Italy unique, especially compared with France. More about the guest: John Szabo, MS, is a Toronto-based Master Sommelier, author and wine critic. In 2004 he became the first Canadian to earn the Master Sommelier title, and he also holds the WSET Diploma with honours. He is a partner and principal critic at WineAlign.com, Canada’s largest wine publication, and co-host of the podcast Wine Thieves. John is the author of Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power, winner of the André Simon Award, and co-founder of Volcanic Wines International. He has also built wine programs for restaurants and hotel groups across Canada, and has travelled to virtually every wine-producing country in a career spanning more than 25 years. Connect: Website: https://www.johnszabo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnszaboms/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-szabo-ms-76a2105 More about the host: Jessica Dupuy covers wine, spirits, and travel from Austin, Texas. She holds a Diploma with the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust, is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and a Certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits through the Society of Wine Educators. Dupuy’s work has appeared in Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, Imbibe, Texas Monthly, Forbes, SevenFifty Daily, GuildSomm, VinePair, and Southern Living. She recently published The Wines of Southwest USA in addition to six regional cookbooks. Her book Italianity, released this year and co-authored with Andrea Lonardi MW, explores and celebrates the culture of Italian wine. She also co-hosts the podcast Another Bottle Down. Connect: Website: https://www.jessicadupuy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-norman-dupuy-86486a4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicandupuy/ More interviews on Italianity Series: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/episodes_category/italianity-series-with-jessica-dupuy/ _______________________________ 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!