Ep. 26 Monty Waldin interviews legendary wine expert Steven Spurrier | Italian Wine Personalities

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Martin Foradori Hofstätter, owner of the J. Hofstätter Winery in Tramin/Termeno, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Martin is the fourth generation of an iconic winery in an area which is the home of the Gewurtztraminer grape. Martin and Monty chat about the winery’s main markets outside of Italy: USA, Japan, Russia, and UK. Martin also discusses the Alto Adige terroir and factors which affect vine growing such as exposure (east/west facing), altitude, soils, and microclimates. He also talks about local grape varieties such as Gewurtztraminer, Lagrein, Schiava and traditional varieties such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. Tune in to learn more about a major producer of Trentino Alto-Adige as well as some local food pairings with wines from native grapes!

18 Juni 201919min

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Michele Faro, owner of the Pietradolce Winery in the Etna area of Sicily. Michele tells Monty about his family history and his land on the Etna vulcano that includes also some pre-fillossera vines. Michele talks about the local varieties that he grows (Nerello Mascalese and Carricante) and the characteristics of the Etna soil. He also presents his signature red and white wines and recommends also some of his favourite mouth-watering seafood pairings!

17 Juni 201910min

In this educational podcast recorded in Italian, Monty Waldin hosts Prof. Attilio Scienza again to talk about 4 grape varieties and related wines from Sicily. In the first part, Scienza discusses Nerello Mascalese (the variety which yields the famous Etna Rosso wines) and Frappato (grown in the areas of Noto and Vittoria)—both also part of the progeny of Sangiovese as discussed in episode 196). In the second part Scienza presents two ancient grape varieties cultivated on the islands around mainland Sicily: Zibibbo or Moscato d’Alessandria from Pantelleria, the iconic grape used to make Passito di Pantelleria and grown with the alberello training system; Malvasia di Lipari from the island of Lipari in the Eolian islands. Tune in also for a dive into the history of ancient Mediterranean viticulture and wine trade throughout the centuries in which Sicily played a huge part! [A transcript of this interview is available on www.italianwinepodcast.com. A recorded audio translation into English of this interview is available in the next episode. An English-language transcript can also be found on the Italian Wine Podcast official website]. --- 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!

10 Juni 201931min

[This is the English-language translation and dubbed version of episode 208, which has originally been recorded in Italian.] In this educational podcast, Monty Waldin hosts Prof. Attilio Scienza again to talk about 4 grape varieties and related wines from Sicily. In the first part, Scienza discusses Nerello Mascalese (the variety which yields the famous Etna Rosso wines) and Frappato (grown in the areas of Noto and Vittoria)—both also part of the progeny of Sangiovese as discussed in episode 196). In the second part Scienza presents two ancient grape varieties cultivated on the islands around mainland Sicily: Zibibbo or Moscato d’Alessandria from Pantelleria, the iconic grape used to make Passito di Pantelleria and grown with the alberello training system; Malvasia di Lipari from the island of Lipari in the Eolian islands. Tune in also for a dive into the history of ancient Mediterranean viticulture and wine trade throughout the centuries in which Sicily played a huge part! [A transcript of this interview in English is available on www.italianwinepodcast.com]. --- 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!

10 Juni 201925min

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Bernardino Sani, owner of the Argiano winery in Montalcino near Siena and renowned Brunello producer. Bernardino talks about Argiano’s new cellar and their investment in biodynamic and organic viticulture which brought new biodiversity in their vineyards, including beehives! Bernardino and Monty discuss the importance of the Italian market for Argiano and their international markets. Tune in to also learn more about delicious Tuscan food pairings with their Brunello! --- This episode has been brought to you by Lux Wines, Importer of fine wines from Italy (www.luxwines.com).

4 Juni 201913min

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Maurizio Zanella, owner of Ca’ del Bosco and famous producer of Franciacorta wines. Ca’ del Bosco was born in 1968 and is located between Lake Como and Lake Garda near Lake Iseo. Maurizio talks about how his adventure begin from a little “House in the Woods” (literally the meaning of Ca’ del Bosco) and the way he developed it to become a world-famous brand in the wine industry. Maurizio discusses the influence and mentorship of Veronelli in helping him achieve his vision. Monty and Maurizio also talk about Ca’ del Bosco’s distinctive vinification process which involves washing the grapes with water before drying them and vinifying them. Tune in to learn more about an iconic Italian wine denomination and one of Italy’s most famous bubbly wines!

3 Juni 201927min

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Barbara Widmer owner of the Brancaia Winery in Castellina in Chianti. Barbara is also the enologist of the winery which is owned by her family originally from Switzerland. Barbara tells Monty about her parents’ dream of setting up an estate in Chianti and the way she subsequently developed the winery starting from 1998, when Brancaia released their first vintage. Barbara talks about Brancaia’s Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva and recommends some food pairing. Tune in to also learn how Barbara works in the cellar and for an interesting discussion on wine styles! --- This episode has been brought to you by Lux Wines, Importer of fine wines from Italy (www.luxwines.com).

30 Maj 201913min

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Pietro Ratti owner of the Renato Ratti winery in La Morra, in the heart of the Barolo region. Monty and Pietro talk about the innovation in wine making and viticulture brought about by Pietro’s father Renato, who “introduced the concept of single vineyard.” Pietro also comments on the 50 year anniversary of their signature Barolo Marcenasco and illustrates the characteristics of two of the winery’s single vineyards: Conca and Rocche dell’Annunziata. Pietro also presents Renato Ratti’s Dolcetto and Barbera and discusses some traditional methods of viticulture in the Langhe hills. In this podcast you will also learn more about some of the effects of climate change on the area and recent market trends for Ratti’s wines. --- This episode has been brought to you by Lux Wines, Importer of fine wines from Italy (www.luxwines.com).

28 Maj 201922min