Ep. 812 Bernardino Sani | On The Road With Stevie Kim

Welcome to episode 812, the first in our new 7-part series with our fantastic partner, LUX Wines. We are proud to present this series of interviews, diving deep into the heritage and legacy of their excellent Italian producers, in the run up to the launch of the new brand identity for their importer, which will be shared on March 16 in an episode with Marilisa Allegrini. Tune in every Saturday from 5 March through 16 April as we take an intimate look at these highly esteemed, historic producers and their role as part of the Gallo family of luxury wines. This first episode is with Bernardino Sani of Argiano in Tuscany, where Stevie Kim travelled to meet him, visit the winery and taste the wines. More about Argiano Winery: Argiano represents five centuries of excellence in Montalcino. CEO and winemaker Bernardino Sani is rooted in this territory and he worked his first internship in the Argiano cellar, after receiving his viticulture and winemaking degree in 2002. Today his passion also encompasses the need for sustainable winemaking. With an unwavering respect for nature and tradition, Argiano produces highly acclaimed wines that speak eloquently of their terroir. With 120 hectares at over 300 meters above sea level, the nearby sea breezes gently cool the aptly named historic Villa Bell’Aria. In 1967 Argiano made history with the Brunello of Montalcino, playing a key role as a founding organization in the birth of the Consortium, and later created the famous Solegno, Montepulciano’s “Super Tuscan.” Argiano was the first company in Montalcino to become plastic-free, in 2019. All single-use plastics have been eliminated. The idea was inspired a desire to maintain the 4 Rs for the environment: Reduce, Recuperate, Recycle and Reuse. Under Sani’s care, Argiano practices organic and sustainable agriculture. Natural insecticides are banned and biodiversity is nurtured. In the cellar, Bernardino has eliminated the use of barriques for the aging of Sangiovese in an effort to more clearly represent the terroir of Argiano. All these decisions: organics, holistic viticultural adjustments, and changes to less invasive winemaking philosophy means that Argiano is currently making the best wines of their storied history. Sani says, “We believe that the vine should not be designed to our liking but should be studied, understood, interpreted, and respected; we believe that it shouldn’t be manipulated, but allowed to express itself, to define a place, a climate, a harvest. This is what Good Agriculture means to us. I have always loved the beauty of the countryside, the vineyards, the history, and the amazing wines produced here. For someone like me who is born in Tuscany, Argiano offers all the things we embrace.” To learn more about Argiano visit: www.argiano.net/en/ To learn more about Gallo and the rich heritage of the Luxury Portfolio, visit: www.luxwines.com/ More about the host Stevie Kim: Stevie hosts Clubhouse sessions each week (visit Italian Wine Club & Wine Business on Clubhouse), these recorded sessions are then released on the podcast to immortalize them! She often also 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! To find out more about Stevie Kim visit: Facebook: @steviekim222 Instagram: @steviekim222 Website: vinitalyinternational.com/wordpress/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodcast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!