Ep. 1897 Alessandro Granata | Everybody Needs A Bit Of Scienza

Welcome to Episode 2451 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza, where Professor 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 Júlio César Kunz. Today’s question(s):  🇬🇧 Brazil's viticulture encompasses three distinct models: the traditional temperate vineyards of the south (e.g., Serra Gaúcha), the tropical systems in the northeast (e.g., São Francisco Valley), and the innovative winter harvests in the southeast (e.g., Minas Gerais). Each presents unique climatic challenges and opportunities. Considering your extensive research in ampelography and climate adaptation, what strategies would you recommend for Brazilian producers to optimize grape variety selection and vineyard management across these diverse environments? 🇮🇹 La viticoltura brasiliana si articola in tre modelli distinti: i vigneti tradizionali in clima temperato del sud (es. Serra Gaúcha), i sistemi tropicali nel nord-est (es. Valle di São Francisco) e le innovative vendemmie invernali nel sud-est (es. Minas Gerais). Ognuno di questi presenta sfide climatiche e opportunità uniche. Considerando le tue approfondite ricerche in ampelografia e adattamento climatico, quali strategie consiglieresti ai produttori brasiliani per ottimizzare la selezione delle varietà di uva e la gestione dei vigneti in questi ambienti così diversi?   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 & Wine Without Walls. A passionate Italian Wine Evangelist, she harnesses social media and education to promote Italian wine on a global scale. 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 :)

29 Aug 8min

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2450 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Roza Zharmukhambetova IWA interviews Hannes Pichler of Contrada Palui in Valpolicella. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Key Learning Objectives:   Discover the personal story and values that inspired Hannes to create Contrada Palui from scratch in the Valpolicella hills. Understand Contrada Palui’s terroir-driven, organic approach and how it shapes the character of their Valpolicella and Amarone wines. Gain insights into how the winery is evolving, and how it fits into the broader conversation about sustainability, identity, and innovation in Italian wine. More about our Co-host:  Roza Zharmukhambetova has a background in foreign languages and education. She discovered her passion for wine in Beijing, where she gained two years of experience in wine sales. Since returning to Kazakhstan, she has focused on studying Italian wine and exploring its regions. Roza holds certifications as an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA), Italian Wine Scholar (WSG), Langhe Wines Ambassador (BBA), and Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP). She is also a member of the Kazakhstan Sommelier Association. Since late last year, she has been a member of the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) team, contributing her passion for Italian wine. Connect: Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/roza.zharmukhambetova ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/le_vin_enrose/ LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozazharmukhambetova/⁠ More about today’s guest:   Hannes Pichler is the founder of Contrada Palui, a young, organically farmed winery in Valpolicella, near Verona. His love for grapes began as a child on his grandfather’s wine estate in St. Justina above Bolzano—though it often ended with a stomach ache from overindulgence. The estate was lost during his teenage years, but his passion for wine remained. After studies in London (LSE) and Oxford, followed by a career in London and Milan, Hannes returned to South Tyrol to work in renewable energies while also pursuing cellar management and sommelier training. When the chance came to establish vineyards in Valpolicella, he embraced it.  Contrada Palui started as a true greenfield project: meadows untouched by pesticides were transformed into vineyards, and an old hay barn became the cellar, now filled with barrels and amphorae. The estate’s high-altitude site (around 500 meters) is distinguished by its rare mix of white limestone, black basalt, and flint, lending a striking minerality to the wines. Contrada Palui focuses on native grapes, Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, crafted into intense, complex, and elegant wines through organic farming and thoughtful vinification. Connect:  Website: https://www.contradapalui.com/?lang=en  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contradapalui/  _______________________________  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!

28 Aug 41min

Welcome to episode 2449 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 206 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. Today Marc’s guest is Antonio Capaldo from Feudi di San Gregorio winery located in Irpinia in the Campania region.   More about today’s guest: Since 2009, Antonio Capaldo has been the Chairman and CEO of Feudi di San Gregorio, largest family-owned winery in Southern Italy. Before, Antonio was a Partner in Mckinsey (2004-2009) and an Associate in the Investment Banking Department at Lazard in Paris (1999-2003). In 2003-2004, Antonio completed a PhD program on finance and management (University of Rome & London School of Economics) Feudi di San Gregorio is a renowned Italian winery, founded in 1986, a flagship of the wine renaissance in Southern Italy's Campania region. The winery, located in Irpinia, is known for producing high-quality wines from indigenous varieties like Aglianico, Greco, and Fiano, and is notable for its modern, design-focused architecture, commitment to sustainability, and status as a cultural center for art and ideas. Feudi di San Gregorio also owns several wineries in different Italian regions (Sirch in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Campo alle Comete in Bolgheri and Basilisco in Basilicata) and operates several restaurants.  Connect: Website: https://www.feudi.it/en  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feudi_di_san_gregorio/?hl=it    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. Together with his talented photographer wife, Kim, Marc has authored 14 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 and France in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. Since 2021, he has also been the engaging host of the “Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon” series on the Italian Wine Podcast. 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!

26 Aug 35min

Welcome to Episode 2448 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Juliana Colangelo interviews wine educator and content creator Pilar Brito. You can access Pilar’s previous interview with McKenna Cassidy on the Italian Wine Podcast here:  https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2312-mckenna-cassidy-interviews-pilar-brito-next-generation/.  Key Takeaways: Building authentic online communities that foster real-life connections Understanding what the next generation seeks in wine experiences and events How Italian wineries can better resonate with younger audiences More about the guest:  Pilar Brito is a wine and social media personality who has quickly built a following of 140K followers across Instagram and YouTube. Pilar has a degree in law but decided to pivot to the wine industry, driven by her passion for wine and education. She is known for her accessible yet aspirational approach to wine education, wine collecting, and her wine and cooking videos. Her platform features a diverse range of content, including in-depth explorations of renowned wines such as Tignanello, Château d'Yquem, and Mas Doix 1902. Pilar’s approachable style and informative posts have made her a leading voice among wine influencers, and she continues to inspire her growing audience to explore and appreciate the world of wine. Connect:  Website: https://barpilarr.substack.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barpilarr/ 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!

25 Aug 26min

Welcome to Episode 2447 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this special TEXSOM 2025 episode, Stevie Kim sits down with Jessica Dupuy, host of this series. They discuss TEXSOM’s role as one of the leading conferences for beverage professionals in the US, along with Jessica’s unique perspective on the connections between wine, people, and place. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the second year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America. Join us at TEXSOM 2025 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry. This special TEXSOM series is made possible thanks to the support of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Uncork Texas Wines program, celebrating and promoting the vibrant culture of Texas wine. More about TEXSOM Conference: TEXSOM was founded in 2005 as the Texas Sommelier Conference to help promote professional wine service standards, outline paths for further beverage education and certification, and raise public awareness about professional standards and certifications for sommeliers. What began as an opportunity for Texas sommeliers to learn and train evolved into an international event for beverage professionals from all tiers of the industry to network and grow. In 2014, the TEXSOM spirit of camaraderie and community expanded from an annual conference and sommelier competition to include wine awards of international scope. In conjunction with the TEXSOM Awards, the TEXSOM Retreat continues the spirit of community building and learning while offering top beverage professionals a unique opportunity to enhance engagement with the TEXSOM Awards production team, winery, distillery, and importer entrants, and the submitted wines and spirits. Key buyers from across the United States participate in mentored blind tastings, educational seminars, and training. Retreat participants are mentored in communication and writing by an editor team of noted journalists and in knowledge and skills by a cadre of Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and other wine industry subject area specialists. Connect: Website: https://texsom.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texsom/  _______________________________ 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!

24 Aug 19min

Welcome to Episode 2446 of the Italian Wine Podcast in which Jessica Dupuy interviews Jonathan Ross MS of LEGEND Imports at TEXSOM 2025. The Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a Media Partner of TEXSOM for the second year in a row, supporting one of the most influential wine events in North America. Join us at TEXSOM 2025 as Texas-based wine journalist Jessica Dupuy interviews top writers, journalists, sommeliers, and wine professionals at this highly influential wine event. In this special series, Jessica will delve into the experiences and insights of key attendees, exploring career paths, challenges, and the latest trends in the wine industry. This special TEXSOM series is made possible thanks to the support of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Uncork Texas Wines program, celebrating and promoting the vibrant culture of Texas wine. On the Bookshelf: How to Drink Australian by Jonathan Ross and Jane Lopes More about today’s guest: Jonathan Ross has worked across all sectors of the wine and hospitality industries. A long career in the NY restaurant world capped off by a 5yr stint as Head Sommelier at Eleven Madison Park led to 3 years on the ground in Melbourne, Australia. Jonathan and his wife Jane Lopes, both having passed the master sommelier exam, published How to Drink Australian in 2023, operate their Australian wine imports business, LEGEND, from their home in Nashville, TN where Jonathan also serves as wine director for the 12/30 Club and its sister property in Phoenix, The Global Ambassador Hotel. Connect: Website: http://legendaustralia.com  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dj_gramenon/ https://www.instagram.com/auswinelegends/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-ross-ms-52bb0250/  More about today’s 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 forthcoming book, Italianity, with co-author Andrea Lonardi MW explores and celebrates the culture of Italian wine. (Release Spring 2026). She also co-hosts 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/#    _______________________________ 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!

23 Aug 39min

Welcome to Episode 2445 of the Italian Wine Podcast and Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza. This is a special episode with Professor Attilio Scienza and Stevie Kim, as they pay tribute to Ampelio Bucci, the founding visionary behind Villa Bucci and instrumental in elevating the Verdicchio grape to world-class status. This episode is in Italian.   More about Ampelio Bucci: Ampelio Bucci is widely regarded as the founding father of Verdicchio, the man who transformed it from a simple regional white wine into one of Italy’s most respected and age-worthy expressions. After a successful career in Milan’s fashion industry, he returned to his family estate in the Marche during the late 1970s and early 1980s with a vision to prove that Verdicchio could rival the world’s great wines. In 1983, he began bottling under the Villa Bucci name, working with old vines rooted in limestone soils and reviving traditional methods such as fermenting and aging in large, seasoned oak barrels. His patience, insistence on late bottling, and focus on native grapes set him apart in an era when most Verdicchio was produced for quick, easy drinking. Bucci’s work quickly changed the reputation of the grape. Critics such as Antonio Galloni dubbed him the “dean of Verdicchio,” and Decanter called him one of the finest and most famous producers of the variety. His wines demonstrated that Verdicchio could be structured, elegant, and capable of remarkable longevity, placing it alongside Italy’s most prestigious appellations. Villa Bucci became a benchmark estate, its Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva viewed as a reference point for the style. In 2024, Bucci passed the torch to the Veronesi family of the Oniverse Group, who acquired Villa Bucci while keeping him on as a consultant. Today, Ampelio Bucci is remembered not just as a producer, but as the visionary who gave Verdicchio international acclaim and a place at the table of the world’s great wines. _______________________________ 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!

22 Aug 10min

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2444 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Valentina Severinova IWA interviews Vittorio Garda of Sorpasso and Cantina della Serra Wineries in Piemonte. These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.  Key Learning Objectives:   Understand the terroir differences between the wines of Carema and Alto Piemonte. Explore the distinctions between Nebbiolo from Carema and Nebbiolo from Canavese. Learn about the styles and characteristics of white wines made from Erbaluce. More about our Co-host:  Valentina Severinova is an Italian wine ambassador based in Moscow, Russia.  Working as a sales manager of industrial packaging, 5 years ago Valentina decided to dive into wine. She has her own wine import startup project, wine tasting club and teaches Italian wine at sommelier school, works as a buyer for distributors and helps them with portfolios. She is also a wine journalist and blogger, promoting Italian wines on the Russian market. Connect: Website: https://t.me/drinkitaly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buonvino_da_valentina LinkedIn: https://ru.linkedin.com/in/valentina-severinova-4058297a Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1aMLnvV8yB/?mibextid=wwXIfr More about today’s guest:   Il Sorpasso is a small winery in Carema, a tiny appellation at the northwestern edge of Piemonte bordering Valle d’Aosta. Founded in 2012 by Vittorio Garda and Martina Ghirardo, the project began with the rental of their first vineyard. Vittorio’s passion for wine began at 16 and has shaped his entire life. With a degree in viticulture and enology and experience in several wineries, he launched Sorpasso in 2014. His vision is simple yet resolute: to continue crafting wines that honor the unique terroir of Carema, with no plans for anything else. Carema’s cultivable areas are scarce, carved directly from the mountains between 300 and 700 meters in altitude. The small terraces require all vineyard work to be done entirely by hand—tending the vines here is as much an adventure as it is a labor of love. Farming organically, Vittorio and Martina focus on native grapes such as Picotendro (a local variety of Nebbiolo), Neretto, and Ner d’Ala. Through dedication and perseverance, they’ve grown from a single plot to one hectare of vines—no small feat considering the entire Carema DOC covers just 13 hectares. Connect:  Website: https://www.sorpassocarema.it/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorpassocarema/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vittorioedoardogarda  _______________________________  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!

21 Aug 47min