Ep. 2527 Unearthing Italy’s hidden gems: sourcing & positioning small-batch grower wines | wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews Giovanni Luigi Brumat, Brand Manager at Cantina Toblino in Madruzzo, near Trento. This wine coop was established in 1960 and features more than 600 growers to date. 10% of its vineyards are organic and local grape varieties such as Nosiola, Schiava, and Rebo are grown. Monty and Giovanni talk about award-winning Vin Santo made with Nosiola grapes and Rebo, a crossing between Teroldego and Merlot, which was developed by Rebo Rigotti in the enological institute San Michele all’Adige in the province of Trento. Giovanni suggests some interesting food pairings with Cantina Toblino wines and discusses wine tourism in the area. Tune in to learn more also about Cantina Toblino’s latest experiments in the vineyard with the traditional “pergola trentina” training system and in the cellar with amphoras.

16 Dec 201921min

In this episode Monty Waldin interview Angelo Minelli, Italian wine specialist at Wine-Searcher, one of the most influential wine search engines. Angelo, who is based in Auckland, New Zealand, tells Monty about his role at Wine-Searcher, how the search engine works, and the importance of the data gathered by the Wine-Searcher for producers. Angelo, whose family also owns a small winery in Franciacorta, tells Monty about his passion for Italian wines from native grapes and for New Zealand Pinot Noir!

10 Dec 201926min

In this podcast Monty Waldin interviews book author and vine genetics expert Serena Imazio who recently published a book with scientist Attilio Scienza on the lineage and genetic ties amongst Italian and European vines. The book entitled La Stirpe del Vino came out in 2018 in Italian and was a bestseller; in November 2019 the English translation with the title Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and Other Vine Stories followed. Serena tells Monty some of the fascinating stories that the book presents: the journey of Malvasia vines and wines across the Mediterranean, Leonardo Da Vinci’s vineyard in Milan, the genetics of the Lambrusco varieties, and the origin of the Sangiovese grape. Tune in to learn more about iconic Italian and European grapes with Serena Imazio, co-author of the newly published "Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and Other Vine Stories".

9 Dec 201913min

In this episode which is part of the Let’s Talk Wine Biz Series, Monty Waldin interviews Gérard Spatafora, E-Commerce strategist and Director of E-Studi’OZ.wine. Gerard tells Monty about his experience in e-commerce platforms for wines and discusses the state of the art of online sales for wine globally. He also talks about the importance of big data analysis for wineries and the potential of creating content for SVOD platforms. Tune in for the latest insights into wine e-commerce, big data, and digital content!

4 Dec 201917min

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Mauro Di Maggio who serves as the President of the Consorzio Primitivo di Manduria, in Apulia, the “heel” of Italy. Mauro who comes from a wine-growing family and is the Director of Cantine San Marzano talks about the Primitivo di Manduria appellation and the characteristics of the Manduria terroir. Mauro explains the origin of the name of the Primitivo grape and the geology of the Manduria region. Tune in to learn more about a typical lamb dish from the area paired with Primitivo and about their DOCG “Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale”!

2 Dec 201912min

In this episode recorded on site, Monty Waldin meets Lorenzo Fortini, winemaker at Poggio al Tesoro and Luca D’Attoma, Consultant Enologist. Lorenzo and Luca explain how winemakers and consultants work together during harvest and discuss the impact of climate change in the vineyards in Bolgheri as well as measures to prevent its damaging effects. This episode ends our Bolgheri series, which was recorded on the road at the end of September during harvest.

26 Nov 201914min

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Michele Scienza, whose family owns Guado al Melo, in the Bolgheri area in Tuscany. Michele explains Monty the viticultural methods at Guado al Melo: co-plantation or so-called field blends, whereby different grape varieties are planted together in the one vineyard. Michele goes into his winemaking techniques and presents his wines which bear legendary and antiquarian names: Criseo, Jassarte, Bacco in Toscana, Atis, and Rute! Tune in to learn more about the history of the Guado al Melo winery in Bolgheri, as well as their viticulture and winemaking that combine tradition, innovation, and sustainability!

20 Nov 201943min

In this episode recorded on site, Monty Waldin interviews Marco Ferrarese, winemaker and vineyard manager at Guado al Tasso, an estate owned by the Antinori family in Bolgheri. Marco tells Monty about the history of the estate, its soils, and his approach to vineyard management. He presents Guado al Tasso’s iconic wines which bear legendary names such as Scalabrone (their rosé), Il Bruciato (Bolgheri DOC), Guado al Tasso (Bolgheri DOC Superiore) and others. Discover the flavours and the legends behind these wines and Marco’s favourite food pairings. Warmest thanks to Marco’s wife, Luisa Foschetti, Hospitality Manager at Guado al Tasso for the greatest welcome and for the facilitating the recording of this podcast!

18 Nov 201923min