Italian Wine Podcast

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Leonardo Ricci who produces Prosecco col fondo at the Leo Ricci winery near Treviso. Leonardo, who is also a gourmand, is the president of the Accademia dello Spiedo d’Alta Marca (or spitroast academy). Tune in to discover how Prosecco col fondo is made through re-fermentation in the bottle. Monty and Leonardo also talk about some exciting wine and food pairings!

In this episode Monty Waldin meets Danish wine importer Ole Udsen, CEO at Estrup & Udsen Vin Aps in Denmark. In addition to Italian wine, Ole has a deep passion for and knowledge of Southern Italy, Sicily, and the King Frederick II. In the interview, Monty and Ole get philosophical and talk about the famous king and the need for humanism in the wine world. Ole also discusses the Danish wine market and wine consumption in Denmark.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Michele Manelli owner of the Salcheto Winery in Montepulciano (Tuscany). The winery produces Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Michele tells Monty about his energy-efficient winemaking strategies and techniques. Salcheto is a winery that is also cutting-edge with regards to sustainability standards for viticulture, winemaking, and research. Tune in to learn more about an iconic producer of the Montepulciano area and his secrets to get his distinctive expression of Vino Nobile from Sangiovese grapes.

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Maddalena Pasqua di Bisceglie, owner of the Musella Winery in Veneto near Verona. The winery is biodynamic and produces Valpolicella, Amarone, Valpolicella Ripasso. Maddalena tells Monty abour her vineyards that look like gardens full of flowers, insects and vegetation. Maddalena explains some the biodynamic viticultural strategies that she implements in the vineyard such as spraying vines with cow milk to naturally prevent diseases and fungi. Monty and Maddalena also discuss the winery’s markets such as Scandinavia and Canada. Tune in to learn more about biodiversity in the vineyard, the role of bees, and delicious biodynamic wine!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Isidoro Vajra at the G. D. Vajra winery in Barolo, in the heart of the Langhe hills in Piedmont. Isidoro talks about the history of the family and about one of their famous vineyard sites for Nebbiolo grapes called “Bricco delle Viole” (literally the summit of pansies). The winery also produces Barbera as well as local native grape Nascetta. The winery is also re-planting a long forgotten indigenous grape the “Baratuciat.” Tune in to discover also Isidoro’s passion for the work in the vineyard and a lake oasis in the middle of the winery grounds where wild ducks stop by!

In this episode, Monty Waldin interviews William Predhomme, Canadian sommelier based in Toronto and Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. William tells Monty about the burgeoning wine culture in the city and the strong Italian wine selection there. Will also praises the great diversity of Italian wines and recommends some old favorite of his, Timorasso and Verdicchio. Tune in to get a glimpse into the world of somms in Canada!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Luca and Lisa Tommasini (father and daughter) who own the San Gervasio Winery between Pisa and Florence in Tuscany. The winery is certified organic and focuses on the Sangiovese grape variety. Lisa and Luca talk about viticulture, the vineyards soils, their production of Chianti DOCG and Chianti Riserva, and their signature wine A Sirio (100% Sangiovese).

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Aldo Vacca, General Manager of the Produttori del Barbaresco coop. Produttori del Barbaresco now comprises 54 farmers. The project started back in 1958 thanks to the work of the local priest who set up the coop to give work to local vintners and prevent them from fleeing the Langhe hills to go and work in factories in the big cities. Vacca tells the fascinating story of the Coop and their rigorous system of 31 steps to measure and reward grape quality brought to the coop by its associates. Vacca also talks about the main markets for Barbaresco and its most famous crus such as Asili and Ovello. Tune in for another wine story dedicated to the Langhe territory in Piedmont!

In this episode rugby meets wine! Monty Waldin interviews Marco Lazzaroni, rugby player in the Benetton Rugby Team in Treviso and aspiring sommelier. Marco is studying to become a somm and work in the wine business after his rugby career. His family already manages some vineyards in Friuli Venezia Giulia and Marco is great wine and food lover. Tune in for an exciting conversation about rugby, Italian wine and food pairing, and role models!

In this episode Monty Waldin interviews Valentina Abbona at the Marchesi di Barolo Winery in Barolo, in the heart of the Langhe hills, in Piemonte. In the podcast Valentina and Monty discuss the history of the winery and the wines that they produce, that is, all the typical wines of the area: Arneis, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo Langhe, Barolo, and Barbaresco. Valentina also tells Monty about the winery’s 200 year-old wooden vats recently restored in which they age wine. Tune in also to discover wine and food pairings, such as hand-made “Tajarin” pasta with "Fassona" beef ragout and rabbit roast, the latter paired perfectly with Arneis wines.