Ep. 867 John Irwin Interviews Bernardino Sani | Maze Row Wine Merchant

Welcome to episode 867, the last in our new 7-part series with our fantastic partners, LUX Wines and Maze Row Wine Merchant. We are proud to present this series of interviews, diving deep into the heritage and legacy of their excellent Italian producers, celebrating the launch of the new brand identity for their importer, Maze Row Wine Merchant.

This episode has John Irwin interviewing Bernardino Sani of the Argiano Winery.

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 by 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 Maze Row and the rich heritage of their Portfolio, visit: www.mazerow.com

To learn more about Maze Row Wine Merchant, visit: www.mazerow.com www.instagram.com/mazerowwines/ www.facebook.com/search/top?q=maz…wines%20merchant

More about the host:

John Irwin has been working in wine for fifteen years, starting as a grocery store merchandiser in Chicago in 2007, and then working his way through several different roles within the wholesaler side of the business, including sales team management and regional chain sales. In 2013, he joined the E&J Gallo Winery, working first in Central Illinois and then moving to Minnesota in 2015 to oversee the winery’s bar and restaurant business across the state.

In 2017, John moved to New York City - where he currently resides - to work in Gallo’s Luxury Imports Division (a precursor to Maze Row Wine Merchants) where he oversaw the business in 12 states, called on national clients, and managed winemaker visits & events.

For Maze Row, John is responsible for all trade-and-consumer-facing assets and oversees internal and wholesaler education.

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Until next time, Cin Cin!