Another Bottle Down

On today's show, Jessica visits the icon property of Ornellaia, situated on the Tuscan coast in Bolgheri.  She tastes through their beautiful wines with the new Director of Winemaking, Marco Balsimelli.  Marco joined the executive team at Ornellaia and Maseto in January 2024 and comes from a rich background that spans various wineries in Tuscany and Bordeaux, and most recently he worked for Eric Boissenot's oenological consultancy that advised on winemaking for more than 150 properties in various countries. More on the wines of Ornellaia here. US Importer Vintus's producer profile with Marco's full Bio here. Tickets for the Wine and Food Foundation's Rare and Fine Wine Auction here.

Pietro Russo, the third Master of Wine in Italy, shares his journey from global winemaking to focusing on Sicily’s old vine Grillo. He discusses the camaraderie among the Italian MWs, intriguingly dubbed the 'Three Muscateers.' Delving into the rich wine culture of Sicily, he highlights his collaborative project, Officina del Vento, aimed at preserving local viticulture. Pietro emphasizes the importance of community and innovation in elevating the region’s wine reputation, showcasing his passion and expertise in every sip.

Jeremy Hart, co-founder of Somm.ai and industry veteran, delves into the intersection of AI and wine. He highlights innovative strategies for transforming restaurants into retail spaces during the pandemic. The discussion emphasizes the importance of real-time data in adapting business strategies. Jeremy also explores unique approaches to engage consumers in airports and the nuances of vermouth selections. His insights into leveraging data for better understanding of market trends promise a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of the beverage industry.

On today's show, Jessica catches up with PIerangelo Tommasi who is the Managing Director of Tomassi Family Estates and one of nine family members who make up the 4th generation of the wine company.  Pierangelo delves into the family history, how their roots are planted in the Valpolicella, and the family's need and desire to expand to other regions across Italy.  Currently, there are 8 different estates across Italy with 800 hectares (close to 2,000 acres) of vineyards and various partnerships in other regions.  Pierangelo is such an advocate for the region and what he calls the 'contemporary' style of Amarone, which focuses more of freshness and elegance.  He also believes the message of Amarone should the emphasis of vineyards and terroirs over the process of appassimento (the drying of the grapes). References: Tommasi Family Estates Website Famiglie Storiche Website Antica Bottega del Vino  

Jessica and Mark follow up the last episode on Piedmont with a more in depth discussion of Alta Langa while focusing on one of the pioneers of sparkling wine in Piedmont, Enrico Serafino.  Our guest, Erika Abate, is the export manager of Serafino and has spent her entire life steeped in the wines of Piedmont.  We dig into the origins of the Alta Langa apellation, the particulars of growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in this non-continguous and high-elevation region, and the how these sparkling wines are positioned to be some of the most prestigious in Italy.  We cap off the conversation with Serafino's work with the unique biotype of Nebbiolo, Picotener. More info on Enrico Serafino here: https://www.enricoserafino.it/en/

On today's show, Jessica digs into Piedmont with wine writer and educator David Way.  David spent the last 4 years traveling to Piedmont and researching the widest array of topics including the famous icons of the Langhe, the more obscure regions and varieties further afield, various winemaking technologies, and the fascinating story of the sparkling wines of Alta Langa.  With various anecdotes from the book writing process and some travel tips, David and Jessica bring the piedmont with all of its complexities alive. David is also one of the people responsible for writing and editing the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) reference books.  Jessica and David chat about the book writing process and the need to stay on top of this ever changing and evolving industry. More information and useful links: The Wines of Piedmont.  Published by the Académie du Vin Library Wine Friend by David Way- David's personal website and blog WSET Reference Books  

Matt Dees is the winemaker for sister properties Jonata and the Hilt.  Matt and Jessica catch up about all things Santa Barbara from soils and geography to the more philosophical approach to wine. Useful links referenced in the episode: www.jonata.com www.thehiltestate.com/ AVA's of Santa Barbara

Manfred has been the winemaker at Querciabella since 2010.  He comes to Italia via his home country of South Africa, to New Zealand, California and beyond.  Based on his passion, he has clearly found a home in Chianti Classico.  Jessica and Manfred dig into the history of his winemaking path along with that of Querciabella and the new laws governing the new premium category of Gran Selezione.  We can't wait to try the several Gran Selezione designated as Greve, Lamole, Radda, etc.  Links referenced in the episode: https://www.chianticlassico.com/en/consortium/ https://querciabella.com/wine/querciabella-chianti-classico/  

Chris Brundrett is co-founder and CEO of William Chris Wine Company and William Chris Vineyards.  Chris and Jessica catch up on the state of the Texas industry and the origins of William Chris Vineyards.  https://www.williamchriswines.com/ This is Texas Wine Podcast with Shelly Wilfong: https://thisistexaswine.com/ The book that Mark forgot that Jessica wrote: https://www.jessicadupuy.com/shop/p/winessouthwestusa

On today's show, we have Patrick Olds, wine director of MML Hospitality based in Austin, TX.  Patrick digs into the roll of a wine director as mentor and educator, as well as his passion of blind tasting.  He feels that blind tasting is not just a parlor trick, but a way to understand the world of wine and the experience of the guest to a greater degree. Links from the show: MML Hospitality website: https://mmlhospitality.com/ Patrick on Instagram: here Jessica's article on the Renaissance of Cava