As promised in previous episodes (29 and 34), Diana is back on the show to talk about wine! Join us to discuss the differences between Italy and North America in wine production, as well as in how wine is consumed and socially perceived in the two countries. In the second part of the episode, Diana gives a roundup of Piedmont’s native grape varieties and world-renowned appellations, such as Barolo, Dolcetto, and Barbaresco.
Diana Zahuranec is a writer, editor, and translator at Wine Pass, an online magazine (in Italian and English) on wine and wine tourism in Piedmont. You can also find her on her blog Once Upon a Time in Italy.
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I loved listening to this podcast conversation between two very knowledgeable "buongustai!" I liked the point about irrigation vs. non-irrigation, and I think this says a lot about the different culture views in general. Although these days it seems that Italy is producing more and more wines for the "international" (read: American) palate as a matter of economic reality. Great job, you two!!
Thanks Rick. Italy producing wines specifically for an international palate would be sad, but if it can help the Italian economy… I don't know. Just as long as it's explicitly called out and NOTHING is changed in the production of DOC and DOCG wines, I think I would be OK with it. I wonder how other Italians feel, however.
Thanks Rick! Glad you enjoyed listening 🙂
I don't know about the trend in producing wines for international palates, though I agree with Paolo — as long as they make wine with integrity, anything to help the Italian economy..!
Many wine producers I talk to run small small and family-run wineries. They give a different story. They'd love to expand their market, but the US liquor laws are complicated (x 50, since each state is different) and make it worthwhile only if they produce several times as much; Italian & EU markets are fine for their production, and if they produced any more they wouldn't have the physical space/manpower/etc. to accommodate it.
So that's still a whole lot of wine without the American palate in mind.
Enjoyed the podcast as usual! Reminded me that it's been ages since I've had a Nebbiolo or a Dolcetto. Was fascinated to hear about the various Dolcetto wines–Dolcetto d'Alba is all I've seen around here, but then, that's all I knew existed… Now that I know there are others, I'll be keeping an eye out.