On today's show we have the second episode that Mark recorded while visiting Piedmont a couple months ago for the fall truffle season. Paolo Bava is in charge of the wine production and vineyards at Cantine Bava, which has vineyard holdings in Cocconato (Asti), Castiglione Falleto (Barolo), Nizza and Alta Langa. It's a fascinating story of how the family expanded into Barolo and Nizza from the home base of Asti. And, Mark explores some of the themes we've been digging into recently such as mulit-generational wineries, Eastern facing expositions lending a little more freshness, and much more.

Useful links:

The Bava Website

Alba Truffle Festival

Pre-order Jessica's book: Italianality

On today's show, we have the first of two interviews Mark did while travelling in the Barolo area last fall. Stefano Corino is Renato Corino's son, and they work side by side in the vineyards and cellar to create all the wines under the Renato Corino label. Stefano also makes his own wine from very elegant Roncaglie cru on the north side of La Morra approaching Verduno.

While Renato Corino was one of main players in the modernist movement of Barolo in the 1980's, the lines these days are being blurred and there is an evolving conversation around the style of one of Italy's greatest wines. Stefano gives us a glimpse into the conversations and debates he has had with his father and how they think about the identity of the winery today.

For reference, Renato Corino has vineyard holdings in Rocche dell'Annunziata, Arborina, Pozzo, and of course Roncaglie.

Links:

Renato Corino's Website

Renato Corino's Importer for US

Pre-order Jessica's forthcoming book on Italian Wine: Italianality

On today's show, we have a live recording with Jessica and Chris Brundrett at the Texas Hill Country Wine Symposium. Chris is the owner, founder, and winemaker of William Chris Vineyards in the Texas Hill Country and is an amazing advocate for Texas grown wine. Jessica and Chris talk about the state of the industry and delve into the successes, challenges, and seeds planted during Chris long tenure in the TX industry. Chris is finely in tune with what it takes to establish a world class winery and has insights to scaling operation with every thought given to giving his guests and fans their 'Best Day Ever.'

For more information:

More on the Texas Hill Country Winery Association

More on William Chris Vineyards