Episode 387 of I’ll Drink to That! was released recently and features Martina Barosio. Martina and her family own the Scarpa winery in Nizza Monferrato, within the Piemonte zone of Italy.
Scarpa is a historical winery in the Piemonte that has long focused on the native grape varieties of the region, and they have a library of bottles there that dates back to the Second World War. Martina Barosio regularly tastes through those wines, and it is informative to speak with someone who regularly tastes through twenty back vintages Freisa or Ruche’. That kind of tasting experience can lend a perspective that most people don’t have. At Scarpa they also have Barbera vines planted in different soils, and Martina is articulate in explaining how those affect the final wine. And Scarpa also sources Nebbiolo from diverse parts of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero, and Martina can explain some of the differences that she has found while addressing some of the changing conditions that climate change is bringing to those vineyards. If you are a fan of the native grape varieties of the Piemonte – and in the fall season who isn’t? – this is an excellent chance to benefit from the first-hand experience of someone who has the history of the region largely represented in their cellar.
Listen to this episode:
I’ll Drink to That is the world’s most listened-to wine podcast, hosted by Levi Dalton. Levi has had a long career working as a sommelier in some of the most distinguished and acclaimed dining rooms in America. He has served wine to guests of Restaurant Daniel, Masa, and Alto, all in Manhattan. Levi has also contributed articles on wine themes to publications such as The Art of Eating, Wine & Spirits magazine, Bon Appetit online, and Eater NY. Check out his pictures on Instagram and follow him on Twitter: @leviopenswine.
