Episode 420 of I’ll Drink to That! was released recently, and it features Michael Garner, the co-author of the book “Barolo: Tar and Roses – A Study of the Wines of Alba” and the author of the forthcoming “Amarone and the Fine Wines of Verona.”
Michael Garner co-wrote one of the classic books on Barolo, and one of the first on the subject in English. He was also a regular visitor to the Piemonte during a real turning point for that region, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At that time that he was a witness to the forment that resulted in the Barolo Boys and the push for a more modern style of Barolo. He also had a chance to speak with several persons who represented the traditions of the region, and to develop friendships with many significant figures before they passed on. Michael narrates a whirlwind tour of those personalities in this interview, from a key first meeting with Giovanni Conterno (son of Giacomo), to a tasting with Bartolo Mascarello, and to further encounters with Colla, Sobrero, Cogno, Bologna, and several more. This is a rare opportunity to hear from a native English speaker who witnessed firsthand a key period for Barolo. The personal remembrances that are shared in this interview are hard to find elsewhere. Michael is also currently at work authoring a book on Amarone and Soave, and the last portion of the interview is dedicated to what he has found researching those topics. If you are a bit rusty on those zones, Michael can fill you in on a lot of the important details to know.
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
