Another Bottle Down

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

On our first episode of 2026, Jessica sits down with Chris Kajani, President and Head Winemaker of Bouchaine Vineyards in Carneros California.  They have an in-depth discussion of all things growing high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Napa Valley's coolest and most southerly growing region.  Chris took over production at Bouchaine in 2015 and quickly made her mark by implementing a variety of progressive techniques in both the vineyard and the winery.  She deeply understands the terroir and is an amazing advocate for the wines of Carneros and Bouchaine.  
More about Chris Kajani here
Bouchaine's official website
More about Carneros from the Napa Valley Vintners Association

Join Jessica and Mark as they put a close to 2025 and welcome 2026 with an in depth discussion on Madeira, the island and its wines.  Mark has been passionate about Madeira for over a decade, partially because it is under-appreciated and is often mistakenly lumped in with Port.  They delve into all things Madeira:  the dynamic of grower and producer, terroir of the island as well as of the cellar, the different production techniques, age indications, sweetness levels, and the cutting edge trends that we'll see in the coming years.  
The official Madeira Website: https://vinhomadeira.com/