Source:
https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-xdrhs-1a78eb5
In this episode of the wine podcast, Janina dives into one of Italy’s most prestigious and age-worthy wines: Brunello di Montalcino.
Joined by Italian wine expert Ian D’Agata, this episode blends wine education with a deep exploration of wine regions, helping you learn about wine through the lens of Sangiovese.
From wine grapes and clonal diversity to terroir, aging potential and tasting profiles, you’ll discover what makes Brunello unique and how this iconic Tuscan wine compares to others made from the same grape.
Plus, if you love wine travel, you’ll hear about an immersive opportunity to study wine directly in Montalcino, tasting up to 100 wines with producers in the region.
To find out more about joining The Ian D’Agata Wine Academy in Montalcino on 16th, 17th & 18th April 2026 click here.
Or email Giulia Corino <giulia.corino@iandagatawine.com>
02:52 – Ian explains why wine education is so important, sharing how great teachers shaped his career and why helping people understand wine makes a real difference.
05:56 – Why most people stick to familiar wines – and how learning about lesser-known Italian grape varieties can completely change how you choose a bottle.
10:00 – Looking beyond Brunello and Barolo, Ian highlights powerful Italian red wine grapes like Aglianico that deserve more attention.
11:02 – Introduction to Ian’s Wine Academy in Montalcino, where small groups taste up to 100 wines while learning directly in the region.
14:12 – Setting the scene in Tuscany: the rolling hills, vineyards and landscapes that make Montalcino one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world.
15:56 – Key differences between Montalcino and Chianti wine regions, and how climate and landscape shape completely different expressions of Sangiovese.
17:04 – Can you identify Sangiovese wines in a blind tasting? A breakdown of how blends, climate and structure influence the final wine style.
20:57 – The origin of the name “Brunello” and how a specific type of Sangiovese gave rise to this iconic wine.
24:42 – Exploring the complexity of Sangiovese: over 100 clones and how producers select and combine them to improve quality.
26:57 – What it means for a vine to be “virus-affected” and why this can sometimes lead to more concentrated, higher-quality wines.
29:11 – How to recognise Sangiovese in the glass: red fruit, acidity, tannins and the characteristic herbal and floral notes.
31:56 – The aging requirements of Brunello di Montalcino and why these wines can develop beautifully over decades.
34:32 – Castiglion del Bosco: a historic estate that has significantly increased its quality in recent years and plays a role in Ian’s course.
35:49 – Rosso di Montalcino explained: a more accessible, earlier-drinking style that offers great value from the same region.
39:46 – The key soil types of Montalcino (galestro, alberese and more) and how they influence structure, minerality and mouthfeel.
41:11 – What the course experience looks like day-to-day, from tastings and classes to winery visits and shared meals.
42:09 – Moscadello di Montalcino: the lesser-known sweet wine of the region that still survives today.
44:54 – The range of wines tasted during the course, covering multiple Italian wine regions, styles and grape varieties.
47:49 – Who the course is designed for: both wine professionals and enthusiasts who want to deepen their wine knowledge.
50:46 – Course dates and availability, including upcoming sessions in April and November.
52:24 – How the course aligns with major wine events like Vinitaly, making it ideal for those already travelling in Italy.
53:27 – How to get more information and book your place on the course. Email Giulia Corino <giulia.corino@iandagatawine.com> and more details on Ian D’Agata’s website.
📩 Questions or feedback? janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Cheers to you! 🥂
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