On our second episode of a two part series on Montalcino, Mark interviews Daniele Marcone the Sales Director of Capanna Winery. Capanna is located north of the town of Montalcino in the unofficial sub-region of Montosoli and is one of the more historic and traditional wineries producing Brunello.

The Cencioni family was one of the first share-cropping families to save up enough money to purchase the land they were working for generations. Throughout the years, they have followed the Consorzio and bet on the success of the territory acquiring new land and leading the way with a more traditional style of wine.

This is a must-see stop to both the winery and their restaurant if you're visiting Montalcino:

Capanna Winery Website

Capanna Suites and Restaurant

Jessica's article on the new Brunello rating system, FORMA

On today's show, we have Riccardo Fratton, head winemaker of San Polo in Montalcino, Italy. Riccardo was raised in the Veneto region but didn't really blossom as a winemaker until working in California. He was so impressed by the level of experimentation and a sort of freshness to winemaking that he brought those points of inspiration back to his home country. Meeting and working for Marilisa Allegrina, the Queen of Amarone, brought him to relocate to another Allegrina estate in Montalcino, San Polo.

Jessica has spent a substantial amount of time in Montalcino over the last year and has the good fortune to taste the 2024 vintage and beyond with Riccardo. They talk about all of the particularities of Southeast Montalcino and the diversity and history of the San Polo Estate.

Here are some pertinent links:

Wineries of Marilisa Allegrini

San Polo Montalcino website

Jessica's article on the new Brunello FORMA

Riccardo Fratton on Instagram

On today's show, Mark and Jessica break down the current tariffs and other economic factors that are affecting the wine industry. This episode was recorded on April 30th, 2025, perhaps the situation has changed by the time you listen.

More information on the US Wine Trade Alliance.

Here are some of the articles Jessica has published on the impact of tariffs:

How Tariffs Will Impact the Wine Industry, Forbes, Jan 22, 2025

How Tariffs Could Make American Wine and Spirits More Expensive, Forbes, March 14, 2025

Tariffs and Trade Winds: VinItaly 2025, Forbes, April 10, 2025