Ep. 2791 Italian Wine in a Changing Climate: PIWI, Terroir…

About this episode

Welcome to episode 2791 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 261 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is joined by Nicola Biasi to explore how Italian wineries are adapting to a changing climate, and why the answer may lie less in chasing higher altitudes and more in rethinking which grapes we grow. Nicola explains why wineries should consider autochthonous and PIWI varieties as a response to climate change, exploring what PIWIs are and their potential to reduce a winery’s carbon and water footprint. He also challenges the traditional link between grape varieties and regions, arguing that terroir and place should take precedence over tradition. More about the guest: Nicola Biasi is an oenologist and winemaker based in Trentino, and the founder of Nicola Biasi Consulting. After nine years working with the Allegrini estates in Montalcino and Bolgheri, he went independent in 2015, launching his own project, Vin de la Neu, made from PIWI (fungus-resistant) varieties. In 2021 he founded Resistenti Nicola Biasi, a network now spanning eight wineries across Friuli, Veneto, Trentino and Germany, united around sustainable viticulture and resistant grape varieties. Nicola was named Best Young Oenologist of Italy (Vinoway, 2021) and received the Cult Oenologist award at the Merano WineFestival the same year, the youngest winemaker ever to do so. Connect: Website: https://nicolabiasi.com/en/ Website: https://resistentinicolabiasi.com/en/ More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!