The Wine Guys: Grape Escapes

We travel to Northern Central Italy, exploring Cantina del Castello in Soave. Here, we learn about Carniga Classico, single vineyards, and rugged volcanic soils. Michael discovers a secret passageway that leads to a private reserve, where he falls in love with a bottle of 1960 vintage. At Cantina del Castello Charlie surprises Michael with two white selections: a sweet white vs. a dry Carnigo Classico. After getting lost in one of Italy’s many roundabouts, Michael and Charlie finally manage to find their way to La Collina dei Cilliegi, near Verona. We learn about Methodo Classico, a bottling process similar to creating Champagne, and dine on delicious beetroot Risotto and gorgonzola cheese sauce paired with Ripasso wine. During negotiations, Michael is accused of offering a “Crazy price,” while a new wealthy wine owner’s dignity hangs on the balance of striking the right deal.

Zipping off to Hacienda Albae in La Mancha, one of the oldest private wineries in Spain.

Michael and Charlie travel to San Silvestro in Piedmont, Italy. We learn about the importance of rich carbonate soil and aging in large barrels to produce top quality Barolo wines. At a favourite local restaurant the Wine Guys marvel at the custom of pouring wine over top of ravioli. Then they travel across Northern Italy to Venice to visit an Italian Castle, Castello di Roncade, hosted by a real life Baron! Charlie shows off his sommelier skills severing the neck of a Prosecco bottle with the Baron’s sabre. At Roncade temptation of getting their hands on a Prosecco may prove too hard to resist, while at San Silvestro, negotiations on price get heated as Paolo, the owner, loses it on Michael during their business dealings.

Michael and Charlie visit the winery Bodega Iniesta in Rioja, Spain; the key to night harvesting.

A quest to find the next best wine.

Michael and Charlie step into a wine factory in La Mancha, Spain at Bodegas Isidro Milagro.