Welcome to Episode 1752 in which host McKenna Cassidy interviews Xiaowen Du of Avignonesi, and features the wine - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - Avignonesi Nobile Vintage Release - 2013. this week on The Next Generation where young Italian wine people 30 and under shake up the wine scene. More about today’s winery: Avignonesi vineyards spread across the picturesque rolling hills of the southeast corner of Tuscany. Avignonesi also owns a vineyard in the neighbouring municipality of Cortona. Avignonesi is a benefit company and is now a certified B Corporation. We are part of a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. After a few years as a silent partner, the Belgian Virginie Saverys took over the prestigious winery in 2009. She was a consumer, and overnight she became a producer. This crossing of the mirror motivated Saverys to undertake a radical regeneration of the winery. Safety at work, pollution and climate became Avignonesi primary concerns. Out of respect for workers, consumers, and the environment, she has banned highly toxic synthetic biocides that poison life, and pollute the soil, the air, and the water. Concurrently, she has forbidden the use of commercial yeasts, dyes, enzymes, tannins, and other industrial adjuvants in the cellar. Connect Website: www.avignonesi.it/ More about the host: McKenna found her love of wine while serving in a Napa Valley tasting room. She later graduated from the University of Notre Dame and pursued wine on the East Coast with E. & J. Gallo Winery. She has worked in wine distribution for restaurants and luxury retail stores for the past three years. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, McKenna is a Certified Specialist of Wine (2021), Certified Sommelier (2022), and Italian Wine Ambassador (2023). She loves country swing dancing, hosting brunch parties, and sipping Italian Wine. Connect: Facebook @mckennacassidy Instagram @mckennacassidy LinkedIn McKenna Cassidy Website Youtube: McKenna Cassidy _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! If you want to be part of the next generation then like and share this track! We will remember you when you need dentures and a straw for your wine!