Welcome to Episode 1753 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this Italian Grape Geek series we explore personal stories of travel and tasting with Italy’s must know grape varieties. In this episode, Ciro Pirone geeks out on the Glera & Grignolino, exploring the origins, history and characteristics of the grape, sharing her personal connections with wines made from this variety. Chart your own course with My Italian Grape Geek Journal, your personal tasting companion to accompany the series. Support the show by donating at www.italianwinepodcast.com. Donate five euros or more and we’ll send you a copy of our latest book, My Italian Grape Geek Journal. Absolutely free! To get your free copy of My Italian Grape Geek Journal, click support us at www.italianwinepodcast.com or wherever you get your pods. About today’s Host: Ciro Pirone, Director of Italian Wines for Horizon Beverage Company, is a graduate of the Istituto Alberghiero (Hotel and Restaurant Management school) of Salerno, Italy and an Italian Wine Ambassador (Vinitaly Wine Academy). Traveling and working in Italy, England and the US, Ciro developed an incredible passion for wine, food and culture. After all, growing up in Italy, wine was always a very important part of his family’s lifestyle and traditions. In 1999, Ciro moved to the US permanently. He landed in Boston, where he continued his wine studies at Boston University, the International Sommelier Guild, the London –based Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (WSET), as well as he completed and passed with Honors the Italian Wine Specialist Certification by the North American Sommelier Association (part of the worldwide recognized Italian Sommelier Association). In June of 2017 (2019 and again in 2021) he completed the Vinitaly Wine Academy and received the prestigious Italian Wine Ambassador certification with Honors. In 2019 also passed with Honors the Italian Wine Scholar program by the Wine Scholar Guild. In 2007, Ciro accepted the position of Italian Wine Specialist for Horizon Beverage. After successful growth at HBC, Ciro accepted on a new challenge as the US Brand Manager for the Arnaldo Caprai Winery of Montefalco (Umbria), the top producer of worldwide recognized Sagrantino di Montefalco. In June 2011, Ciro returned to Horizon Beverage with a new position of Director of Italian Wines in support of their expanding presence in the New England marketplace. Ciro is happy to share his passion for Italian wine and culture in an effort to give the American wine consumer a better understanding and appreciation for Italian wine! Connect: Instagram @divinoboston Twitter @vinofilosofia LinkedIn Ciro Pirone _______________________________ 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! Remember to follow us so that you won't miss an episode of the Italian Grape Geek Podcast!