Ep. 2721 PIWI Grapes Explained: Innovation and Environmental Impact with Cristina Mercuri MW & Ekaterina Vislinskaya IWA | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner

Welcome to Clubhouse’s Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2721 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Ekaterina Vislinskaya IWA interviews Cristina Mercuri MW, focusing on PIWI (fungus-resistant grape varieties). The conversation explores the growing role of PIWI in modern viticulture, including the number and development of fungus-resistant varieties, their environmental benefits, and how they adapt to marginal climates. Cristina also discusses where hybrid grapes are gaining traction in Italy, how these varieties are developed and integrated into winemaking, and their key strengths and limitations. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the role and development of PIWI (fungus-resistant) grape varieties in viticulture. Explore their environmental impact, including benefits for soil health and sustainability. Analyze the opportunities and challenges of hybrids, including their strengths, weaknesses, and growing adoption in marginal climates. *PIWI is a German acronym for pilzwiderstandsfähige (meaning "fungus-resistant") grape varieties. More about today’s host:   Ekaterina Vislinskaya is a certified sommelier, wine blogger, and wine educator from Yekaterinburg, Russia. She holds WSET Level 3 certification and is an Italian Wine Ambassador (IWA) from Vinitaly International Academy. She contributes to the Italian Wine Podcast as a guest blogger and focuses on Italian wine, wine tourism, and viticulture, sharing insights with a global audience. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vislinskaya.wine?igsh=Z291bnNjemkwNjBw&utm_source=qr  More about today’s guest:  Cristina Mercuri MW is a Master of Wine, wine educator, and strategic consultant. She is the Founder and CEO of Mercuri Wine Club, where she works with wineries and organizations on brand development, communication, and education strategy. Originally trained as an international lawyer, she transitioned into the wine industry after earning the WSET Diploma and multiple specialist certifications. She is Wine Editor for Forbes Italia, and from 2026 will serve as an international judge for Decanter. She is also Brand Ambassador for Mack & Schühle Italia. She also teaches across all levels, from enthusiasts to WSET Diploma candidates, and delivers corporate training in the hospitality and luxury sectors. Connect: Website: https://www.wine-club.it/academy/team/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-mercuri-mw-004376a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristinamercuri_wine/  _______________________________  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  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast  If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/  Until next time, Cin Cin!    Follow Italian Wine Podcast for more great content – winery interviews from the Clubhouse sessions! Psssst…FYI, this show is our most popular show, find out why by tuning-in!