Ep. 1690 Francesca Bonzano | Voices With Cynthia Chaplin

The Italian wine podcast is the community driven platform for Italian wine Geeks around the world. Support the show by donating at Italian wine podcast dot com. Donate five or more Euros, and we'll send you a copy of our latest book. My Italian GreatGeek journal. Absolutely free. To get your free copy of my Italian GreatGeek journal, click support us at italian wine podcast dot com, or wherever you get your pods. Grazie and Miele. Welcome to the Italian wine podcast. I'm Cynthia Chaaplin, and this is voices. Every Wednesday, I will be sharing conversations with international wine industry professionals discussing issues in diversity, equity, and inclusion through their personal experiences, working in the field of wine. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate our show wherever you get your pods. Hello, and welcome to voices. This is Cynthia Chaplin, and today I'm really happy to have Franchesca Banzana with me. Franchesca and I met at the recent wine to wine business forum in Verona. And while we were chatting, we discovered that she is part of a very interesting group called Sparbartale. So I wanted to make sure that we got together and had a long conversation about that. So thank you for coming back, Franchesca. It's great to see you. Thank you, Cynthia. So great to be back with you. Well, Franchesca's family owns Castello de ubi in Piamonte. So, very traditional, wine making area. And instead of making sort of the normal baro, those barbadass goes, Barbara, things like that. You have more interesting wines. You're doing things with Greeniolino, also Albarosa, which are both very interesting native varieties for Piamonte, but more importantly, we have this great story of Les Bartel. So Before we get to that, let me just ask you. I know your family bought the Castello in twenty twenty. Yeah. Have your have you always been interested in wine? Tell me the background. How did you get into wine? And where did you study? So I started at the university of Antarctica in Milano. I got my business, so I graduated in business, and then I moved to San Francisco for, master of science in the international business again. And I think it was also the fact that I was really close to Napa. I don't know if it's better. You know, I always grew up in wine and back in the countryside, because I'm from Mufferato, and then moved to milano later. So I don't know. In San Francisco, I started to, you know, really think about the wine business, my family back in Italy were planting the vineyard by then. So that started like this, and then I got my job at Calangement Partners in New York, So I'm very close to Gina and Juliana, and they helped me grow a lot into the wide business. And I got to know a lot of people, and I really got involved. So once I got back to Italy during the pandemic, I, started working with my family, and I couldn't get out anymore. So that's right. We were all trapped now. Yes. At bad times, we're we're done with that now. Yeah. But that's it's interesting how that international aspect has really affected you as well, because I know now you're co owner of, of your family's winery, and you're doing a lot with the marketing and the export to the US. Exactly. So how's that going? I mean, it's, it's a difficult channel. It's a three tier system in the US. How has your experience helped you to get your wines into the US marketing? So, thanks to a lot of people that are actually helping me. I'm getting up there. It's very hard when you are trying to promote a different type of wine that it's not like the classic Barbera for our area. But instead, it's a baroza, our main focus, and we're trying to, differentiate a little bit of production to be more interesting. Because, you know, like, the the US market is really saturated with the, wines that are well known. So we're like, yeah, let's give it a try. Let's try with the, alvaroza. Let's see how people react and I think that's we have some interesting data today that tell us we're probably under right way. Perfect. Perfect. I think it's important that we get these native grapes, really historic grapes out into everybody's mindset because we don't want to lose them. And I think we're in danger of losing them. People, I remember in Piamonte, everyone tore up all their vineyards and planted Naveela because Barola was taking off. So it's nice to know that that story sort of unwinding itself backwards, and we're protecting those native grapes that are also important, as well, isn't that viola. So but I I wanna talk to you now about this, sparpatella. So I love the name. So Francesco is telling me yesterday is Barbatella, is a group of young women producers, who met, the ice, the Association of Italian Sommelier in Piamonte, in Asdi, to start with. And it started in two thousand and seventeen with only fifteen people. We were talking about how difficult it is to be, young woman, in these Italian formal settings. And needing a support group. And I remember when I was studying for my isomelia in Rome years ago, it was helpful to have women friends. So let's talk about it. Sparm Patel is a great name. It's sort of a a funny word for being, you know, not not quite mature, you know, young. It actually means not having a beard. Exactly. Which great name for a women's group as well. Which is also Marmatella. That is the the roots of the vineyards, let's say, when you plant it, it's the small one that is put in the soil. Exactly. It's a great name for so many reasons. So how many women are in the group now? So we're around, like, eighty people that are, really active during the events. But it's probably more. So it's growing, and a lot of, young girls are actually, approaching the group because we're getting out there now. We have a new, deal table. So the board, this, decisional board, would say, because we're trying to, create an association, so to give more visibility to the group, but also to, start doing, like, master class or, trips, everything that could be educational for young women in wine. So the the only common thing should be we all have a vineyard. So we're all producing our wines, and in the most genuine way. So everything that could help us to be better to have more connections, or, like, union Italianavin is doing with the JVs, so the young producers, not only producers, because it's just, like, people in wine that are young. So we're trying to do kinda same thing with Sabatale, but trying to be more women oriented. So everything that could help us grow in this sector and this Well, it's interesting because the conversation we were having before, we've all found ourselves, you know, in these situations in wine, particularly in Italy, but also globally where just being the only woman in the room or the youngest woman in the room, you find yourself feeling really uncomfortable, not very supported. So organizations like this are so helpful and so use and, can grow into really amazing things. So, hopefully, you know, with scholarships and helping each other to learn. So, you know, who do you hang out with? Who are your friends when you need help or support? You know, are you going to the spartatello? People because they're very similar to young, and they have vineyards. I think that's the thing we have in common. So everything started with a friendship. We didn't know where it would lead, you know, so with a polo Panchina, which is, the ice member who found that Sabatalia actually came up with the idea, put us all together. And he was like, girls, share ideas. Like, let's start with this event. Something better could come up, you know. So we all gather during this big event that is nasty around June. And we all started to, like, actually being vulnerable. So it's not just about a high school, the wine, and I do that. And I'm in every single country in the world with my wines. It's more like you know, sometimes I have the imposter syndrome. Do you have the same thing? Do you feel the same thing? Can't do? You know, like, it's it's real. It's a real connection between women that actually are there to support each other and not to compete with each other. Which is, that's the most beautiful idea. Really beautiful. And I think women are good at doing that. Yeah. You know, really not not trying to steal each other's market or each other's ideas, but really supporting each other and and helping each other to grow. That's the common denominator of Sabatele. The main one, the thing that we're all kind of the same, let's say, about talking about values, like human values, I noticed that every single person that approach has this kinda mentality, like, very open minded, very genuine. And I love that. It's not like, you know, in a group of people that is a big group, normally, you find the person who will want to stand up and be like, leader in everyone. But it's like, no. Like, I run is on the same ground. We're all leaving the same thing. We don't have colleagues, so they're sharing our, you know, like troubles or insecurities, and we're actually there to be with each other be there for each other. That's fantastic. How are you going to take this national? I'm sure there are a lot of young women producers all over Italy who really need this. How are you going to get this message to them and find them and welcome them in? So we're trying to, first of all, come up with the group, like, you know, group of things to do. Like, we're trying to gather all the things we can do. So, we're at this point, we're in a very starting point. So we're sharing, we're doing a lot of questions, also to the people that participate in Barbatello, we're like, what do you expect from us? What what we can do? Like, what can we do as a, directive board, to help you grow, to you know, like, what would you like to double open your business with us? So it's a very, like, as I'm saying, like, begin, it's a very beginning of everything. That's great. To ask other people's opinions, like, to ask them what they need rather than trying to tell them what they need. That's why we don't wanna do it. Like, we're trying to do everything that it's in our power also contacts because the, a lot of us, Barbatelli has really, like, a, a grown business, and they're trying what I love the most is that they're trying to be there with their time, with their efforts, could be with their money to, like, help promote the the brand, but also, I'm like, so I'm in a small, medium sized business, but and I'm starting to get out there, but their Alex Bharatala, they're very, like, already well known as a brand, and they're trying to put their contacts, like, actual effort, which is amazing, and that's that's how to support each other. Yeah. Not just with words, but actually with action, in facts. Are you enjoying this podcast? Don't forget to visit our YouTube channel, mama jumbo shrimp. For fascinating videos covering Stevie Kim and her travels across Italy and beyond, meeting winemakers, eating local foods, and taking in the scenery. Now back to the show. So let's talk about the events, you said. It's in June. Usually, what's the plan for twenty twenty four? So we're doing these, big event again. With the eyes, asking. And normally at Marques del Fieri, which is a very beautiful estate, big, and we have this or orangery that it's amazing. We'll gather there in with stands, but we're trying to do more events. So it's not gonna be just that one. So we're trying to do one before probably in February and Rome. They're we're coming up with a date. So, hopefully, we'll be seeing each other before, June. But the event itself is, it's it's a very, nice gathering because you have, like, also show, like, probably there's, like, an exhibition going on. Last year was, one of this was, hanging her on the walls, like, your paintings are beautiful. And then we have, like, Master Class. So it was there was one on the Rosay wines, and from all Italy because we're from everywhere, every region of Italy. And there are, like, a lot of activities going on. So it's a very fun moment. And, now we're a little bit more b two b oriented because we do it on Monday as well for, restaurants and, business owners. So That's great. How do people find you? Because I I was looking after our conversation, and there's no website. So for people who want to get involved or want to come to the events, how do they find you? How do they where should they go to look for you? So first of all, we have our Instagram page, that is called Sabatelle, so they can reach us there. But we'll soon have our link in our website. We're working on all the let's say marketing material also to get up there. And so, yeah, it's everything is in in development. So we're as I told you, like, we we came up as a, the IT in September. So we started, like, organizing also with the b with the ARvest, there was, like, pretty hard. And, but yeah, we're getting ready. Good. From twenty twenty four we'll start. I'm so glad to talk to you at this point when it's new and it's just happening. Excited to see what will what it'll be like in, like, five years from now. I think A lot of interesting things can happen when strong women get together. Interesting things happen. Yes. We'll go back to these podcasts to see what the smell is. Exactly. We'll do take two in a couple of years. Yeah. We'll accept ideas. So Everyone who will listen to us now will probably contribute to the creation. Exactly. Well, I I wanted to ask you some thoughts while I've got you here. First of all, who's who's been important to you as a mentor, who, you know, in, as you've been coming up and into wine, and As you said, imposter syndrome is a thing. It really is. So I know I've needed a mentor from time to time and who has been yours. So I would say I have a lot of mentors. I probably started with my dad. I have a very close relationship to my dad. And he told me a lot of things about business, but that should have been translated to the wine industry because, my dad is not in the wine industry, so, it's an a commodity kind of business. So it's very different. But, I think the thoughts and, and, last time he he had for me, they were very valuable. And then back in the word of wine, I think my first job in New York with the Gallangelo with Gina Calangelo was He was he is still today a mentor to me and he's actually actually helping me out a lot. And but I think I have many. My mom as well. So I wanna I I don't I don't want to tell. No. Of course. Like, I I have a lot. A lot of people help me out. Well, that's good. And I think being open to having help, sometimes people are afraid to ask for help. And I think that's one of the most intelligent things anyone can do is to say, Hey, I need help and find someone who can do it all the time. So much for help. Like, I'm I never wanna do things on my own. Also, my sales manager works with Minikola. He's a great, great and valuable resource today in the business during, like, in our business. And yeah. So, I think I have a lot of people to thank for. That's good. That's good. Well, I you know, we're we're talking about young women and things, and you are young. You're only twenty nine. So I'm just wondering how you feel about this whole issue. You know, we talk about a lot. We read about it a lot that young people are not drinking wine. And particularly in foreign markets, and in the US, there's, a move towards low alcohol, no alcohol, different kinds of drinks. People are very concerned about potential health issues. This is a very hot topic and debated whether or not, wine is gonna have to carry health warnings. We won't go into that, but I'm just wondering how you feel about getting young people, and people new to the wine industry, into wine and drinking wine, tasting it, and trying it, and learning about it. How can we do that effectively? So I believe that wine is itself an experience, shouldn't be classified as something we just drink. And what we're trying to do at the winery too is, trying to, put them in the situation where they leave the environment. So what we do is, like, create also a biodiversity. So we have bees, and sometimes, like, drinking wine at the winery is, yeah, let me take you for a visit. And let's see everything. Let's see the surroundings. Let's see the vineyards. Once they finish the tour, they get to the winery, and they're like, I really wanna taste this wine. Like, I really I really wanna try what what I saw. I wanna touch it. I wanna I wanna taste it. So and we have a lot of young people that actually come. To do that. So I think that's the most interesting. We have to create the environment for them to love wine, not just like promoting and do marketing. There there will be more I wanna touch this. I wanna see this. I think that's really important. I know, you know, especially with, just young people in general are much more concerned now about what they're eating, what they're drinking, is it organic? Is it sustainable? Is it in plastic? All of these sorts of things. So, creating an environment that is attractive and makes them feel attached to the wine is interesting too. And then I think, you know, being able to talk about these other issues you know, packaging and things like that. Is that something that you're looking at too to bring more young people on board? Yeah. It's a hundred percent. Also, the fact that sometimes a lot of people talk about, organic or, you know, but sometimes, like, people want to see facts. I know you we do certifications to to prove that we're doing the right things, but, yeah, it's a certification. It's something, sustained from the battle. So once they come in. Like, they really wanna touch it. They really wanna see it. Like, what are we doing that is different? So it's not more about the story of the family or the state, which is beautiful. Sometimes, like, we need to have, like, such a amazing heritage. But I wanna do something more. So, that's why, like, we put bees and where it puts flowers, we have different different cultivations, not just the vineyard, and should be actions. Like, they should see the action to do better. And that's what young people do. I'm a millennial. So, sometimes we're still more into, like, marketing and that people, my sister's age, they really want to touch what they drink, what they eat. They really wanna know what's behind it. That is so interesting. I hope that everybody's listening is paying close attention to this because you know what you're talking, you know, having having younger siblings and young friends as well, but also being in the wine industry, you know what people are looking for. So Where do you see yourself in about five years from now? I'm scared. Don't be scared. I'm scared because I see myself as I'm what I think, like, I'm gonna be very transparent. I wanna be inspired I want to inspire people. Like, I wanna do the right thing. I wanna tell people, know what to do, know what to feel like, but I wanna be the example of, my, you know, like, my past experience, so it wasn't that easy to get into wine and be accepted and be liked. So, I hope I'll be the person who stands up and say, you know, it wasn't easy. It wasn't always like this. Maybe now I'm, you know, better than five years ago, but it was hard. And it's okay if it's hard, like, you're gonna get better. That is amazing. I mean, we were talking before about how, you know, for women, it's even harder in the industry, and you have to have the title, you have to have the pin. Yeah. I'm the strength of the title, so it can be there and be like, yay. I hate it. Exactly. And it's it's depressing sometimes when we feel that we have to do that. So I think you're gonna be a great inspiration for a lot of people, and I I love how passionate you are about what you're doing. And I just wish you all the best, and I'm gonna keep my eye on Spavatella. This is so exciting. I think it's great. And I hope that you all can drive it forward. Get the directivo, get the initiative, go national, make it big and allowed. So I hope that Rosos barbatello will in five years, we'll be successful, and that would be a great achievement because I could say, yeah, we're I was there in the beginning. Thanks. I helped out, and we all came up with this amazing concept that idea that helps other women feel more secure and more connected. So And supporting, which is which is gonna keep people in the wine industry. Yeah. Especially small producers and and young females who are struggling. So I think that's great. I'm so happy to hear about this, and I can't wait to see what you do. So thank you so much for coming back and talking to me. Thank you so much for everything. It was great talking to you. It's very comfortable. Thank you for listening, and remember to tune in next Wednesday when I'll be chatting with another fascinating guest. Italian wine podcast is among the leading wine podcast in the world and the only one with a daily show tune in every day and discover all our different shows. You can find us at Italian wine podcast dot com, SoundCloud, Spotify, Himalaya, or wherever you get your pods.