Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors’ Corner and Episode 2708 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode Fulvia Tai IWA interviews Domenico Tappero Merlo from Tappero Merlo winery in Piemonte. The conversation explores the winery’s pioneering approach to the Erbaluce grape, an indigenous white variety of Northern Piedmont, and its flagship wines, KIN and Acini Perduti.
These sessions are recorded from Clubhouse and reproduced here for the Italian Wine Podcast.
Key Learning Objectives:
To understand how the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheatre’s glacial, sandy, mineral-rich soils shape the style and identity of Canavese wines.
To explore how Erbaluce di Caluso’s high acidity is balanced through winemaking choices while preserving its mineral character.
To examine the philosophy of “slow wine” at Tappero Merlo, including long aging, ritual service, and the role of time in wine expression.
More about today’s host:
Fulvia Tai IWA is a certified Italian Wine Ambassador and Sommelier based in Emilia-Romagna. Originally from Taiwan, she specializes in Italian wine education, tasting, and cross-cultural communication, with a focus on indigenous grape varieties.
An AIS-certified taster, Italian Wine Scholar, and Vinitaly Wine Ambassador, she is also pursuing the WSET Diploma. Alongside her academic credentials, Fulvia has worked with international wine importers and founded Diffusa, a consultancy supporting wineries in accessing Asian markets. Today, she bridges Italy and Asia through wine education, strategic consulting, and storytelling.
Connect:
Website: http://www.diffusaitaly.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fulvia.tai/
More about today’s guest:
The Tappero Merlo boutique winery is located in the Canavese region of Piedmont, Italy, at the edge of the Aosta Valley. Its vineyards stretch across about 3 hectares within the unique, glaciated Ivrea Morainic Amphitheater. Domenico Tappero Merlo is an acclaimed Italian winemaker, sommelier, and author. He is best known for his dedication to reviving and elevating Erbaluce di Caluso, a native white grape variety from the Canavese region in Piedmont. In 2001, he left the tech industry to return to his family's farming roots in the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheater, taking over his family's land to prevent the vineyards from disappearing.
He utilizes plant extracts, essential oils, and minimal copper to protect the vines, while self-producing organic compost to enrich soil fertility. By championing biodiversity—fostering an ecosystem full of beneficial fauna—and using massal selection from ancient vines, he crafts exceptional wines that elevate his grandfather’s legacy.
Connect:
Website: https://www.tapperomerlo.it/en/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintappero/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568259354306
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Until next time, Cin Cin!
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Brasil