Positive Distraction with Alexander McCall Smith
Aug 19, 2026 · 8 min · 6 segments
My Italian Bulldoze is the fifth episode of Positive Distraction with Alexander McCall Smith, a brand new podcast from the beloved author. Alexander McCall Smith, worldwide best-selling author of The…
Alexander McCall SmithHostThis book was based on a short story with the same title that I wrote a bit earlier.
What should he do? I had never written on the subject of wine, but could hardly refuse an old friend.
He'd been asked to go to Montalcino, a small hill town in Tuscany that produces Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy's most famous and costliest wines.
His editor wanted a piece about the town, its surroundings, good walks, and of course, a bit about the wine itself.
On the flight to Pisa, I found myself sitting next to a businessman with whom I enjoyed a lively conversation.
If I were ever to find myself in Florence, he said, would I visit him and meet his family? I said I would, and reciprocated the invitation.
This book was based on a short story with the same title that I wrote a bit earlier.
What should he do? I had never written on the subject of wine, but could hardly refuse an old friend.
He'd been asked to go to Montalcino, a small hill town in Tuscany that produces Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy's most famous and costliest wines.
His editor wanted a piece about the town, its surroundings, good walks, and of course, a bit about the wine itself.
On the flight to Pisa, I found myself sitting next to a businessman with whom I enjoyed a lively conversation.
If I were ever to find myself in Florence, he said, would I visit him and meet his family? I said I would, and reciprocated the invitation.
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