There I sat yesterday morning, reviewing various news feeds with my morning espresso, when I saw that Brunello legend Franco Biondi Santi had passed away at the age of 91. Biondi Santi is largely credited with making Brunello what it is today….

Sad to report the news that legendary Brunello icon, Franco Biondi Santi has passed away. Reports are emerging from Montalcino and VinItaly in Verona. Updates will follow as they become available. Riposa in pace. Franco Biondi Santi was 91

Quick Quiz:  Name for me a DOCG wine that comes from Piemonte?   Go.   How many wines entered your mind after Barolo and Barbaresco?    Now let’s phrase the question a different way.    Think of an Italian white wine. …

It’s almost a foregone conclusion that Sagrantino aren’t approachable young.  That may be fair to assume in many cases – the wines are typically massive and although they are built to age, that doesn’t mean they can’t occasionally be enjoyed…

I demand a lot from my wines, especially when they’re north of $40 and close to $50.  I’ve always been skeptical about the “second labels” from the Bolgheri producers.   Le Volte, Le Serre Nuove, Guido Alberto…. whenever I tried one at…