Wojciech Bońkowski
Master of Wine

Franco Biondi Santi dies

Franco Biondi Santi dies. A personal tribute for Italy’s greatest wine aristocrat.

Monumental Brunellos

Day 3 of Brunello visits, including two monumental wines: 1998 and 1995 Poggio al Vento from Col d’Orcia.

Brunello: exploring the heights

Visiting the top Brunello estates with Tim Atkin MW: quick summary & photos.

Vernaccia: patient progress

After years of patient progress, Vernaccia di San Gimignano is now one of Italy’s best white wines.

An ocean of Chianti

Chianti DOCG: 110 million bottles and almost as many issues.

The wines of Le Macchiole

Made to impress, they do. But I prefer the Cabernet Franc to the Merlot.

Livio Felluga Sossò 2000

Orange wine works great with goose; world-class Merlot from Italy.

Chianti discoveries: Fattoria di Petroio

Last write-up of my Tuscan week: the delicious Chianti wines of Fattoria di Petroio.

Valdipiatta Alfiero 2008–1983

Valdipiatta Vigna d’Alfiero vertical 2008-1983: leading Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in top shape.

Drinkable Brunello

Brunello 2007 is fun to drink, at long last.