Q: How have Americans reacted to the news of the scandal, adulterated Brunello, and Brunello that does not meet appellation requirements?

A: Honestly, that is a difficult question. Brunello collectors make up about 3% of the wine buyers in the US and in that circle there is a reaction. They don't know what to make of it yet. I believe that because there are 99s, 00s, 01s and a few 02s available, nobody is worried yet. People think that it is an Italian soap opera between Feder Comercio, magistratura de Siena against it Produttori del Brunello.

The wines of Sagrantino Di Montefalco are a true discovery and although this area has a history that is rich in wine the leading producer in this region is a relative newcomer to the region Arnaldo Caprai. In 1971 Arnaldo Caprai, a successful textile businessman, bought the Val di Maggio estate to fulfill his dream of producing his own wine. He started off with only five hectares, but as time went by he believed more and more in the great potential of the local variety Sagrantino and bought more of the surrounding land. In 1988 his son Marco Caprai started managing the winery and with his passion and determination gives the necessary impetus for the production of top quality wines. Since 1991 the Caprai’s have made huge investments into the acquisition of new vineyards, scientific research, technological innovation. Their efforts yielded results almost immediately and in its last six editions the Italian Guide to Wines published by Gambero Rosso and Slow Food Arcigola has awarded the prestigious Three Glasses to Caprai's Sagrantino 25 anni. Many other important recognitions have since been awarded to the winery, including the Super Three stars of Veronelli (awarded to wines that have reached levels of excellence for many years consecutively) and the Oscar of Wine as Best Producer of the Year awarded by the Italian Association of Sommelier. We met, and discuss wines of the world and his particular winemaking skills, by far one of the most adventurer enologist that I ever met from Tuscany south. Using French Oak barriques, his blends are from Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Cilegiolo and Merlot grapes.