2022 ended in  sorrow for Italian wine industry with the death, at 91 years of age, of Francesca Colombini Cinelli, the celebrated “Lady of Brunello” in Montalcino.

After the death of her father Giovanni in 1976, she took the reins as director of her family’s historic Fattoria dei Barbi winery and farm in Montalcino. Under her leadership, the property became one of the first major Italian producers of fine wines to ship their wines beyond Italy’s borders. She envisioned an international future for Sangiovese Grosso (Montalcino’s specific varietal). She guided her family’s estate through a major shift in how Tuscan wine was produced and how it was perceived throughout the world. Under her leadership, the property became one of the first major Italian producers of fine wines to ship their wines beyond Italy’s borders.

2023 started with another heavy loss; this time one of the Langhe ambassadors: Luciano Sandrone, who passed away at the age of 76, in recent days. Sandrone’s Barolos, from the Cru Le Vigne to the Cannubi Boschis and Aleste, have achieved top-level success in global fine wine appreciation. Luciano Sandrone’s wine adventure began in 1970s as a true “garagiste”, growing in quality, reputation and sales success ever since.