Soldera revokes his irrevocable resignation, Parker drops his lawsuit against Galloni and the Hosemaster has an apoplectic accident

Wow – what a week it's been in the wine world!

I have to say, I never saw any of these coming – this has been a watershed week in the world of wine for resolution and retroverse reconciliation and inarticulate anomalies. Let’s dig in.


Firstly, from Italy and Montalcino we have had another statement issuing forth from Gianfranco Soldera. This time, it seems he is a bit more contrite and conciliatory.

A rough translation ensues here:

“I Gianfranco Soldera, regret my earlier statement made to the President of the consortium for Brunello di Montalcino wine, in which I sent my irrevocable resignation. I now revoke it and will in the future participate willingly and happily in the process with the 250 other growers and producers in Montalcino. I think I was suffering stress from the trial of the ex-employee, Mr. Andrea Di Gisi and wasn’t thinking clearly. I know most people will take this as a surprise and no small shock hearing these words from me but I want to assure the Brunello lovers around the world and my colleagues in Montalcino that I regret I acted capriciously. I am sorry. The end.”

The President of the Consortium, Mr. Fabrizio Bindocci was unavailable for comment as he was celebrating the Easter Holiday with his family in an undisclosed location.

Back in America, it seems Robert Parker is also having second thoughts about the Wine Advocate’s recent lawsuit against Antonio Galloni and his office issued this statement:

“This has all been a misunderstanding based upon uncertain clauses in the contract the Wine Advocate had with Antonio Galloni. I retract any litigation and lawsuits, including any and all injunctions and restraining orders. I admire Antonio for his work with us since 2006 and sincerely wish to put this all behind us. I was feeling ill and believe I had an adverse reaction to some of the medication I was taking. We will attempt to work things out between the new partners, Lisa (Perotti Brown) and Antonio, hopefully in very short order.”

Antonio Galloni was unavailable for comment as he was celebrating the Easter Holiday with his family in an undisclosed location.

Lastly, Ron Washam, creator of the captious and asinine wine blog, the Hosemaster, was rushed to the Silverado Vet Hospital over the weekend upon hearing he had been nominated for a Wine Blog (or as he likes to call them, Poodle) Award. I spoke to him over the phone and he was resting in a private room in the Yountville Veterans Home. Apparently, Mr. Washam suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage from the surprise and dismay in reaction to the news. He is being fed a vegan diet with a small daily allocation of Abe Schoener’s 2011 Gardens of Babylon California Red Wine. He is expected to be back with his feet in his mouth in two to three months.

Yes, it has been a busy week, in Italy, in Monkton and in California Wine Country. We send our wishes out to all for peaceful resolutions and further creative endeavors.

Bunga! Bunga!

written on this *first day of April by Alfonso Cevola limited rights reserved On the Wine Trail in Italy





* Yes, this is an April Fool's Day post and is a total fabrication

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