With Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s “Investigation into Russian Interference in U.S. Elections” report due out any day, I thought it best to disclose my recent interaction with a Russian oligarch!
As we were leaving a wine tasting at the Antinori Family’s Tenuta Guado al Tasso in the Tuscan Region of Bolgheri, our host (Daniel Thomases – former Italian Wine Editor for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate) said he had arranged a “special” visit for us to conclude the day. Considering we had visited the Sassicaia estate before Tenuta Guado al Tasso, it was hard to imagine what could be more “special”.
On the way, Daniel Thomases told us we would be the first Americans to visit La Madonnina. La Madonnina is owned by Konstantin Nikolayev, a well known Russian oligarch who is the head of the Russian transport holding company T-Trans. Many people in Bolgheri believe Nikolayev and La Madonnina is a front for Vladimir Putin. While I have no idea if that is true, I can tell you the money spent at La Madonnina didn’t seem to be a concern.
As we entered the “farmhouse” at La Madonnina we were greeted by Russians who spoke limited English. Our hosts showed us to a dining room table where it became obvious we were going to taste several wines.
La Madonnina produces three outstanding wines:
⁃ “Opera Omnia” Bolgheri Rosso Doc Superiore
⁃ “Viator” Toscana Rosso IGT
⁃ “La Madonnina” Toscana Rosso IGT
While the language barrier made it difficult to engage in much conversation, we were able to learn Nikolayev bought La Madonnina in 2017 and has spent an enormous amount of money upgrading the vineyard and complex. Nikolayev is one of several Russian billionaires who is expanding into the European Union wine market by buying elite wineries. In addition to purchasing La Madonnina in Tuscany, they have been buying wineries in the French regions of Champagne and Provence as all three regions are popular among wealthy Russians.
While I am not expecting to testify before any Senate hearings, I would gladly under oath say I enjoyed the wines which can be purchased directly through the winery at: lamadonninabolgheri.it!