We've been arguing the importance of knowing the people that farm the grapes and make the wine for awhile now, but this is truly alarming. While many people are focused on the scandal involving Brunello di Montalcino (FYI many big name wine factories have been adding cabernet and syrah to improve their scores and reviews- shocking.) there is a very real criminal problem in cheap Italian wine. Even Time magazine is covering the story-some factories have been adding antifreeze ingredients to wine to improve its perceived value. You can read more about the details here.Absolutely, insanely criminal. What is even more shocking, is how casually Time mentions that .3% methyl alcohol is the legal limit! Government administered certification programs are obviously not the answer. Whether you're buying food, wine or toys these days, it clearly pays to know the person growing or making it.