Following the success of the inaugural 2009 contest, Marchesi de' Frescobaldi once again invited aspiring chefs and home cooks to submit their favorite Italian recipes via the Tuscany Tonight Web site (www.tuscanytonight.com). Michelin-rated Chef Donatella Zampoli, who has worked with the Frescobaldi family and estates for many years, was tasked with evaluating the recipes and selecting the winning recipe. The recipe submissions were judged according to a host of criteria including simplicity, depth of flavor and originality. "The winning recipe was certainly one of the most original I have tasted,” said Zampoli. “The use of vanilla and Champagne was something new and different. Best of all, I feel it is something people will be able to easily recreate at home."

The creator of the winning recipe has taken an interesting path to the culinary arts. After 11 years in the Army, which included tours in Iraq and Kosovo, Bohne, 32, decided to follow his passion for food. Using the G.I. Bill, Bohne landed in Denver and enrolled in the culinary-arts program at Johnson & Wales University. "I grew up in the Philadelphia area and developed an early appreciation for food from the strong Italian influence on food in the area. For my recipe submission, I wanted to create something that was simple to make while also elevating the quality and flavor profile," said Bohne.

“Mr. Thomas Bohne has demonstrated that he is a champion both in the fields of culinary arts and with his devotion to his country due to his tenure with the armed forces. I am very proud of this distinguished accomplishment and know this honor is a launching point for the rest of his culinary career,” said Jorge de la Torre, dean of culinary education at Johnson & Wales.

The Tuscany Tonight Web site is a comprehensive online resource for Tuscan wine, food and travel enthusiasts. Created by the Frescobaldi family, winemakers in Tuscany for more than 700 years and 33 generations, the site offers recipes, wine-and-food pairings and party planning tips, as well as educational information on Italian wine.

About Marchesi de' Frescobaldi – www.frescobaldi.it

Marchesi de' Frescobaldi, the leading wine producer of Tuscany and one of the most historic and respected wine companies in the world, combines centuries of tradition with progressive winemaking techniques and practices. Founded in the 14th century and a supplier of wines to the royal courts of Europe for generations, Marchesi de' Frescobaldi is still a family-owned company today. Comprised of nine distinct estates totaling approximately 1,100 hectares, Marchesi de' Frescobaldi produces wines utilizing only the grapes grown in its own vineyards. The company continually upgrades and modernizes its grape growing and winemaking operations, maintaining a relentless focus on producing unique wines that express the individuality of each unique terroir from which they are produced.