One of the leading figures in Italian wine, Giacomo Tachis, has been named Man of the Year 2011 by wine magazine Decanter.

Mr Tachis received the commendation in recognition of his contribution to the Italian wine industry during the 1970s and 1980s, as well as his role in the creation of the seminal Sassicaia, widely regarded as one of the country's finest wines.

His introduction of Bordeaux varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, to the Super Tuscans Sassicaia, Tignanello and Solaia is considered instrumental in the "new epoch" of Italian wines, according to Decanter's Richard Baudains.

"His place in wine history is first and foremost for realising the Tuscan dream of superlative wines," added fellow wine writer Hugh Johnson.

Former winners of Decanter's Man of the Year awards include Aubert de Villaine, owner of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, and Christian Moueix, who oversees production at Chateau Petrus and Chateau Trotanoy.