Sourcing The Stolen Sangreal

Your riding with the Duchess and Damien, ostensibly explaining how higher vampires are vanquished, when you encounter a short interlude on the way to the vineyard as a peasant wagon requires your help from two prowling Panthers. Though tough, these clawing cats should be straightforward to put down. Then continue your ride, up to the entrance of the grand Castel Ravello.

The winery owner, Master Fabricio, is surprised by this visitation. Answer him how you wish, then quiz the wine master regarding the stolen Sangreal. Fabricio’s worried responses result in the Duchess ordering an inspection of the Castel Ravello cellars. Along the way, Anna Henrietta informs you of Fabricio’s past misfortunes, and her appointment of him from beggar to steward. Follow her down into the cellar where the search begins.

Conduct a thorough sweep of the premises, beginning with the wine ledger on the table just to the side of the entrance (use your Witcher Senses if you can’t immediately spot it; all areas of interest glow red). This Vintner’s log seems to be neat and thoroughly documented. Now to find the 1269 vintage that Benoit claimed the stain was from.

Though it isn’t necessary, inspecting every parchment sign near an alcove cask allows you to view the different wines this place is storing. From the Fiorano (Dandelion’s favorite) to the Pomino, the ground floor holds no Sangreal. Climb the wooden stairs to the upper alcoves, and work your way through the different Sangreal years to the far end of the wooden walkway, until you find the 1269 vintage.

Check the smaller barrels set into the three large archway alcoves. A total of five of these barrels must be inspected; knock each one. After tapping all five, it appears all the barrels are full. But are they full of Sangreal? It seems you require two pieces of precision equipment in order to find out. Descend down to the main cellar floor, and look for containers highlighted in red which contain the barrel tap and hammer you need. Now return to the upstairs alcove.

Broach the barrels in the Sangreal alcove, then step back and let Anna taste each one. One of the barrels has been tampered with! This isn’t Sangreal; it’s revolting, bitter plonk!

You both return to interrogate Master Fabricio, who eventually admits to selling a few barrels of Sangreal. It seems the Duchess doesn’t pay him much and he desired the extra funds to purchase his ancestral grounds. Chime in as you wish during this conversation. Fabricio reveals a few weeks ago, a rich nobleman approached him, suggesting an enterprise involving the selling of Sangreal to an unknown party. The nobleman was the intermediary, and Fabricio reveals him to be tall, black-haired, and speaking with a foreign lilt. He has already made arrangements for the next shipment. You agree with the Duchess to set a trap; this Cintrian noble could be the blackmailer! A visit to Fort Astre is agreed upon.