One of
four Montalcino wineries under investigation for allegedly
violating DOCG regulations has announced that it would
declassify its 2003 Brunello, labelling it as an IGT
wine so that it may be allowed to sell it.
Two thirds of Argiano's 2003 production
will be sold as the less rigorous IGT (Indicazione
Geografica Tipica) at prices at least 15% lower, say
the reports.
"We just can't afford to wait
for a decision from the authorities," said Stephane
Schaeffer, commercial director of Argiano. "We
are a small producer and we make mostly Brunello,
so we can't afford to let the 2003 stay in our cellars."
A few bottles of the 10,000 cases of their Brunello,
exported before the investigation, can still be sold
as Brunello.
More than a million bottles of 2003
Brunello di Montalcino were impounded by the Siena
police early last month (reported by delWine) from
Argiano, Castelgiocondo (Frescobaldi), Pian delle
Vigne (Antinori) and Castello Banfi. Montalcino comes
under the jurisdiction of Siena, in Tuscany.
Investigations were initiated last
November when some producers were suspected of using
grapes other than 100% Brunello grape- a clone of
Sangiovese also known as Sangiovese Grosso from Montalcino
in their 2003 vintage Brunello, which is against the
regulations.
These wineries have appealed against
the decision, arguing that any other varietals were
used in other wines, such as their regular IGTs. But
while the appeals are ongoing, the wine is blocked
in the cellar, locking up the capital.
According to the report by Wine
Spectator , Antinori is also planning the
same with its 2003 Brunello di Montalcino Pian delle
Vigne. Meanwhile, the crisis has damaged the entire
appellation's reputation, as the stories from the
Italian press have condemned the wineries even before
all the facts have come in (as they would do in India).
Interestingly, the story was released on the day of
the opening of Vinitaly, which made many people wonder
whether there was a political motive behind this 'leakage'.
Brunello de Montalcino is a highly
respected wine from Italy and as a fine wine with
a great aging potential, commands a lot of respect
throughout the world, including India, along with
Barolo, Amarone and Super-Tuscan wines.
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