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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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