Is it really Brunello?

[mfiore]

Many of Italian wines have rigid labeling rules. They use DOC or DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). It means different things for every region. DOCG is the most restrictive status. Brunello di Montalcino DOCG was the first Italian wine region to achieve this status. Among other requirements, the wines need to be from 100% Sangiovese grape grown in a small region of Montalcino, aged a minimum of 4 years before release (5 for the Riserva), at least 3.5 years of that in wooden barrels.

Italian wine makers are notorious for having such strict requirements, but defiantly not following them. This has given rise to numerous cult wines, such as the Super Tuscans, which are wines from the Tuscan area that the winemaker has decided to "declassify" and label as IGT (a table wine designation). This has given the winemaker the freedom to add whatever grapes he wants in the blend, age how he/she likes, etc.

The concern in Montalcino is that winemakers are using the Brunello DOCG label, and adding other grapes to the blend.

[mfiore]

Originally Posted by Dutchoven

Will you do the gas chromatography and let us know the results!

I would probably use a much older and validated method of analysis - put in my mouth and swallow

[james]

Originally Posted by Ed_

... but it seems reasonable to guess that this was found out through routine enforcement of such laws.

Non esiste. :-)
James

[CanuckJim]

James, et al,

Authenticity, there's the rub. For those looking for San Marzano seeds and others Italian, maybe have a look here: Herb Seed A-K

Jim

[mfiore]

The plot thickens...

Wine Spectator | Articles | U.S Threatens to Block Brunello Imports

[james]

Doesn't this feel like a self-inflicted wound. Sad. Spend a generation building a brand and respect, then threaten the whole thing with some very bad (institutional?) decision making.
James