More on the Brunello saga…
May 13, 2008 by michael
For the past two months some producers of Brunello di Montalcino, one of the premier wines in the world, have been investigated for blending their Brunello (100% Sangiovese-based wines) with Cabernet and Merlot. Amidst these allegations, the United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has stepped in to ensure that the wines that reach our dinner tables are the real thing. Decanter Magazine is reporting that imports of Brunello into the United States may be delayed beginning June 9, 2008.
From Decanter: “Francesco Marone Cinzano, president of the trade body, the Brunello Consorzio, said… ‘Starting on 9 June, the US will block all Brunello imports unless the wine is accompanied by laboratory analysis proving that the wine is pure Sangiovese.”
I understand regulations on producers to ensure that Brunello is in fact 100% Sangiovese, but is this level of control necessary? Is it really feasible to ask this of all 200 or so producers that export wines to the US? What do you think: has it gone too far, or is this an important step in preserving the tradition and integrity of one of the worlds most amazing wines?
Image: Taken in Montalcino of an Enoteca on one of the main roads into town.
Argh, donna, you made outstanding points in your comment yesterday, but it was deleted in the upgrade!
Any chance you have a copy of them?
oopsie, nope.. weird tho, they were here earlier even with the new format, and now, poof, they are gone.
liking the new look
summary of yesterdays comment.. i tought this new brunello embargo sounded like a capitalist plot to put more of the consumer’s money in the hands of the man (ie american importers and industry lobbyists). basically, because of limited supply, the burnello that is in the US before 6/9 will be marked up, including the disguised, “impure” brunello (ie: blends). then the prices for “pure” brunello that is allowed into the US after 6/9 will sky-rocket because now they have this new seal of approval, which those who stand to make a profit will play on in order to take advantage of the consumer. which is bull since clearly these “acceptable” brunellos will be coming from the same honest producers meeting the same centuries-old standards for this wine, only now the consumer has to pay more because some capitalist pigs saw a ripe opportunity in the brunello saga.
dont you heart america?
outstanding, thanks Donna!
On topic: I don’t think this will effect pricing since all testing is on their end. That said, it’s a big pain in the ass and could result in some problems…I’m not sure what to think just yet.
ps. i deleted it on accident while trying to get rid of some spam links in the comments section! I wish those people would learn that I’m not going to approve their messages and just move along.
Anyways, glad you like the new look