September14,
2005
Chianti
Merger
Earlier this
year, the Chianti Classico Consortium and the Gallo Nero (or
Black Cockerel) consortium merged under the umbrella of the
former. The primary motivation for their consolidation was
to enhance Chianti's competitive ability in international
markets through the concentration of resources and decision-making
processes. The new organization will be known as the Consorzio
Vino Chianti Classico or Consortium of Chianti Classico Wine.
The Gallo Nero Consortium was founded in 1924: in 1987
the Chianti Classico consortium was formed as an offshoot
organization. The former oversaw the marketing and promotion
of the wines from greater Chianti while the latter supervised
quality control and vinification standards for wines made
in the nine privileged Chianti Classico townships in the
provinces of Firenze and Siena.
As a result of the merger, all Chianti wines (including
those made in Chianti Classico) will be labeled with the
familiar and beloved Gallo Nero, which has been lightly
restyled (the iconic image had remained unchanged since
its inception in 1924).
The four original townships of Chianti Classico were first
recognized as such the Medici Grand Duke Cosimo III's edict
of 1716. The appellation – one of the earliest officially
sanctioned in Italy – was expanded only in 1932. The
recent merger effectively eliminates any competition that
may have existed between the two groups.
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