November 3, 2008
The Votes Are In: No Changes to the Brunello Appellation

Last week the producers of Montalcino (more than 250 members of the Consortium Brunello di Montalcino) voted 96% against changes to the disciplinare, or DOCG appellation laws that governs the production of the beloved Brunello di Montalcino, guaranteeing that Brunello will continue to be produced from 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes.

This solidarity among the producers sends a powerful message to consumers worldwide that, in spite of the recent bad publicity associated with the so called “Brunello scandal” – which to date reports a return of most of the seized 2003 vintage by the Sienese authorities – the commitment among the producers is to stay true to local tradition and the native varietal.

Prior to the official assembly, five brave producers voted unanimously and publicly against the changes and they are: Tenuta Il Greppo, Tenuta Il Poggione, Fattoria dei Barbi, Tenuta Le Potazzine, Cerrini, and Tenuta Col d’Orcia.

Following are the questions asked to the Consortium members and the official results:

Proposition 1: Are you in favor of changing the ampelographic basis for Brunello di Montalcino?
662 NO 30 YES

Proposition 2: Are you in favor of changing the ampelographic basis for Rosso di Montalcino?
540 NO 162 YES

Proposition 3: Regardless of your answers to question 1 and 2, are you in favor of making other changes (such as reduction yield/hectar, instruduction yield per stock, cuts between vintages, exclusive use of MCR, etc) for the appellations of Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, Moscadello, and Sant'Antimo?
474 NO 228 YES

Proposition 4: Are you in favor of grouping the Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, Moscadello di Montalcino appellations into a single “Montalcino” appellation, with the exception of Sant'Antimo?
684 NO 6 YES

Proposition 5: Are you in favor of grouping all the appellations into a single “Montalcino” appellation, with the exception of Brunello di Montalcino?
572 NO 118 YES