1.3 million litres of Brunello lose DOCG status
Italian police have closed their investigation into the alleged adulteration of Brunello di Montalcino by declassifying 1.3 million litres of Brunello from DOCG to the less strict IGT category. 680,000 litres of Rosso di Montalcino and Chianti Classico were also moved down to IGT status.
In spring 2008 6.5 million litres of Brunello and 700,000 litres of Rosso were confiscated on suspected use of grapes other than Sangiovese the only grape allowed under appellation rules. The wines were subjected to laboratory tests conducted by a government agricultural office in Florence.
