Chianti Classico hold back wine

Wineries in Chianti Classico will only be allowed to sell 80% of this year's production after members of the Chianti Classico Consorzio agreed to implement its first ever 'blocco delle vendite' due to fears that falling bulk prices could harm the image of the Tuscan DOCG.

Under the plans, they will hold back 20% of the wines produced from the 2009 harvest for a minimum of 24 months.

The aim is to avoid speculation over bulk prices during difficult trading times for the wine sector and for the region which has been hit by falling sales in key markets such as the US.