Decanter World Wine AwardsPiero Antinori: Rosso di Montalcino should allow other grapes
- Monday 31 October 2011
Writing exclusively in the December issue of Decanter magazine, the renowned Tuscan producer says Italian wine may be rooted in the past, but that should never hinder the search for new ways to do things.
‘Age-old roots play an important part in our philosophy, but they have not served to inhibit our innovative spirit.’
Antinori claims that Rosso ‘has never been a very successful product’ and that while enthusiasts might prize wines which show vintage variation and inconsistency, they ‘have not yet shown that love for inconsistency’ by buying Rosso di Montalcino.
Above all, argues the founder of Tignanello, one of the world’s best-known ‘Supertuscan’ Sangiovese-Cabernet blends, the authorities, and producers, should be flexible.
‘When you have a problem it makes sense to find ways around that problem…it might be a good idea to make the regulations more flexible.’
This flexibility might include allowing a small percentage of an international variety to be added to the currently pure Sangiovese of Rosso di Montalcino, he added.
This would allow for more consistent quality in the wine and would help the owners of smaller, struggling vineyards.
‘This should not be open to Brunello di Montalcino under any circumstances,’ Antinori stresses.
The December issue of Decanter magazine is out on Wednesday. Subscribe to Decanter this month and save up to 44%
Have your say!
s.pareatumbee
November 04 10:17
I believe that the choice must be from the producers making the wines. If they are happy and successful with what they are doing ,then why thet need to change.
There is no need to include international varieties in all wines.Some need to be specific and translate the real and typical taste.
Bruce Nichols
November 02 00:52
Love the man's many contributions to the world of wine, but can't rally around him on this one.
What's next - blending some Syrah into DRC?
Greg St.Clair
November 01 15:25
There is no arguing with Piero Antinori’s history, success and importance to Italian wine however he has always been the most successful when he has gone outside the existing DOC laws and making non DOC wines. Why doesn’t he just make a wine with a proprietary name for a Rosso di Montalcino but I’m not sure why he would want to change a product he hasn’t produced, is he just trying to be altruistic for the other producers? There was a joke that played in America several decades ago that basically said “You no playa the game you no maka the rules” .
José Carlos C. Fernandes
November 01 15:03
Dui bicchieri perche 'll be more expenseive.