Vino Nobile confiscated in fraud probe

Italian officials have confiscated 12,000 litres of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

This comes two months after news broke of alleged grape blending in Brunello di Montalcino, which continues to convulse the denomination.

Investigators have reportedly confiscated Vino Nobile from the Vecchia Cantina co-operative cellar, and they are also investigating the Gattavecchi firm, whose proprietor Luca Gattavecchi is also the President of the Vino Nobile Consorzio.

The total amount involved is 120 hectolitres (hl).

According to the Italian newspaper Corriere Fiorentino investigators suspect the wines in question have been blended with grapes from other Italian regions, from 2004 to the present.

This is strictly forbidden under the laws governing Vino Nobile’s production code.

Luca Gattavecchi, confirmed his firm is under investigation and said that he is fully cooperating.

‘We all know that Tuscan wine has recently been put under the microscope. The ongoing investigation is to assure consumers and producers that our products all adhere to the production code.’

Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano by law must be minimum 70% Sangiovese, with the possible addition of up to 10% of native grape Canaiolo, while the remaining 20% can be any number of varieties cultivated within the Montepulciano growing area including international grapes.

‘Whenever there are any suspicions at all, it is best to look into the matter to clear it up. Now we have to wait in good faith for the results of the investigation,’ Gattavecchi said.

Written by Kerin O’Keefe