A New Circular from the U.S. TTB

The United State Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade bureau published a new circular on Friday. Not much has changed: U.S. importers of Brunello will still be required to show a "declaration on Italian government letterhead" that the wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes.

This circular serves as notice that beginning on June 23, 2008, all importers of Brunello di Montalcino wine must have in their possession at the time of the wine’s release from United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody a declaration from the Government of Italy stating that the product’s vintage date and brand name meet the requirements of the Brunello di Montalcino Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) and that the product is acceptable for sale as such in Italy.

At Tenuta Il Poggione we are still waiting to see when the Italian government will be providing declarations to Brunello producers to give to their importers.

To read the entire circular, click here.