Brunello monitoring procedures extended to June 30, 2009

Last week, the Italian Ministry of Food, Agricultural and Forestry Policies has extended the decree, signed in July 2008, which established the procedures for monitoring Brunello di Montalcino wines by Central Inspectorate for Monitoring. The extension of the decree will provide the necessary certification in order to avoid any further impasse with the U.S. TTB, which will not allow any Brunello di Montalcino to be imported unless accompanied by a letter of certification (declaring that it has been made from 100% Sangiovese grapes). The extension of the decree was signed by minister Luca Zaia and is valid until June 30, 2009.

Personally, I think that the extension is a great thing and it kills several birds with just one stone, as we say in Italian ("prendere due piccioni con una fava"). It helps to protect consumers and to safeguard winemakers like us, who work honestly. It will also help to block the activity of gray-marketers because if they do not have the certification and the TTB audits them, their license will be revoked.