CHIANTI TO CUT PERMITTED YIELDS

Published: 23 July, 2008

By Michele Shah

The Chianti Classico Consorzio has voted through a proposal to cut 2004 vintage yields in Chianti by 20%. Giuseppe Liberatore, director of Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, said the decision was based on two clear objectives. The first is to stabilise the critical current market situation; the second is to produce a "super-selected" quality Chianti Classico by lower yields and higher selection.' The decision has divided opinion in the region. Many see the proposed decree as a courageous and far-sighted decision, underlining a strategy to re-affirm the image and quality of Chianti Classico. Others, such as Francesco Ricasoli of Castello di Brolio, argue that the 2004 vintage is going to be very good both in quality and quantity, and that cutting yields does not necessarily guarantee quality. Following two difficult vintages I do not agree with the decree to cut yields,' Ricasoli said. Quality and image do not automatically improve by cutting yields. Quality depends on the individual producer.'

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