A rose cockerel by any other name...
Earlier this year, the Chianti Classico? Consortium and the Gallo? Nero? (or Black Cockerel) consortium merged under the umbrella of the former. The primary motivation for their consolidation was to enhance Chianti's competitive ability in international markets through the concentration? of resources and decision-making processes. The new organization will be known as the Consorzio? Vino? Chianti Classico or Consortium of Chianti Classico Wine.
The Gallo Nero? Consortium was founded in 1924: in 1987 the Chianti Classico consortium was formed as an offshoot organization. The former oversaw the marketing and promotion of the wines from greater Chianti while the latter supervised quality control and vinification? standards for wines made in the nine privileged Chianti Classico townships in the provinces of Firenze and Siena.
As a result of the merger, all Chianti wines (including those made in Chianti Classico) will be labeled with the familiar and beloved Gallo Nero, which has been lightly restyled (the iconic image had remained unchanged since its inception in 1924).
... and here's the reasoning:
This [the merger] is not a simple return to the past,� said Giovanni Ricasoli-Firidolfi, President of the Black Rooster Consortium, “Instead it is a proposal that should be seen in a different light. It is an attempt to reinforce the Chianti Classico ‘system,’ presenting it to the market with a single voice and a single organizational structure?. In other words, the reunification of the two Consortia is in line with what has been suggested by leading national institutions from the presidency of the Italian republic to the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies and the leadership of Confindustria. They have all spoken of the urgent need to “function as a system� in order to recuperate the competitive position the country is rapidly losing.
Interesting times. I wonder how this move will work out for them? Especially with the success of regions such as Sicily hot on their heels.
At any rate, it can only lead to good things for the end-customer. *grin*