Following the documented drama of a few months back, it seems like the reputation of the prestigious Italian winery? is in the clear. Jo Cooke (winespectator.com) writes:
Tuscan magistrates have released Marchesi Antinori's Brunello di Montalcino from impoundment, allowing the wine to be sold and making Antinori the first Montalcino producer under investigation to be cleared of suspicion. Laboratory tests concluded that the wine contains only Sangiovese, as required by the Brunello DOCG? (Denominazione di Origine Controllata? e Garantita?) regulations.
The Italian Finance Police, the Guardia di Finanza, seized Antinori's Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2003 in April, along with the 2003 Brunellos of Castelgiocondo (owned by Marchesi de'Frescobaldi), Castello Banfi and Argiano, as part of an investigation launched by Siena public prosecutor Nino Calabrese. The producers were suspected of blending in varieties other than Sangiovese.
Piero Antinori, who heads the Tuscan family winery, said that the Pian delle Vigne? Brunello was subjected to analysis several times before being cleared. "We always knew there was no problem with the wines," said Antinori. "And we are really happy now, after three months of confusion."
In related news, due to the pending closure of one of our competitors, Antinori have approached us with the offer of their agency here in South Africa. Watch this space for details.