Rosso di Montalcino would benefit from the addition of international varieties, Marchese Piero Antinori says in the latest issue of Decanter.
Writing exclusively in the December issue of Decanter magazine, the renowned Tuscan producer says Italian wine may be rooted in the past, but that should never hinder the search for new ways to do things.
‘Age-old roots play an important part in our philosophy, but they have not served to inhibit our innovative spirit.’
Antinori claims that Rosso ‘has never been a very successful product’ and that while enthusiasts might prize wines which show vintage variation and inconsistency, they ‘have not yet shown that love for inconsistency’ by buying Rosso di Montalcino.
Above all, argues the founder of Tignanello, one of the world’s best-known ‘Supertuscan’ Sangiovese-Cabernet blends, the authorities, and producers, should be flexible.
‘When you have a problem it makes sense to find ways around that problem…it might be a good idea to make the regulations more flexible.’
This flexibility might include allowing a small percentage of an international variety to be added to the currently pure Sangiovese of Rosso di Montalcino, he added.
This would allow for more consistent quality in the wine and would help the owners of smaller, struggling vineyards.
‘This should not be open to Brunello di Montalcino under any circumstances,’ Antinori stresses.
The December issue of Decanter magazine is out on Wednesday. Subscribe to Decanter this month and save up to 44%
Written by decanter.com staff
