Brunello di Montalcino is not the only wine to have attracted the attention of the Italian authoritiues, now it is the turn of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to be investigated: 120.000 hectolitres of this wine have been confiscated.

According to media reports, it is particularly wines produced by the Vecchia Cantina cooperative that are affected, although Italian newspapers report that the Cantina Gattavecchi is also being investigated. It appears the authorities have charged the producers with having illegally blended wines and then marketed them under the designation Vino Nobile. These allegations are similar to those made previously against several producers of Brunello. (WF)