As reported by Italian magazine L'Espresso, the Banfi estate in Tuscany has been forced to declassify almost half of its 2003 Brunello.

The declassification of the Brunello di Montalcino to an IGT Toscana Rosso became necessary as the authorities were of the opinion that the composition of the wines did not comply with current regulations. "Significant volumes" of the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were also declassified in part.

Together with other estates, the Banfi estate was at the centre of the so-called Brunello affair (Wein-Plus reported). In this the authorities and media had accused the producers that the wines did not comply completely with the Brunello regulations (100 per cent Sangiovese grosso). (WF)