Chianti Classico – some radical proposals

The annual presentation of the latest vintages of Chianti Classico in Florence last week seemed upbeat, at least from the point of view of the Consorzio, which seemed to be in a mildy optimistic mood. Apparently international sales of the black rooster wine were up by 21% in 2010 although the Consorzio’s press release did not specify whether this was by volume or value.

A comparison of 2010 with the pre recession figures of 2006 suggestion less justification for optimism. In 2006 sales of Chianti Classico within Italy...