REUNIFICATION IN A BOTTLE … REPORT BY PRESIDENT GIUSEPPE LIBERATORE A FEW MONTHS AFTER MERGER OF THE TWO CHIANTI CLASSICO CONSORTIUMS. FROM NOW ON ALL CLASSICO BOTTLES WILL HAVE THE BLACK ROOSTER SEAL. THE DEBUT? MARCH 18TH

“An historic reunification that signals the new course of Chianti Classico”: comment by Giuseppe Liberatore, President of Chianti Classico, on the historic “rejoining” of the two consortiums just a few months ago, and which is now beginning to show its first results. A move that was long considered and which has received almost unanimous consensus from producers.

”This was a delicate but necessary passage, approved almost unanimously by our associates,” emphasized Liberatore, “ which today allows us to confront the challenges set by the global market in a new and stronger manner”. “ Our current programs, “he added, “propose an increase in the competitive capacities of our denomination by emphasizing, above all, two factors: the cohesion of the consortium system, which has been consolidated after the merger of the two consortiums, and further increasing the distinctive value of our products, or rather, their typicality”.

Another important element, according to the Chianti Classico president, will be “recognition of the product, which finally after many years, can count on a well known brand symbol (the black rooster) that can be put on all production. The Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) seal has in fact become the symbol of DOCG and as of this year will be on all Chianti Classico bottles, mandatory on the state seal and, if the consortium chooses, used as an added ‘stamp’”.

The first bottles with the new seal are ready, and within a few months the entire production will be up to speed. To communicate this important news, the Consortium has planned a media campaign (organized by Saatchi & Saatchi) that will debut on March 18th.

Good results in the meantime, arrived from the market, where Chianti Classico registered a 15% growth in terms of sales in 2005, and prospects for the current year are positive as well. “Years like 2002 have finally been done away with, and in 2005 -continued Giuseppe Liberatore - sales reached 256,000 hectoliters and for 2006 we foresee surpassing 270,000, equivalent to over 30 million bottles with the Gallo Nero seal. We have also registered a positive growth of 20-30% for bulk wine after a drop in recent years”.

A motor that is starting to run smoothly again, Chianti Classico now awaits another important validation : in May there will be the much anticipated renewal of the Consortium Council, which will be called upon to carry forward the difficult tasks undertaken.