Amarone for DOCG in falling market

The Consorzio of Valpolicella has submitted a proposal to change the status of its two most famous wines, Recioto and Amarone, from DOC to DOCG to be approved by the Italian government. The proposal comes just in time before the CMO [Common Market Organisation for Wine] will hand over legal powers regarding all agricultural produce, including wine, to Brussels next month.

The new regulations normally associated with this higher quality status will not include a lowering of the yields. According to the director of the Consorzio, Emilio Fasoletti, further restrictions are unnecessary as both Recioto and Amarone themselves are the...