Fun for Pedants!New traceability procedure for Brunello via text message launched today.But does it work from abroad?

The Consorzio have just sent out a press release for the new traceability procedure via SMS.

Send a text message to 0039 366 3008880 with the three capital letters from the pink DOCG strip, the 8 numbers from the strip and the bottle capacity.

e.g. AAI 00930123 0.75

In a matter of moments an SMS comes flying back with the estate, the approval details, alcohol, total acidity and dry extract levels. If you do it via the Consorzio website you also get the estate’s address, telephone and website.

Please bear in mind that there is a 0,5 margin for alcohol levels on labels so it is quite legal for a wine to show 13.5% but actually be rather close to 14% ...

Let me know if it works from abroad! They weren't sure... (!)

The system is effective from 1999 vintage onwards and gives the final consumer a way of checking the wine they are drinking is certified Brunello and has been produced by the estate on the label (and is the vintage as labelled). It is part of a move towards transparent practise, a positive development given the murky times for Italian appellation wines.

DOCG strips are vintage and estate specific and are available in January of the fifth year after harvest. They correspond to the exact number of bottles that have been certified as Brunello.