In an interview published today on the popular Italian wine blog Intravino, leading producer of Friulian Sauvignon Blanc Cristian Specogna (above) declined to comment on recent allegations that his and other Friulian wineries have been using prohibited additives in their wines to enhance aromas.
In the interview, he speaks at length about his family’s winery, growing practices, and approach to winemaking.
But when asked about the recent controversy, he tells interviewer Elena Di Luigi, “When it’s all over, we will show that we have nothing to do with this affair” (translation mine).
In early September of this year, Specogna’s winery was one of 15 Friulian producers named by authorities in their investigation of the use of prohibited additives.
In May of this year, Specogna’s Sauvignon Blanc was named the “best in Italy” among 816 wines tasted from 20 nations in the sixth Concours Mondial du Sauvignon (International Sauvignon [Blanc] Competition).
His wines are widely considered to be among the best produced in the Colli Orientali del Friuli and his family’s estate is renowned for its superb growing site.
Related posts:
Read Friulian winemaker Roberto Snidarcig’s response to allegations here.
Read an interview with Friulian Sauvignon Blanc expert Giovanni Bigot here.
Read Friulian winemaker Nicola Manferrari’s op-ed here.
Gambero Rosso “suspends” Friuli producers in wake of adulteration allegations (October 5, 2015).
I really do hope this is true. I’m a fan of Cristian’s as well, and that Sauvignon is damned delicious.