It seems that Montalcino's citizens may have been right in regard to their theory about the wine crime at the Case Basse winery. Last night the presumable responsible of the act of vandalism, which destroyed 626hl liters of wine has been taken into custody. Andrea Di Gisi was a worker at the Case Basse winery, who had recently been sacked by Gianfranco Soldera. Breaking into the winery and destroying six vintages of Soldera's wine aging in oak barrels, was likely meant as an act of revenge. The 38-years-old Di Gisi is originally from Rome, and has reputedly been in conflict with the law before.
The head of Siena police said in a press conference today (see interview with MontalcinoNews below), that the main suspect had been identified already 48 hours after the crime had been committed. The following days were used to collect further evidence from video circuits around Montalcino, phone conversations and personal testimonies.
Aldo Natalini, from the Procura di Siena, also confirms that the act of vandalism is in no way connected to the 2008 Brunello scandal.
The head of Siena police said in a press conference today (see interview with MontalcinoNews below), that the main suspect had been identified already 48 hours after the crime had been committed. The following days were used to collect further evidence from video circuits around Montalcino, phone conversations and personal testimonies.
Aldo Natalini, from the Procura di Siena, also confirms that the act of vandalism is in no way connected to the 2008 Brunello scandal.
Montalcino's wine portal Winenews estimates, that the damage done at the Case Basse winery may add up to 6 or 7 million Euro in lost Brunello wine sales. Whatever Di Gisi's exact motives, a malicious act of vandalism doesn't do underpaid winery workers any good.