What's in a blend

[sgutte]

I like to know what I'm drinking. Recently I enjoyed a 1999 Duca di Salaparuta, Terre D'Agala. In my research I found that it was made from Nerello Mascalese and Merlo, but until 1998 it was made from Nero d'Avola, Perricone and Frappato.
Is this common that the same label should change so much? I would expect they would change the name.

[Innkeeper]

Are you absolutely sure that it was the exact same wine. Sometimes, particularly in the case of Italian Wine, one letter in the wine name or producer can be a completely different wine. See the Italian thread for some recent examples, e.g. Cecchi Chianti Classico.

[Thomas]

Was that wine Corvo?

Inasmuch as we (New World consumers) are more hung up on the grape variety as opposed to the regional character, and the producer's style, there is merit in wanting to know if a blend has changed--and if it has, we should be informed.

But then, if you like the new blend and like its price, does it really matter?

[sgutte]

Innkeeper - yes I'm sure. Here is the link to winery's site
http://www.vinicorvo.it/products.html
and here are links to earlier vintages:
http://web.veronafiere.it/cgi-wine/f_cantina_t?codice=ITALY0112
http://www.lavinium.com/italiano/agasal97.htm

foodie - It's part of my learning experience to know what went into the wine. Sure, the important thing is to enjoy the wine, but still...

Have either one of you seen this before where the wine maker makes such a radical change?

[Thomas]

I have seen it many times before, but because I am in the business, and I buy wine for my shop, I am usually told in advance what is going on. If I and my staff are any good at our job we should be able to pick out the change in a tasting. On the other hand, if the winemaker is really good, he or she might be able to come up with a product so close in style that it won't matter.