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On Monday, March 27, after a quarter of a century of service, Giuseppe Liberatore, Director of the Consortium of Chianti Classico Wine, presented his resignation to the Council administration.
Liberatore was a reference figure for the County and Tuscany and for the world of wine at a national and international level. Some were surprised by his decision; others were disconcerted.
He is leaving to become the CEO of ValorItalia but will remain with the consortium for a few months to allow a less dramatic transition. WeChianti met with him to ask his motivations and to understand what was his perspective for “his” Gallo Nero.
When did you reach this decision?
“ValoreItalia’s proposal intrigued me because I, together with some colleagues, had thought about creating it in 2008. In 2009, it began to work in an excellent manner: today it certifies 70% of Italian wine appellations. It has 180 dependents and bills 30 million euros. It is a strong and important company. It is another challenge that I will confront during my last working years”.
How difficult was it to leave the consortium? Many say you were there for a lifetime.
“It is difficult to leave. It certainly wasn’t a decision that was made lightly. I reflected for many months, but made my decision at the end”.
How was your decision taken by the consortium?
“Both the Cda and the president expressed their thanks. Some asked me, what are we going to do now? I told them that according to me the consortium is a working machine. Liberatore drove it, but the chassis and motor are there and are high quality. We have professionals on the inside who know their job well. I know that the structure is solid and it is important that the Cdea makes the right decisions. But I am sure that they will know how to do it. I will remain for four months so that they can have the time necessary. Aside from the initial difficulties that they may encounter, I am sure that this structure will continue in a positive way”.
You were always known as an expert “hunter” for calls for proposals and funding. Is this your most critical heritage?
“I don’t think so. Today these proposals and funding are done in the light of day, and there are people in the consortium who are very capable of taking care of them. In the beginning, the more critical aspect will be the one relative to political/institutional relationships. It will take some time to find the right person, but I am sure that everything will go for the best”.
Right now, however, with the “Rural District” and Chianti’s heritage in Unesco coming up…
“There is continuity there. I have already written to the mayors. We have someone like Michele Cassano who knows everything and has a lot of experience. From this point of view he will certainly be able to give continuity to both projects and to the rapport with the institutions. They are projects that will go ahead in any case”.
What do you say to those who connect your resignation to presumed contrasts with the Cda?
“I think that there are always contrasts, because there are different points of view. My choice was certainly not decided by this. There are conditions with which the Cda can make the correct choices for my succession. Regarding this, I had a long discussion with the president, the vice presidents and collaborators and I am sincere when I say that nobody is essential”.
Matteo Pucci
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