The top end carbon frames are assembled in Italy by contractors from materials sourced elsewhere, not built in Colnago's basement. it doesn't matter; they've got good contractors working for them.
Now, the truth is this:
There's absolutely nothing wrong with Taiwanese parts or frames.
In many cases they're better than the European-made stuff. If European brands went to Taiwan and asked for their stuff to be built on quality, not price, then things would be a lot better. Unfortunately, things are built to a price in order for the brands to spend more money on marketing spin such as the 'Italian Heritage' myth.
I can think of only a few Euro-based brands who take the 'quality first, price second' route. As a result, their stuff is superb; as good as you'll get anywhere, putting a lot - but not all - of the European stuff to shame..
There's a distinct possibility this year's Tour winner will win on a Taiwan-produced grouppo and possibly on a Taiwanese-built frame too.
Do you think that will harm sales of replicas or make the winner's bike any less attractive as bike porn? I don't.
As for the 'Made In Italy' sticker thing, I once visited a well-known components brand and was shown a new part being introduced to their range. I immediately recognised it as a part made by a Taiwanese manufacturer - I had a sample sitting in a box at home.
When I said 'hang on a minute, this is made by so and so in Taiwan and you've got 'Made in Italy' on the box and on the swing tag' !
Their response was:
"Yes - both the box and the label were made here. There's nothing on the part which says 'Made in Italy', is there?"
They thought it was funny....