Brunello di Montalcino 2021

The Carpineto - Brunello di Montalcino cuvée comes from Carpineto's tenuta in Montalcino, in the province of Siena, one of the highest in the appellation: its vines descend from 500 to around 450 metres above sea level, facing north, on slopes sometimes steeper than 30%. The galestro and clay soils date back to the Eocene. A dense Mediterranean scrub shelters the vines from the humid currents coming from the Maremma, creating a microclimate that brings aromatic intensity, lively acidity and elegance.

The Sangiovese Grosso is vinified as a red wine, with a medium-length maceration and fermentation conducted at a controlled temperature, in order to extract rich substance without harshness. The wine is then aged for three years in large Slavonian oak vats (foudres) of various sizes, which polish its tannins and develop its complexity. Finally, it is refined for at least six months in bottle, in cellars at a constant temperature, before release.

This wine reveals notes of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, vanilla, liquorice, Mediterranean herbs, leather and tobacco. The clean, fine, broad and persistent bouquet combines red fruit and oak touches. The dry, warm and supple palate unfolds great structure and a long, persistent finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!