Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019

Nestled in the hills of Montalcino, Tuscany, the Gianni Brunelli estate cultivates its Sangiovese vines on plots located around the town and on the northeastern slope of the commune. The soils, a blend of clay, pebbles, and sand, offer natural drainage and good water retention, while the moderate altitude promotes significant temperature variations. This terroir, typical of the Brunello region, allows for a slow and complete ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines that combine aromatic finesse, structure, and freshness, emblematic of this part of Tuscany.

The grapes are harvested by hand and then carefully sorted before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, accompanied by gentle pump-overs to gradually extract color and tannins. Maceration is prolonged to refine the structure and preserve the aromatic elegance of the Sangiovese. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for an extended period in large Slavonian oak casks and barrels, where it gains complexity, depth, and finesse, before bottling followed by further aging in the cellar.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe plum , and red berries , complemented by floral touches of violet and dried rose . Spicy nuances of pepper and licorice mingle with elegant oak of cedar and tobacco . On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and precise, supported by firm yet silky tannins , lively acidity , and a long, lingering finish that underscores the depth of the Sangiovese.

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!