Bellaria, Montalcino. In 1963 when Assunto Pieri and Bruna Tempori purchased a small farmhouse with 40 hectares in the Montalcino wine growing area, their dream was to produce the best wine they could.
In 2000, their nephew Gianni Bernazzi took over the estate and a period of modernisation followed respecting his family’s Brunello traditional methods.
In production terms, this estate is very small. Situated 550 metres above sea level, its annual output is only 6000 bottles consisting of Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and a Riserva. In addition, a Rosso di Montalcino DOCG and some Grappa.
In 2004 a new label called Assunto was in production in small quantities from 40 year old Sangiovese vines. This Brunello is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for 20-25 days with pumping over and deléstage, then aged in Slovenian and French oak barriques for 30 months and finally resting a further 6-7 months following bottling.
The Riserva is aged a further 10-12 months prior to bottling and it is only made in exceptional vintages (300-500 bottles).
The 2010 Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto Riserva was awarded 100 points by James Suckling. His tasting notes were published on the 1st of October 2015 and the 10th of November 2016.
Recently I caught up with Gianni at a dinner in Tuscany where his new wines were showcased.
Tasting Notes
Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto 2013
Fiery ruby red in colour, full bodied, concentrated, linear, warm. Black fruits, mushroom, floral undertone. Tannins need time. Elegant. 2020-2038
Points 94 TW
Bellaria Brunello di Montalcino Assunto Riserva 2012
Deep ruby red, floral bouquet, rose petal, cherry, tobacco, herbal and savoury. Predominance of fresh juicy fruit. Persistent. Great Wine. 2020-2040
Points 95+ TW
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