Every year in February the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino organises an event called “Benvenuto Brunello“ in the town of Montalcino, which is located 50 miles (80 km) south of Florence in the Tuscany wine region.
Its purpose is to introduce the new wines on the market. These wines include Brunello di Montalcino, available from the 1st January of the 5th year following the harvest, the Riserva of that wine in the 6th year after harvest, and Rosso di Montalcino available for sale 1st September of the year following the vintage.
This year (2018) is the 26th edition of the event, and my 17th.
Deep in conversation with Katia Nussbaum of San Pollino at last year's event
Brunello wines all have three things in common; they all are made from 100% Sangiovese grapes (called “Brunello” grapes in Montalcino), bottling must take place in production area, and they all share the same Bordeaux bottle style.
There are 208 members that make up the list of associated producers. Surface area covered with vineyards 3,599 Hectares (8,650 Acres) of which 2,100 Hectares (5,200 Acres) are Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (roughly translated as ‘Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin').
“Ask 5 economists to give their viewpoint on one subject, and you will receive 7 answers”, is the way I view the wines of Brunello di Montalcino, so many ponderable variants, fruit grown over a large area, different soil compositions, varying altitudes (500-1600 feet), different styles (International vs Traditional), yields, exposure and so on.
In fact, the only general statement that you will get a consensus of opinion is nowhere on the planet does Sangiovese ripen better than here in Tuscany.
Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s best known wines, with demand constantly out-stripping production. At best it is one of the world's greatest wines; for me, I lost my heart to Brunello years ago!
Tasting Notes | Brunello di Montalcino 2013
Brunello di Montalcino Uccelliera
Floral, red berries and plums. Subtle, clean and pretty. Approachable.
94+ Points
Brunello di Montalcino Ciacci Piccolomini Pianrosa
Black fruit and berries, spice. Balanced, deep and rich. Exotic.
95 Points
Brunello di Montalcino Castglion del Bosco Campo del Drago
Cherry, mushroom , chocolate. Full bodied. Layered. Best ever from here.
95+ Points
Brunello di Montalcino San Polino
Black fruits, dried dates, liquorice, clove. Fresh tannins, good acidity. Needs time.
95 Points
Brunello di Montalcino Siro Pacenti Pelagrilli
Rose petal, dried wild strawberry, mediterranean herbs, dark chocolate. Balanced with glorious mouthfeel finish. Clever work here!
96+ Points
Brunello di Montalcino Filippo Le Lucere
Plum, floral undertones, citrus. Full bodied. Soft integrated tannins. Pretty.
95+ Points
Brunello di Montalcino La Rasina
Fresh black fruits, cigar box, leather. Tight, needs time.
94 Points
Brunello di Montalcino San Polino Helichrysum
Blackberry. Eastern spice, tea, truffle. Structured and complex. A classic!
97 Points
Brunello di Montalcino Valdicava
Black fruits, dried mushroom, fresh flower undertones. Integrated tannins with wonderful balance. Elegant.
97 Points
Brunello di Montalcino Renieri
Beautiful fresh dark fruits, rose petal. Layered, balanced. A beauty.
97+ Points
Brunello di Montalcino Livio Sassetti
Red plums, fresh cut spring flowers, white truffle. Eastern spice. Full bodied. Elegant.
95+ Points
Brunello di Montalcino Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova
Blackberry, mushroom, lemon peel. Complex, layered. Great length. Majestic.
98 Points
Brunello di Montalcino Altesino Montosoli
Intense fresh dark fruit, berries, spice, chocolate, tobacco and dried mushroom. Complex, layered, integrated tannins. Reminds me of the1997 vintage. Great quality wines coming from this estate, again!
97+ Points
Brunello di Montalcino Castello Romitorio
Fresh red fruits, polished tannins. Layered. Full bodied. Intense.
94 Points
Brunello di Montalcino Le Ragnaie
Heady floral bouquet, dried citrus fruits, mushroom, wet tobacco leaf. A beauty. Full bodied and great finish.
95 Points
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