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Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 750ml
OUT OF STOCK
Sample image only.Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.
SKU 988668
$104.85/bottle
Out of stock
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This is fluid and starts out supple, evoking cherry, plum and forest floor flavors, with flashes of tar and pine. The taut, driving structure, especially its bracing acidity, propels this red to the superlong aftertaste. Dense, resonant tannins define the finish, which feels compact now despite the unabashed length. Best from 2029 through 2048.
The name of this grape, meaning 'blood of Jove' conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively – full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Tuscany
The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.
Appellation
Brunello Di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino, an esteemed wine appellation in Tuscany, Italy, has been crafting exceptional red wines since its establishment in 1966. Focused exclusively on the Sangiovese grape, specifically the local Brunello clone, this region's unique terroir of warm, dry climate and well-drained soils imparts richness and complexity to the wines. The hallmark of Brunello is its extended aging, requiring a minimum of four years, with at least two spent in oak barrels. This meticulous process results in bold, full-bodied wines with robust tannins, vibrant acidity, and a remarkable aging potential. Flavors of ripe red berries and dark cherries, coupled with notes of leather, tobacco, and spices, define the nuanced profile of Brunello di Montalcino wines. Exploring these wines offers enthusiasts a captivating journey into the world of Italian winemaking, showcasing the harmonious blend of tradition, terroir, and meticulous craftsmanship.
WS98pts
Wine Spectator
This is fluid and starts out supple, evoking cherry, plum and forest floor flavors, with flashes of tar and pine. The taut, driving structure, especially its bracing acidity, propels this red to the superlong aftertaste. Dense, resonant tannins define the finish, which feels compact now despite the unabashed length. Best from 2029 through 2048.
WA94pts
Wine Advocate
Like many other producers in the appellation, Altesino jumped forward from the 2017 Riserva directly to this vintage. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows more density and overall fruit weight. The wine also reveals thick textural heft and, ultimately, more dark fruit sweetness. It gives us a much bigger and richer interpretation of Sangiovese. Production is 12,000 bottles.
JS94pts
James Suckling
A very classic and telltale Montalcino. The subtle nose shows smoky woodland and forest-floor aromas allied to dried cherries and raspberries, dried roses and earthy minerality. The full-bodied palate has velvety tannins, a chalky finish, refreshing acidity and a tight, eminently floral finish. Drinkable now but best from 2028 or 2029.
VM94pts
Vinous Media
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is dark and brooding, with hints of black tea leaves, crushed rocks and smoke before giving way to the scent of dried black cherry. It balances silken textures with a pure mix of ripe red and black fruits as cooling acidity maintains a lovely balance. Aromas of citrus-laced blackberries mix with sage and nuances of licorice. This finishes long and potent yet still quite fresh.
DC94pts
Decanter
This Riserva favours the estate’s most southerly vineyards in 2019, with the majority of lots coming from the Pianezzine site near Sant’Angelo in Colle. It is a rousing interplay of dark earthy nuance – wet forest floor, leather and mushroom – with sweet, luscious fruits. Here, wild strawberry and dark plum provide the backdrop. The tannins are silky and polished yet build with intensity and grip in this full-bodied offering. It culminates with a suggestion of iron before shutting down. Cellaring is advised.
JD93pts
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva is a saturated but youthful deep red/brick color and is ripe with notes of black licorice, walnut, dark cherry pit, and polished leather. Full-bodied, it has more gamey richness on the palate, with ripe tannins and an earth-noted finish. I prefer the Brunellos over the Riserva here, as they offer more transparency and freshness. Drink over the coming 8-10 years.
