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SKU 920434
$40.80/bottle
Out of stock
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Opening to a medium-dark garnet color, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino offers direct and thick lines with ripe cherry, blackcurrant, leather and tilled earth. The wine is structured and firm at the back thanks to the quality of the tannins, and it offers generous fruit texture and concentration. This is a textbook Brunello from a warm vintage. Production is 15,000 bottles.
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.
WA93pts
Wine Advocate
Opening to a medium-dark garnet color, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino offers direct and thick lines with ripe cherry, blackcurrant, leather and tilled earth. The wine is structured and firm at the back thanks to the quality of the tannins, and it offers generous fruit texture and concentration. This is a textbook Brunello from a warm vintage. Production is 15,000 bottles.
JS93pts
James Suckling
Sour cherries, orange zest, bark and tobacco leaves on the nose. Some olives and walnut husk. Savory and sleek with a medium body, tight-grained tannins and a chewy finish. Lovely pure sangiovese character. Better from 2024.
JD92pts
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino features a slightly wild side, with aromas of sour black cherry, orange zest, saddle leather, and medicinal herbs. Medium-bodied, with tangy acidity and fine tannins, it is ripe with fresh soil, crunchy red plum, cranberry, and dusty tannins that hang through the finish. An attractive and savory wine, it would be well-suited to serve with game and poultry. Drink 2025-2035.
DC91pts
Decanter
With 4.5 hectares on the north-facing slope of Montosoli, Elena Pellegrini de-leafed early in the growing season to counter wet conditions. She also reduced time in wood from 36 months to 30 to allow the fresh perfume of the vintage to express itself. A bit muddled at first, the nose is lifted with violet and rose scents, joined by intense rhubarb and mulberry notes that follow through on the palate. It demonstrates appealing gusto and substance, all supported by ripe, grainy tannins. Upfront in its pleasures.
An opulent Brunello, suggesting glacé cherries, strawberry ice-cream, peppermint tea and dried cloves. Full-bodied and very structured, muscling sturdy layers…
An opulent Brunello, suggesting glacé cherries, strawberry ice-cream, peppermint tea and dried cloves. Full-bodied and very structured, muscling sturdy layers…
