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SKU 897560
$94.95/bottle
Out of stock
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Rated 95 – The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is the current release from Fonterenza, as they prefer to place their wines into the market as they feel they’re ready. This seduces the senses with an intense burst of exotic spice and cherry sauce offset by nuances of fresh mint and a cocoa dusting. It’s silky to the core with radiant dark red fruit energized by a core of zesty acidity, as inner earth tones and sweet herbs resonate throughout. The 2016 finishes with a totally classic feel, as a web of crunchy tannins coat the palate, leaving notes of licorice and balsamic-tinged currants to echo on. Fonterenza continues to impress vintage after vintage. They remain one of the still-under discovered gems of the region.
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.
VM95pts
Vinous Media
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is the current release from Fonterenza, as they prefer to place their wines into the market as they feel they're ready. This seduces the senses with an intense burst of exotic spice and cherry sauce offset by nuances of fresh mint and a cocoa dusting. It's silky to the core with radiant dark red fruit energized by a core of zesty acidity, as inner earth tones and sweet herbs resonate throughout. The 2016 finishes with a totally classic feel, as a web of crunchy tannins coat the palate, leaving notes of licorice and balsamic-tinged currants to echo on. Fonterenza continues to impress vintage after vintage. They remain one of the still-under discovered gems of the region.
JD94pts
Jeb Dunnuck
Spiced and expressive, the 2016 Brunello Di Montalcino pours a deep ruby with a purple tinge and has enveloping aromas of fresh pine, pressed violets, blackberry, and scorched earth. It is full-bodied, though not heavy, with notes of black plum, tea leaf, leather, and freshly turned soil. Its ripe tannins are present but not drying and fill a long arch of fruit throughout. Drink 2024-2040.
Winery Notes
100% Sangiovese Grosso. The Padovani sisters have around 4.2 contiguous, hilly hectares near Poggio San Polo in the SE part of the Montalcino zone. The farming is certified-biodynamic and the harvest by hand. Their Brunello comes from a mere hectare's worth of fruit from prized Vigna del Bosco parcel. Surrounded entirely by the woods or bosco for which it was named, the site is 1.7 hectares of steep, south-facing vines with soils ranging from galestro (rocky, schistous clay) at the top to albarese (limestone-clay marl) further downslope, with many variations between. The Padovanis planted the Vigna del Bosco in 1999-2000, farm it biodynamically (certified) and harvest it by hand in multiple passes.
