2015 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

This is an outstanding wine, but it didn't deliver what I was looking for on this evening. The folks I was drinking it with felt otherwise and it was there favorite wine (tasted blind). Ruby in color with dark swirls, mostly clear and bright. The nose hasw black raspberries, black cherries, baking spice and roasted herbs. Full bodied with firm tannins. On the palate, this has black cherry fruit. It seems deep but not giving up much. With air some black raspberries and even blueberries emerge. Hard to get past the tannins. Firm finish. This needs some time to come together and open up. Hold for five more years and drink over the next fifteen. This will work well with Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine syle steak).

Grade:

B+

Score:

Vintage:

2015

Current Price:

$100.00USD

Great Italian Wines: Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany

There really is little question as to what the two most famous and prestigious wines from Italy are: Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino. That is not to say they are the best wines, but that they have a history of being some of the best wines exported from Italy. The next series of articles will examine Brunellos (for a review on Barolo see the previously posted three part series on this site ). Brunello di Montalcino is a wine made from grapes grown in vineyards surrounding the hilltop town of Montalcino (about 5 miles south of Sienna) in Tuscany.

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Brunello: An Italian Wine Scandal Ferments in Montalcino

In a previous article, we examined Brunello’s 100 plus year history . In Italian wine expressions, that is a relatively short period. Nevertheless, Brunello has established itself as one of the premium wines, not only in Tuscany, but also in the entire world. Brunello di Montalcino has an even more brief history in Italy’s wine regulations. Brunello did not become a DOC until 1966 and has only been a DOCG since 1986. Brunello’s DOCG regulations require that 100% Sangiovese grapes be used. The wines are then aged for a minimum of 4 years (5 years for the Riserva). Traditionally, Brunello required a minimum of three years ageing in wood barrels. That has now been relaxed to two years ageing in wood. In addition, four months must be in bottle (six for the Riservas). The finished wine cannot be released for sale until January 1st of the year five years from vintage year. For example, the 2003 Brunello’s could not be released until January of 2008. Geographically, there is a strictly identified zone surrounding the town of Montalcino, in which the Sangiovese grapes used to make Brunello must be grown and the wines must be bottled. So what type of experience should a good Brunello provide? This simple question is controversial at the moment. Traditionally, Brunello, like other Sangiovese wines, is a pale ruby color. The wine is transparent in the glass with lovely perfumed aromas of cherries and floral notes. It has a powerful elegance about it.

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2015 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage:

2015

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$50.00USD

This is the basic Brunello in Altesino's line-up. Drinking well right now. Deep ruby in color, clear and bright. The nose takes some time to open, then shows cherries, tobacco, some forest floor and slight chocolate and spice. Medium bodied. A nicer backbone of acidity. On the palate, there is some depth here with vibrant cherries and underlying dust and fresh tobacco. Nice finish. This is drinking well with just a bit of air. Moderate tannins. It works better with food and past with Bolognaise sauce would be great. Drink over the next seven to ten years. $75 purchased at a tren

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Another Great Sangiovese Wine from Tuscany

Some of the great wines in Italy, and the world, hail from Tuscany. Other articles have discussed Super Tuscans , and some of the great wines based on the Sangiovese grape including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino . In this article, another great Sangiovese based wine is explored: Vin Nobile di Montepulciano. The name of this wine can be confusing. Long ago these wines became the chosen wine of nobility hence the Nobile part of the name.

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2015 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage:

2020

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$50.00USD

Ruby in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose is dusty with nice cherries. Some forest floor. On the palate, this has a lovely texture. Light tannins. Black cherry fruit. Long finish with some anise notes. Drinking well but will improve from here. Drink over the next ten to twelve years. A nice wine with Pappa al pomodoro (a tomato bread soup).

2015 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

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Great Italian Wines: Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany

Brunello: An Italian Wine Scandal Ferments in Montalcino

2015 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Another Great Sangiovese Wine from Tuscany

2015 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review