Piccini - Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2011

Piccini - Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2011 (89 TSW)

Under the guidance of the 4th generation of the family, Tenute Piccini is today one of the most distinctive, dynamic and innovative family-owned Italian wine companies, with organically farmed, hand-harvested vineyards.

Chianti is the link between four generations of the Piccini family. 100% family-owned and run Tenute Piccini is among the most prominent wine producers in Tuscany, playing a leading role in the production of the great classic Tuscan wine appellations.

Angiolo Piccini was born in 1860 as the only son of a merchant family in Poggibonsi, a small town at the crossroads of Florence and Siena. In 1882 he bought 7 hectares of vineyards in Castellina in Chianti and built a small winery in nearby Poggibonsi, starting a family tradition that lasts to today.

About this wine:

The terroir had limestone soils with clay and shale content, located at an altitude of 350 m, where sea breezes are felt. The constant movement of air reduces the moisture level in the vineyard while adding some freshness that affects the phenolic maturity of the grapes. The mild climate and a large number of clear days throughout the growing season contribute to the full ripening of the grapes.

This Riserva is an extra long matured Brunello di Montalcino made from the very best grapes from the Villa al Cortile estate of the Piccini family. The wine is of course made from 100% Sangiovese and is aged for no less than 36 months in oak. Then another 6 months in the bottle in the cellar of the domain.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a bright ruby color with brick edges.
On the medium(+) nose aromas of ripe cherries, black dried fruits and hints of leather, farmyard, violets, toffee, tobacco and orangepeel.
On the palate dry, medium(+) bodied with medium tannins and acidity. Round and rich mouthfeel with flavours that recall the nose and great balance. Ready to drink - don't keep it much longer.