Montalcino · Tuscany
One vintage. Three styles.
★★★★★ Harvest 2016
Montalcino is a medieval town on a hill south of Siena, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and woods. Its great wine, Brunello di Montalcino, is one of the most famous reds in the world. In 1980 it was among the very first Italian wines to receive the DOCG, the highest level of Italian wine law.
The rules of Brunello
- Only one grape: 100% Sangiovese, the soul of Tuscany.
- At least two years in oak and at least four months in bottle.
- Patience: it can be sold only about five years after the harvest (a year later for the Riserva).
The story starts in the 19th century, when Clemente Santi selected Sangiovese vines to make a wine for long ageing. In 1888 his grandson Ferruccio Biondi-Santi released what is considered the first modern Brunello. Want to know how it differs from its younger brother? Read Brunello vs Rosso di Montalcino.
Why 2016 is special
Every year the Consorzio of Brunello rates the harvest. The 2016 vintage received five stars, the maximum, like 2015. The season was irregular: a rainy spring, then hot days and cool nights in autumn. That contrast gave the grapes high acidity, deep colour and intense aromas. The oenologist Carlo Ferrini called it “perfect, one of the best ones in recent years”.
In the glass, a good 2016 Brunello offers red cherry, plum, violets, leather, tobacco and Mediterranean herbs, with firm tannins and the freshness to keep improving for many years.
Three estates in our cellar
Having the same vintage from three producers is the best way to understand Brunello: the grape, the year and the rules are the same, so every difference you taste comes from the soil and the hand of the winemaker. Il Poggione is in Sant'Angelo in Colle, on the southern slopes of Montalcino.
 Brunello di Montalcino 2016 – Caparzo Classic and balanced: the best way to start. €39.50 Buy |
 Brunello di Montalcino 2016 – Castello Tricerchi From a historic castle estate: fragrant and elegant. €47.10 Buy |
 Brunello di Montalcino 2016 – Il Poggione From the warm southern slopes: rich, deep and long. €57.30 Buy |
 Rosso di Montalcino 2020 – Castello Tricerchi The younger brother: same grape, ready to drink now. €23.60 Buy |
How to enjoy it
Open the bottle one or two hours before dinner, or decant it. Serve it at 16–18 °C in a large glass. Brunello loves slow-cooked dishes: beef braised in red wine, wild boar, game, Florentine steak, aged Pecorino and Parmigiano. Try it with our recipe for pappardelle with wild boar ragù.
An idea for friends: open the three 2016s together and taste them blind. It is the most fun lesson on Tuscan wine you can have at home.
Sources
We sell alcohol only to people over 18. Enjoy responsibly.