2016 PODERE BRIZIO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO

Rosso di Montalcino not only tips the scales in terms of value, but it also provides one of the most pure and vivid interpretations of Sangiovese Grosso grapes grown in Italy’s iconic Montalcino region.  Rossos are only required to be aged for one year before release, which often results in a fresher and more vibrant Sangiovese that can also be enjoyed young. Podere Brizio’s 95 Point, 2016 Rosso di Montalcino arose from a parcel that previously went into Gaja’s famed Pieve di Santa Restituta…  It’s an absolutely stunning interpretation of Sangiovese and it was guided from grape to bottle by renowned winemaker Alberto Antonini, who was named one of the 5 best consulting winemakers in the world by Decanter magazine…

Arising from soils consisting of sandstone and rocky marl, both contribute to the wine’s structure and minerality.  Then at Brizio’s state-of-the-art winemaking facility, it was fermented then spent 12 months in un-toasted French oak barrels, producing a wine that is deeply perfumed with bright cherry, floral violets, Asian spice, and subtle hints of truffle.  On the palate this wine is rich and opulent, with remarkable energy and persistence.  I strongly recommend a case or two of this vastly over-achieving Italian Red…