Brunello is a pure Sangiovese from Montalcino, and since the 1500s, it has been one of Italy’s great wines. In the cellar of Fattoria dei Barbi, almost every vintage of Brunello from 1892 to today is preserved, and many of those bottles have won awards in the 1800s, 1900s, and the new century. We represent one of the most classic expressions of the quality of Montalcino wines.
Tasting Notes:
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Color: Bright ruby red of medium intensity, with purplish hues.
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Aroma: Red forest fruits, aromatic herbs, nutmeg and pepper, mint, violet.
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Taste: Full-bodied, harmonious, long finish, with firm but well-integrated tannins.
Pairings:
Flavorful dishes such as braised red meats or game, grilled or roasted meats. Flavorful and well-aged hard cheeses.
Ratings:
Blueberries and raspberries with violet and lavender undertones, as well as sandalwood. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins and a rather chunky mouth-feel. It’s structured and needs time to come around. Best after two or three years.
James Suckling
Fattoria dei Barbi is a historic estate with family winemaking rootsthat span all the way back to 1352, as impossible as that may sound. The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino reflects an authentic identity for Sangiovese with sour cherry, blue flower, grilled herband toasted spice. The wine has fine tannins, a snappy style and a hint of bitterness that should subside with more years in the cellar. This is a big production of 150,000 bottles.
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino launches from the glass with a classic bouquet of dried roses, cedar shavings, dusty earth, leather and savory spice. Lifted and ethereal, it sweeps across the palate with tart red berry fruits and mineral tones as violet inner florals embellish the close. This tapers off with a spicy tinge, long and full of youthful tension as hints of tart cranberry mingle with fine tannins, creating a youthful, chewy feel.
Eric Guido, Vinous
The destemmed and crushed grapes underwent rapid cooling to 16°C in a CO₂-protected environment. This cooling process of the grape skins allows greater extraction of anthocyanins and polyphenols. The alcoholic fermentation lasted about 16–17 days at a controlled temperature of 27°–28°C. After racking, malolactic fermentation followed, after which the wine was placed in small to medium-sized oak barrels (2.25 hl – 15 hl), followed by larger barrels.
The Brunello "Annata" is aged in small and medium-sized barrels for at least 2 years, followed by aging in larger barrels. Bottle aging: Minimum of 4 months.