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Brunello di Montalcino
2007
The Argiano vineyard, located in Montalcino, Tuscany, is a viticultural institution dating back to the 16th century, renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino. Its rich history includes illustrious owners like the Medicis and prosperous periods under the Pecci family in the 18th century. Since then, Argiano has evolved with the introduction of modern techniques while preserving its heritage. Today, it is famous for its DOCG wines, a testament to centuries of expertise blending tradition with...
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Argiano’s vineyards are blessed with a fortunate microclimate and enviable position both of which contribute to favourable development of the grapes. The extended vegetative cycle and maturation period are due to the 300m above see level plateau thus creating cool nights in the summer months. The moderate rainfall in general of Montalcino promotes a better and healthier ripening period, bringing more concentration and flavours to the wine. This combined with the constant and warm winds from the Maremma that cool down the grapes during the hottest days of summer enables a slower ripening period rendering all over favourable conditions. Last but not the least, the close proximity of Argiano to Monte Amiata, one of Tuscany’s highest peaks that shelters the whole area from bad weather. Consequently, all factors combined enable Argiano to produce year after year high profile wines and consistently good vintages.
The Sangiovese-grapes are usually picked from end-September to mid-October, depending on the type of soil, the exposure of the vineyards and of course the climatic courses. The juice is fermented on the grape skins from two to three weeks in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperature. The fermentation time varies from one tank to the other, depending on the different vineyards where the grapes originate from. Once the alcoholic fermentation is finished, the acid-softening fermentation will start naturally, also called Malolactic, a natural process that converts Malic acid into Lactic acid. This second fermentation can last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on several factors such as the temperature of the cellar. This process softens and reduces the acidity and stabilizes the wine naturally, but moreover it gives the wine more depth, complexity and elegance. The wine is aged on the whole for 4 years, of which 2 and half are in oak. Before release in January, the wine is aged further 6 months in bottle.
Argiano’s Brunello di Montalcino has an intense ruby-red colour. A good concentration in the mid- palate and a persistent aftertaste, yet round and luscious in body, with silky and interesting tannins. It combines power and elegance and indicates a much promising future. Together with the captivating perfumes of red fruits and the clean freshness, the complexity of the wine proves an optimal balance. Decant the wine for at least 1 hour before drinking for an optimum enjoyment.
A very polished red with cloves and caramel, on top of black cherries, mushrooms and forest floor. Black olives, too. It's full-bodied with polished tannins and lovely depth all the way through. Lightly chewy. Juicy black-cherries and savory black-olive character. Complex. Drink after 2025.
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What's often forgotten in the general hubbub which surrounds Brunello di Montalcino is that this DOCG circumscribes the area of Tuscany where Sangiovese ripens more amply and more beguilingly than anywhere else - though of course this is a grape variety whose resource is such that differences of ripening spectrum based on site do nothing but add to its nuance and appeal. If you want to get a fix on the sheer, disarming loveliness of that ample ripeness, try this wine: glowing, almost exotic fruits, with a little incense spice creeping into the mix, then glowing, soft-textured flavours which brim with summer's end and autumn's plenty: ripe plums and berries, autumn leaves, some wild mushroom fragrance and the dark spices which hint at Christmas to come.
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This fragrant red opens with heady scents of blue flower, star anise, camphor and new leather. Still young and primary, it delivers juicy red cherry, spiced cranberry, licorice and tobacco supported by a backbone of refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it energized and balanced. Drink 2026–2041.
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Very floral on the nose with plums, rose petals and freshly sliced porcini mushrooms. The palate is tight and compressed with beautiful ripe fruit, wet earth and cool, stone flavors. A structured and impressive wine.
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The Argiano 2016 Brunello di Montalcino shows a lovely transparency to its appearance and follows with lifted red fruit aromas, cassis, wild cherry and blue flower. It is made with a simple approach, fermented in cement tank and aged slowly in oak, and the fruit comes from a 22-hectare site with limestone marl soils. It delivers a lightness and a weightlessness that is not often ascribed to this vintage. No worries, the power of 2016 comes through at the very end in terms of tannins and structure. This ample release of 115,000 bottles will be ready to drink after 2023 when the wine has had time to open and flesh out.
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The 2016 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino shows sweet herbs and tobacco with hints of mocha and cedar spice box. It’s silky in texture, coasting across a medium-bodied frame while giving way to tart red berries, with grippy tannins mounting toward the close. A cooling wave of minty herbs and licorice adds much needed freshness, bringing the 2016 into balance throughout the youthfully structured finale. While this was hard to read and quite backward upon opening, it blossomed beautifully in the glass over time.
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Very attractive floral and fresh aromas to the plums and cherries, following through to the palate. Flavorful and gorgeous, yet lively and focused. Lovely 2017
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Under new ownership since 2013, the historic Argiano estate has made a number of positive changes, which include increasing biodiversity, converting to organic viticulture and moving away from small barrels to ageing in larger casks. The vivacious and pure 2016 Brunello is a testament to all of the recent investments. Scented liquorice and tobacco waft temptingly from the glass. Layered and chewy, the palate has a balsamic edge playing off fleshy cherry and plum. Tangy acidity lifts this mouth-filling beauty.
Drinking Window 2023 - 2035
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The supple texture and medium-body easily support the ripe cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, while earth, leather and tobacco add grace notes. Very harmonious, even at this stage, this red is bright and long, with a fruity and savory aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2042. 9,100 cases made, 5,000 cases imported.
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Vivid magenta. Primary red and blue fruit aromas, along with suggestions of pungent flowers and Indian spices. Sappy, mineral-laced boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors deepen and become sweeter with air while maintaining urgency. Rich but vibrant in style, finishing very long and juicy, featuring repeating floral character and smooth, harmonious tannins that lend gentle grip.
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The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is incredibly exotic in both spice and floral tones, and an intense wave of cherry and raspberry preserves mixes with hints of tangerine and cocoa that pull you close. This is so deep and fleshy yet energetic in feel, boasting a core of bright acidity that enlivens the experience and motivates the tart wild berries, zesty citrus and inner rose tones. Light tannins linger, yet the 2017 remains juicy and fun, delivering gobs of immediate pleasure though lasting notes of red currant, licorice and clove. Sadly, there will be no Vigna del Suolo from 2017, as all of that juice was added to bolster the Brunello. Even so, production was down by 35%.
A rigid, tightly-wound version, this red features a core of cherry, raspberry, black currant, almond and iron aromas and flavors. Needs time, yet everything feels like they are in the right proportions. Finishes fresh, spicy and long. Best from 2025 through 2042
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Just mid ruby. Cool, perfumed, concentrated cherry nose with just a hint of fruit cake in the background. Pure, tangy and strikingly perfumed sweet cherry and cranberry fruit palate with finely grained tannins. Can be approached now.
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Mid ruby with orange tinges. Lifted, sweet nose with hints of gingerbread and sweet oak, but more complex than that sounds. Supple maraschino palate with spicy gingerbread notes and grainy tannins while the acidity takes the lead on the finish. Very long, juicy, embracing and fresh and with plenty of acidity and chewy tannins. Has substance as well as elegance.
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