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Ventolaio - Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 (750ml)

Price: $99.99

Quantity in Stock: 24
Producer Ventolaio
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Subregion Montalcino
Varietal Sangiovese Grosso
Vintage 2016
Sku 39218
Size 750ml
 
JS
94
V
90

Perched above the historic route between Montalcino and Sant'Antimo Abbey at 400 meters elevation, Ventolaio's vineyards capture the essence of pristine Tuscan terroir. The Fanti family's estate, blessed with south/south-east facing slopes and mineral-rich marl-galestro soils, spans 14 hectares of prime Brunello territory. These ancient plots, predominantly composed of clay interspersed with stone and gravel, provide optimal drainage and stress for their 20-25 year old Sangiovese vines, cultivated using traditional methods passed down through four generations.

This distinguished Brunello di Montalcino Riserva showcases the family's artisanal approach, beginning with hand-harvested fruit and indigenous yeast fermentation. After five years of patient aging in carefully selected Slavonian and French oak, the wine emerges with layers of wild cherries, sun-warmed leather, and fresh tobacco, supported by hints of Mediterranean herbs and crushed stone. The extended barrel time creates a harmonious marriage of power and elegance, reflecting both its noble origins and the Fanti family's dedication to excellence.

James Suckling: 94 Points

Plenty of ripe and fresh fruit with citrus and rose aromas that follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a bright, vivid finish. Hints of orange-peel and light pie-crust flavors in the aftertaste. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two.

Vinous: 90 Points

Sour wild berries complemented by savory herbs and hints of tangerine waft up from the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. It’s silky in texture with cooling acids and a pure display of ripe strawberries and mineral tones. This finishes long and fresh, though lacking in depth, as pretty rose tones taper off over a subtle coating of sweet tannins. Frankly speaking, I would never peg this for a Riserva, or possibly even a Brunello, but it is a fun and lightly structured glass of pure Sangiovese.

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