Producer | Ventolaio |
Country | Italy |
Region | Tuscany |
Subregion | Montalcino |
Varietal | Sangiovese Grosso |
Vintage | 2016 |
Sku | 39218 |
Size | 750ml |
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.
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.
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.