You can ask either wine fans or even just keen world travellers where the most picturesque, idyllic landscapes are situated, and there's the likely chance that Tuscany will lie right near the top of the list, with emphasis on the historically-significant villages such as Montalcino! The very same rustic beauty translates directly to the region's winegrowing, inspiring each of its prestigious family-owned estates to take full advantage of its warm climate and express the full capabilities of the thin-skinned Sangiovese grape.
The releases from these houses, on special this week, are primarily that of the 2018 vintage - a year that won us over immediately upon trying them at our Tuscan-focused dinner a few months ago! Unlike the rather intense palates in a vintage like 2016, the '18s were noticably softer and more charming right out of the gate, showing bright fruit-complex palates that can easily be popped now and decanted over a long meal. Of course, should one prefer to wait, there aren't many wines that will reward your patience over the years more than a Brunello!
Also available is the 2019 release of Isole e Olena's flagship red, the Cepparello! If Italian reds are your thing, these are indeed the cream of the crop, so have a browse what's on offer!
2018 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino - $148 on special ; $169 RRP
"Translucent and bright ruby red color. Its appealing and fascinating nose immediately reveals the freshness of the vintage 2018 followed by hues of nutmeg and crisp red berries. On the palate it is well-hatched, generous and measured at the same time. It shows overall great balance between tannic texture and acidity. Perfectly enjoyable even young." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino keeps me coming back to the glass to take in its pretty bouquet of dusty florals, exotic spices and dried strawberries. This is like pure silk on the palate, seamless and supple, with depths of dark red fruit and mineral tones that add a more tactile feel toward the close. Balsam herbs, cedar and tobacco all resonate throughout the long and dramatic finale, as fine tannins frame the experience with youthful poise. Casanova di Neri is a master at creating one of the region's most balanced and enjoyable “entry-level” Brunellos." - 93 Points, Eric Guido, Vinous
2018 Baricci Brunello di Montalcino - $170 on special ; $195 RRP
"A succulent, vibrant and harmonious red hallmarked by enticing, multidimensional aromas and flavors of rose, strawberry, cherry, licorice, eucalyptus, iron and leather. Turns up the volume with ripe fruit midpalate, ending with a long, resonant aftertaste." - 96 Points, Wine Spectator
"The Baricci 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli delivers a classic expression of Sangiovese from one of the best areas of the Montalcino appellation. I always love wines from Baricci, and I am very pleased to encounter the freshness and bright fruit flavors in this vintage that I associate with this estate. There is punchy cherry fruit, blueberry and lots of white stone or crushed mineral. The approach is accessible, and the tannins are soft straight out of the gate." - 94 Points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
2018 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino - $225 on special ; $260 RRP
"Perfumed berry, pine forest, new leather and violet aromas mingle with enticing scents of vineyard dust that segue into underbrush and nutmeg. Linear, lithe and all about elegance, the savory palate has great energy that lifts juicy red cherry, spiced cranberry, star anise and tangy saline notes that linger on the close. Tight but refined tannins and vibrant acidity keep it youthfully tense and impeccably balanced. Those who love power and might could be surprised by its almost ethereal quality, but lovers of finesse, depth and balance will swoon in delight. Drink 2024-2038." - 98 Points, Kerin O'Keefe
2018 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino - $225 on special ; $260 RRP
"Ripe berry, Mediterranean brush and spice aromas mingle with new leather on this classy, vibrant offering from historic estate Fuligni. Full-bodied and gorgeous, the savory palate features juicy Morello cherry, star anise, almond and saline mineral notes framed in taut, polished tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and energized. Drink 2024–2038." - 98 Points, Kerin O'Keefe
"The 2018 does not disappoint: it epitomises the elegance of the vintage. A captivating synthesis of florals and earth, the nose radiates pressed violet, lavender and rose with truffle and tobacco accents. It expands in the mouth with flavour rather than weight or brawn. Red currants and orange are amplified by piercing acidity, and well-formed, magnificently textured tannins are chalky and adequately padded, giving layers and profundity. Not pushed beyond its capacity, this will drink beautifully over the next decade." - 96 Points, Michaela Morris, Decanter
2018 Gorelli Brunello di Montalcino - $255 on special ; $290 RRP
// An impressive first vintage for long-time Tuscan-born producer Giusepe Gorelli!
"Aromas of tilled earth, new leather, blue flower and forest floor mingle with whiffs of cake spice on this delicious wine. Both elegant and earthy, the smooth palate delivers crushed black cherry, star anise, nutmeg and an earthy truffle note alongside lithe tannins before a minty close. Drink through 2028." - 96 Points, Kerin O'Keefe
"The long-awaited and desired debut in the Brunello typology for the master of Rosso di Montalcino. In a version of great compactness, it comes as a confirmation of the vocation. From the north-eastern area of Montalcino and a raw material rich in tension, notes of black currant to the nose, touches of laurel and licorice, then orange peel and mint. The sip is brackish-sapid, dense and taut." - 96 Points, Luca Gardini
Also Available!
2019 Isole e Olena Cepparello - $210 on special ; $240 RRP
"One of the icon wines of Tuscany, the Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is all Sangiovese crafted by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi (who finalized the sale of his beloved estate when this wine hit the market). Indeed, this wine opens a discussion on the future of this celebrated IGT Toscana, a wine that followed a strict vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with fine aromas of black and purple fruit. It ferments in oak and ages in French barrique for 20 months, with one-third new oak. A sure candidate for long cellar aging." - 97+ Points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
If you wish to purchase these wines, please use the links above. Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions // Prices valid until Tuesday the 27th of June