Brunello di Montalcino Riserva - Fattoria dei Barbi - 2013

75 cl

Robert Parker: 95 points

Alcohol content: 14% vol.

Grape varieties: 100% Sangiovese

Vinification:

Before fermentation, the grapes underwent a cold pre-fermentation maceration, which consists of cooling the grapes at a temperature of 16°C in a CO2-protected environment. This process increases the extraction of polyphenols and flavour compounds. This was followed by regular alcoholic fermentation, which lasted 16/17 days at a controlled temperature of 27°-28°C. After racking and malolactic fermentation, the wine matured for the first few months in small to medium-sized oak barrels (2.25 - 15 hl). Later it completes the maturation in larger oak barrels for a total period of three years and is then bottled at least 6 months before release.

Tasting note:

The Fattoria dei Barbi has over 300 hectares of vineyards in Montalcino and Scansano and is run by Stefano Cinelli Colombini. The Colombini family has lived in this area since the middle of the 14th century. The Brunello di Montacino Barbi Riserva has a characteristic light garnet-red colour. The perfume expresses intriguing notes of strawberries, raspberries and cherries; there are also hints of exotic woods such as sandalwood and officinal herbs. On the palate it is well balanced by a certain acidity, enveloping and of great persistence. Combines well with roasts, game and mature cheeses.

Fattoria dei Barbi:

Fattoria dei Barbi is one of the largest companies in the Montalcino area and has been producing Brunello here for many years without interruption. It was in 1892 that the Fattoria was one of the first in the area to rely on the brilliant intuition of Biondi-Santi and produce Sangiovese in its purest form in this region. Other innovations in which the Fattoria dei Barbi was a pioneer?

It was the first company in Montalcino to export to France (1817), to sell Brunello by correspondence (1832), to start local wine tourism (1960s), to include the Supertuscan, the Brusco dei Barbi (1969), in its product range and to introduce biological thinning.

Today, the spotlight at Cinelli Colombini is on Brunello, one of the best in terms of value for money. Of a beautiful, transparent garnet red colour, typical and characteristic, the nose reveals notes of blackberry and sour cherry on a background of aromatic herbs, wet earth and undergrowth.

Afterwards, already developed aromas of spices, cinnamon and liquorice can also be recognised. In the mouth it is opulent, powerful, warm, pleasantly captivating, with incredibly silky and integrated tannins that are not at all astringent. A Brunello with a versatile but universal flavour that leaves an enchanting balsamic finish.