Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Piaggione 2018

Wine Description for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Piaggione 2018 by Salicutti

Colour & Appearance

Deep ruby red with remarkable transparency and clarity – a wine that manifests its biological origins visually as well.

Nose

Powerful and unconventional: rather than upfront fruit, umami dominates here in the form of salumi and culatello. Black pepper and pimento provide spicy accents, whilst amarena cherries and mulberries appear more as accompaniment than protagonists. Sandalwood and dark chocolate round off the hedonistic, opulent bouquet – a distinctive character with a mind of its own.

Palate

Meaty, almost chewable in its texture. The fine-knit tannins lend this Brunello its characteristic bite, low-lying and of impressive structure. Black cardamom, tobacco and leather add depth and complexity. Despite its youthful power, the wine already displays remarkable balance with solid pressure on the mid-palate. A contemplative wine that deserves large glasses and time – 14% alcohol is perfectly integrated.

Finish

Long, spicy and with sustained tannin presence that preserves the meaty character through to the end.

Terroir & Origin

The cru Piaggione comprises 1.2 hectares with east-south-east exposure at 420-450 metres altitude. Skeleton-rich limestone soils, which have never come into contact with conventional pesticides, define the character. Podere Salicutti was Montalcino’s first organically certified estate – a pioneer since 1994.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Sangiovese from vines planted in 1994 and 2007. Since 2015, Sabine and Felix Eichbauer have consistently carried forward the organic philosophy of founder Francesco Leanza – with a critically reflective approach to human intervention.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Hare in red wine with bay leaf and thyme, pan-fried grey mullet with mushrooms and bacon, or gnocchi of grilled aubergines with ricotta salata. The umami-rich character calls for hearty, savoury dishes.

Special Features

A „velvet fist“ – powerful and elegant in equal measure. A Brunello that rewards patience, yet already reveals its personality now.