Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva 2016

Wine Description for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva 2016 by Brizio

Colour & Appearance

Translucent garnet red with warm mahogany reflections at the rim – a wine that already tells of maturity and elegance in the glass.

Nose

The nose opens with impressive earthiness: malt, forest floor, porcini mushrooms, tobacco and dry tree bark form the dark foundation. With air, delicate fruit notes of raspberry, sour cherry and rosehip unfold, accompanied by a hint of fig. Fresh Mediterranean herbs enliven the bouquet, whilst floral notes of violet and rose petals lend a feminine, almost poetic character – rounded off by hints of frankincense and liquorice.

Palate

On the palate, a Brunello of remarkable elegance and silkiness reveals itself. The texture feels almost weightless – delicate fruit sweetness carries the wine across the tongue without ever becoming heavy. The vibrant, precise acidity – the hallmark of great Sangiovese vintages – provides tension and drinking flow. The 14% ABV is never obtrusive, yet lends the wine a charming, warm depth.

Finish

Long, mineral and marked by fine spice. Cherry, herbs and a hint of liquorice linger long – a finish that invites contemplation.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the south-west of Montalcino, one of the warmest vineyard sites of the appellation, at 300 to 350 metres altitude with an open view of the Maremma. The soil of sandstone and rocky marl gives the wine its mineral tension and structural finesse.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Sangiovese (Brunello), hand-harvested and fermented with natural yeasts. Ageing takes place in large Allier oak casks (54 hl) over 48 months, followed by a further 12 months in bottle – a classic, respectful approach to the terroir.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A wine for the table: Strozzapreti with broccoli, olives, burrata and balsamic onions, Branzino con pancetta or an elegant Tagliata of beef fillet with red wine jus and rosemary gnocchi – all worthy companions.

Special Features

The 2016 vintage is considered one of the finest Brunello vintages in recent history – cool, structured, long-lived. This Riserva from Brizio embodies the best of this constellation: power without heaviness, complexity without overwhelm.