Val di Suga

Tuscany, Italy

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG — 2018

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  • Vineyard Profile

    • Grape Source: Sangiovese Grosso from the Val di Suga vineyards in Montalcino in its three historic zones. ( 35% from Vigna del Lago–40% from Poggio al Granchio– 25% from Vigna Spuntali)
    • Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
    • Size: 55 ha (136 acres)
    • Soil: Clay, marl and sand
    • Elevation: 270–450 meters (886-1,476 feet) above sea level.
    • Orientation: North to south
    • Density: 5,050 vines/acre (7,143 vines/hectare)
    • Training: Spurred cordon
  • Vintage Report

    • Harvest Date(s): First half of October
  • Vinification

    • Once the grapes have been picked, they undergo pre-fermentation maceration at a low temperature (5-6° C, 41-43° F); fermentation takes place with particular control of the temperature (not over 27°C, 81° F), pumping over techniques and délestage in order to enhance the fruity and mineral component of the wine. 100% Malolactic fermentation.

    • Aging: 24 months in 50 hectoliter Slavonian oak barrels, followed by 6 months in bottle
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese
  • Tasting Notes

    • Produced with grapes grown in three different sectors of the appellation (northeast, southeast and southwest), with specific pedoclimatic features, it accurately and faithfully illustrates the classic style of Val di Suga. The different geographical locations of the vineyards make for Sangiovese grapes that complement each other, as well as managing to sketch a traditional profile. This wine holds the uncommon ability to combine expressivity, grip, generous fruit and rigour, without losing elegance. The nose is complex, with notes of crisp ripe red fruit, orange, bitter orange and slightly balsamic overtones. The well-structured palate features excellent tannic and acid definition, with a lingering, uplifting finish.

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Reviews

  • Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – 2018 – Vinous – 95 Points

    “The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous, floral and finessed, wafting up with a classic Sangiovese profile blending dried rose and black cherries, complicated by dusty earth, worn leather and hints of cedar spice. This shows a beautiful ripeness of fruit, pure and lifted yet potent, with masses of red, wild berries and inner florals that cascade across a core of zesty acidity. This finishes long and staining with regal tannins and a tart cranberry tinge that lingers on and on."

  • Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – 2018 – Jeb Dunnuck – 96 Points

    “The color is medium red/garnet, and the nose opens to fresh aromas of orange citrus peel, dusty earth, cranberry, spices, and juniper. Medium-bodied and more linear, it lifts through the palate with fine tannins and a refreshing, mouthwatering finish. It has a great saline feel and is a savory and fresh wine. This is a Brunello I’d love to drink over the next 10 years for its accessibility and refined texture, although I imagine it will also have some real potential for cellaring.”

  • Brunello di Montalcino DOCG — 2018 – Wine Enthusiast – 95 Points

    “The nose is a well-stocked kitchen, with coffee always ready, a decadent spice drawer and expensive balsamic, and the aromas of cherries and soil wafting in from the garden. On the palate, notes of vanilla and candied orange underscore the cherries’ juicy sweetness, while the savory notes linger as undertones, before lithe tannins and hot acid usher in a long finish.”

  • Brunello di Montalcino DOCG — 2018 – Jeb Dunnuck – 95 Points

    “Gorgeous and distinctive in its style, with a smoky perfume of incense, rose petal, tarragon, and vibrant red cherry or red raspberry. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with refined tannins, fresh acidity, and a saline, stony mouthfeel. A lovely wine just full of graceful elegance and polish, its notes of cedar, orange zest, and fresh soil all come together seamlessly.”

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