2012 Brunello di Montalcino

After a rather cold winter also characterised by heavy snowfalls – positive events, which favoured the recharging of aquifers – spring was relatively warm, keeping with standard trends. The vegetative period started during the second week of April, in line with the average recorded in the territory. Summer was very hot, with scarce rainfalls, and in some cases it pushed the vineyards to the limit of equilibrium for the correct development of the vegetative phase. The rainfalls in late summer and early September restored the balance and created the best conditions for the most important ripening phase of the Sangiovese grapes. The grapes achieved optimal characteristics, both in terms of sanitary conditions and analytical parameters. The month of September was very good from a meteorological standpoint, with an excellent balance of rain, which granted freshness during the night, and sunshine during daytime, which favoured the ripening of the grapes. Dark transparent ruby. Pale rim. Rich, ripe, round red fruits – even glacé strawberry – on the nose with gamey hints. Very round and smooth. A new sense of sophistication when compared with the 2010. Very savoury on the palate – cries out for food although the tannins are silky and the fruit beautifully fresh. (JR)