San Polino - Brunello di Montalcino DOCG - 2019

96/100 Points - Biodynamically produced Brunello di Montalcino, a masterpiece.

The San Polino Brunello di Montalcino 2019 opens with an expressive and elegant nose. You immediately smell black cherries, wild berries, rose petals, liquorice and a hint of clove. Upon aeration, notes of leather, balsamic and wet earth also emerge, typical of a classic Brunello. On the palate this wine is powerful yet refined, with a silky structure and lively acidity. Rich flavors of ripe plums, cherries and black tea are beautifully supported by fresh minerality and fine, present tannins. The finish is long, complex and perfectly balanced.

San Polino’s vineyards are planted on a mix of galestro (schist rock), clay and volcanic rock. These poor, well-draining soils produce grapes with concentration, finesse and a pronounced terroir expression. The grapes for this wine come from two plots: Helichrysum (450 metres altitude, south-facing) and Monte Amiata flank (around 350 metres, south-east). Both are certified organic and biodynamic, with great attention to biodiversity. The oldest vines were planted in 1998, with later plantings in the early 2000s. All are Sangiovese Grosso, specifically selected from clones that thrive in San Polino’s microclimate.

The 2019 vintage was an excellent vintage in Montalcino. A cold and wet spring was followed by a warm, even summer with cool nights. The grapes developed slowly, with a perfect balance between ripeness and freshness. The grapes were harvested manually in the first week of October 2019, with strict selection in the vineyard and in the cellar.

After harvest, the grapes are destemmed and spontaneously fermented with indigenous yeasts in open wooden vats. Fermentation lasts 3 to 4 weeks, with daily pigeage (immersion of the skins). Malolactic fermentation then follows naturally. The wine matures for a minimum of 36 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (botte), followed by at least another 6 months in bottle. No fining or filtering. The result is a pure, terroir-driven Brunello.

Wine and food combination
Perfect with classic Tuscan dishes such as wild boar ragù, bistecca alla Fiorentina or aged pecorino. Also delicious with truffle risotto or slow-cooked beef.

96/100 Points James Suckling

Intense aromas of black cherries, black truffle, orange peel and Indian spices. The palate is full yet reserved, with very fine tannins that fly linear and deep in the wine. Caressing texture. Reserved at the end. A real beauty. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2027.