Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021

Castello Romitorio | Tuscany
Soc. Agr. Castello Romitorio srl. | Loc. Romitorio 279 I IT 53024 Montalcino

29652221 · 0,75 l · 86,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

North-west of Montalcino, where the hills become wilder and shadier and the view stretches towards the Maremma, Castello Romitorio lies in a secluded spot that truly lives up to the estate's name. Romitorio – hermitage. When Sandro Chia acquired the dilapidated castle in 1984, it had been uninhabited for decades, having most recently served as a shelter for shepherds and their flocks. He filled it with art and planted the slopes with old Sangiovese clones – without realising what distinctive character this north-western microclimate would one day bring to the bottle. The vineyards receive less direct sunlight than the south-facing slopes; temperatures are cooler and ripening occurs later – conditions that lend the Sangiovese elegance rather than power.

In 2021, Filippo Chia decided not to produce a Riserva. The grapes from all seven plots – vineyards situated at altitudes of between 200 and 450 metres – were therefore used entirely for the Annata. Fermentation took place in concrete tanks, with skin contact lasting between 18 and 30 days depending on the plot and the thickness of the skins, followed by 24 months' ageing in large wooden casks, a small proportion of which were second- and third-use tonneaux.

The result does justice to this decision: on the nose, notes of Marasca cherry, violet and pomegranate, developing over time into hints of sage, leather and a touch of soya – complex and unfolding in layers. The flavour is both open and powerful, with finely woven, delicate tannins and a freshness that carries the long finish. A Brunello that rewards patience – and one that already demonstrates why this artist was quite rightly destined to become a winemaker. SUPERIORE.DE

"Nestled amongst the wooded hills west of Montalcino, Castello Romitorio showcases its fresh microclimate with this elegant Brunello. On the nose, porcini mushrooms and sandalwood are detectable against a backdrop of crushed raspberries. This earthy sweetness persists as the wine glides lightly across the palate, culminating in delicious red summer berries. The bright acidity highlights notes of orange peel and mandarin, and the long, silky tannins are seamlessly integrated. A simmering potpourri of wildflowers lifts the finish." Decanter

"Cedar wood, frankincense, cloves and dried black cherries mingle in the glass with this expressive 2021 Brunello di Montalcino. Elegant and with a very appealing vibrancy, the 2021 vintage reveals an abundance of ripe wild berries beneath a hint of violet blossoms. It finishes with incredible length and concentration, perfectly framed by a layer of sweet tannins. This young, radiant Brunello is sure to have many fans." Vinous

"This is plush and features cherry, plum, wild herb, iron and spice flavors. Its tannins are well-integrated with the fleshy texture and resonant flavors, which gather steam by the lingering finish. Shows terrific balance and length overall." Wine Spectator

"Castello Romitorio's 2021 Brunello di Montalcino draws on fruit from seven of the estate's plots, as no Riserva was produced, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth and cohesion. The bouquet is initially subtle and delicate, unfolding with notes of white pepper, blue flowers and grilled herbs, before evolving into darker tones of sweet blackberry. On the palate, it is open and powerful, with juicy ripeness, multi-layered complexity and a structured mid-palate that remains slender in classic Sangiovese style." Wine Advocate