Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021 (BIO)

Col d'Orcia | Tuscany
Col d'Orcia s.r.l. s.a. | Via Giuncheti | IT 53024 Montalcino

09132121 · 0,75 l · 50,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Sometimes a great vintage needs a little scare first. In April 2021, the thermometer dropped to minus seven degrees in parts of Montalcino – late frost, which hit the more sensitive sites and reduced the harvest to around 15 per cent below the previous year. What was a loss for some farms proved to be a gift for quality. Fewer grapes, more concentration. The surviving vines seemed to know what was at stake. The rest of the year followed the textbook pattern of classic Brunello meteorology: regular spring, hot and dry summer – then two decisive rain events in the second half of August, which gave the vineyards water and the grapes their final aromatic complexity. The September nights cooled the Sant'Angelo vineyard in Colle to temperatures that distinguish phenolic ripeness from genuine elegance. Harvest did not start until mid to late September – patiently waited, fully redeemed.

Col d'Orcia's vinification remains almost meditative in its consistency: selection at harvest, maceration for 18 to 20 days at a maximum of 28°C in shallow steel tanks, then the long journey through three years in large Slavonian and Allier barrels (25 to 75 hl). Bottle rest for at least twelve months. Count Francesco Marone Cinzano decided early on that the Sangiovese from this site needed no intervention – only time, subtle wood and respect.

Intense ruby red colour, violet reflections. The nose shows Sangiovese in its most concentrated form – dark cherry, pomegranate, tobacco, leather notes, verbena and the finest roasted flavours from the long wood maturation. Powerful yet balanced on the palate: pronounced tannins with silky-textured depth, lively acidity as a backbone, very long finish with a mineral aftertaste. A little more tension than 2020, but more future than present – a Brunello that is already (somewhat) impressive today and will delight in ten years' time! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, radiant ruby red with violet reflections. Harmonious and inviting on the nose, lots of ripe fruit, reminiscent of wild raspberry and cherry, followed by black pepper and rosemary. Structured and juicy on the palate, precise structure, spicy final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is youthfully delicate, with nuances of dusty dried cherries, rose petals and liquorice. On the palate, it shows a round texture and cooling acidity, with ripe red and black fruits under a hint of inner flowers. The long, energising finish leaves fine-grained tannins and a pleasant chew." Vinous

"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino from organic farming is generous and sun-drenched, with flavours of black cherries, blackberries and sweet earth. The fruit from the estate's 100 hectares of vineyards gives the wine a remarkable density and breadth that reflects the warmth of the vintage. On the palate, it is broad and powerful, but the natural acidity of the Sangiovese ensures balance." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Brunello is a great successor to the excellent 2020. It is proof of the Marone Cinzano family's continuous work in the vineyard to meet the challenges of the changing climate. It has a sparkling ruby red colour and is still surprisingly youthful in its aromas. Behind the peppery raspberry flavours lies a complex symphony that refreshes and fills the palate, with clear notes of Mediterranean herbs, red cherries and blackcurrants. A really serious stuffing with an underlying juiciness. The well-anchored, chalky tannins should carry it for at least the next 12-15 years." Decanter

"A hint of hazelnut chocolate to the ripe plums and cherries, with hints of minerals and dried grapefruit. Structured and bright, with an almost full body and a juicy, vertical finish. There's a lot going on in the finish." James Suckling