Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021

Le Potazzine | Tuscany
Tenuta Le Potazzine s.r.l. | Loc. Le Prata, 262 | IT 53024 Montalcino

29552121 · 0,75 l · 118,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Gigliola Giannetti was born on the Argiano wine estate, the daughter of an employee in the wine cellar. She grew up among barrels and vines, the smell of fermenting must was the scent of her childhood. At 19, she joined Franco Biondi Santi, and later Giulio Gambelli encouraged her to make wine herself. In 1993, the time had come: first parcel, first child – daughter Viola. Three years later came two more hectares and daughter Sofia. Today, three women stand together in the cellar and three generations of Montalcino in one line. Le Potazzine is one of the highest vineyards in the appellation: 450 to 530 metres, where the harvest begins up to three weeks later than in the valley. What used to be considered a disadvantage is now worth its weight in gold – the grapes ripen slowly, retain their acidity and develop finesse instead of mere vigour. Vinification is uncompromisingly traditional: spontaneous fermentation, 30 to 45 days of maceration, no temperature control. The wine then rests for 42 months in large Slavonian oak barrels – six months longer than is even required for a Riserva. So every Brunello from Le Potazzine is actually a Riserva. Why don't they call it that? Modesty, or perhaps quiet pride.

The 2021 shows why this house is one of Montalcino's elite: Bergamot, violets, sour cherry, a hint of tobacco and leather. Dense, velvety tannins that carry instead of blocking, a vibrant acidity that gives the wine tension and length. Not a wine for the impatient – but one that rewards those who give it time. Or as Gigliola says: "I am not interested in producing excellent wines without soul. There are already enough of them in the world. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, this wine shows liquorice, charcoal, wild strawberries, black cherries, smoke and subtle citrus notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied, velvety and lush, with elegant tannins, crisp acidity and a dense, extract-rich but polished, spicy finish." James Suckling

"Still youthfully brooding, it imparts dried violets, grenadine and blackcurrants along with an earthy truffle nuance. It is very cleverly constructed, with an unadulterated fruit quality and a sparkling mineral note. The rich tannins increase in volume, but the whole remains wonderfully balanced in its dimensions." Decanter

"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino reflects the winery's loyal following based on a distinctive style with freshness and bright, expressive flavours. This vintage tends towards the more concentrated end of the spectrum, offering blackcurrant and wild plum flavours while maintaining its clarity and vibrancy. The tannins are still taut at this youthful stage, although the mouthfeel is already moving towards silkiness and should come into its own with a little more time in the bottle. This is a hallmark of the cooler, higher altitude vineyards farmed by Gigliola Giannetti and her daughters." Wine Advocate

"The youthful Brunello di Montalcino 2021 needs to be coaxed to reveal its youthful state, as swirling releases nuances of dried roses, black cherries, cedar dust and sage. The palate is pure seduction, very sensual with dense waves of ripe red berry fruit and an almost creamy feel balanced by vibrant acidity. An array of sweet tannins frames a light balsamic note that adds a beautiful punctuation to the experience, leaving the senses in prime concentration. The 2021 is simply stunning and set for a long evolution. Year after year, Le Potazzine has established itself as one of the best Brunello producers." Vinous