Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021

Le Ragnaie | Tuscany
Le Ragnaie | Loc. Le Ragnaie | IT 53024 Montalcino

29712221 · 0,75 l · 89,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Le Ragnaie is located on the highest vineyards in Montalcino. Riccardo Campinoti, who took over the estate in 2002 together with his American wife Jennifer, has created a vineyard here at an altitude of – 530 to 600 metres above sea level, surrounded by oak forests, olive groves and a small lake – has realised a philosophy that cannot be taken for granted in Montalcino: maximum transparency. No purchasing, no concentration through technology, no new barriques. Natural yeasts, concrete tanks, long macerations, Slavonian oak barrels. The wine tells what the vineyard says – and nothing more. The name of the estate refers to the ragnatela, the spider's web – the shape of the traditional bird-catching nets that were once spun here when Montalcino was poor and people caught birds to feed themselves. The history of Brunello has changed this. But the nets – in the figurative sense – have remained: fine, taut, precise. Brunello di Montalcino is the assemblage of all the parcels of the estate – a combination of the different exposures and altitudes of the central zone, vinified separately and only bottled together after three years.

The 2021 vintage was one of those rare vintages in which everything was just right: an April frost reduced yields by around 15 per cent and concentrated what was left. A dry, hot summer, which was kept in balance by two saving rain showers at the end of August. Then an ideal September with warm days and cool nights – phenolic ripeness, aromatic precision, lively acidity. 25 to 40 days of maceration in concrete vats with natural yeasts. 36 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered.

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. The nose opens with an almost ethereal precision: red cherry, dried rose petals, rosemary, pine needles, a hint of tobacco, with the vibrant minerality of these high-altitude sandstone soils in the background. Elegant and taut on the palate – the Sangiovese acidity carries the wine with a freshness that has made 2021 its trademark, the tannin is fine-grained and already well integrated, the finish is long, spicy, with a long saline aftertaste. A Brunello that is already seductive today – and still has decades ahead of it. SUPERIORE.DE

"Still very primary, almost naive in aromas, Le Ragnaie’s ‘compilation’ Brunello opens quietly with nutmeg and sarsaparilla. On the palate, however, it speaks deftly of its diverse plots in a harmonious whole. A ripe, rich fruit quality suggestive of warmer sites is offset by a crunchiness from cooler pockets. Ringing with fruit purity, it is full yet vibrant, and the pliant tannins are deeply embedded. Closing accents of juniper and herb blossoms hint at what is to come. While this should be approachable upon release, a few more months in bottle is justified." Decanter

"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino delivers terrific character with an especially lively quality that gives the wine lift, tension and clear verticality. Fermented in cement and aged for 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks, it reflects the estate’s artisanal philosophy, favoring personality and expression over excessive polish. Grilled herb and mint linger on the finish, while the palate remains well balanced, fresh and energetic over a medium- to full-bodied texture. This is a Brunello that may take risks stylistically (and not every vintage is perfect), but it rewards with authenticity and character." Wine Advocate

"More savory than sweet, the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with nuances of wild strawberry, rose petals, mint and white smoke. It is lifted and graceful in feel, with round textures and pretty red berry fruits elevated by tantalizing acidity. A subtle mineral crunch mingles with delicate tannins as the 2021 echoes with a wild berry resonance. This understated yet beautiful Brunello benefited from the inclusion of juice from both the Fornace and Petroso vineyards." Vinous

"Beautifully balanced and featuring delicate flavors of rose, cherry and strawberry, this red is nevertheless solidly built and dense. Iron, tar and wild herb accents add complexity as this ends in a tight grip of dusty tannins. The fruit hangs in there, so be patient." Wine Spectator