Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021

Mastrojanni | Tuscany
Az. Agr. Mastrojanni | Poderi Loreto e San Pio | IT 53020 Montalcino

29412221 · 0,75 l · 77,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Castelnuovo dell'Abate lies in the south-easternmost corner of the Denominazione – further away from the cool northern slopes of Montalcino, and closer to Monte Amiata, the extinct volcano that moderates the climate of the area. When Gabriele Mastrojanni bought the Poderi Loreto and San Pio estates in 1975, there was hardly anyone here. The land was barren, the soils low in clay but rich in sandstone, tuff and pebbles. That was precisely the reason. Today, Andrea Machetti, as CEO, and Oenologist Maurizio Castelli continue to run the estate in the spirit of its founder – with a consistency that knows no compromise: no herbicides, no chemical interventions whatsoever since November 2022, fermentation in concrete vats with wild yeasts, and extended ageing in large Allier oak barrels ranging from 16 to 54 hectolitres. The Brunello is crafted from a blend of different plots – varying exposures, altitudes between 180 and 420 metres, and vines of different ages – and derives its complexity from this.

The 2021 vintage proved particularly challenging for Castelnuovo dell'Abate: the April frost reduced yields, in some cases drastically. What remained was concentration. A warm but balanced summer, two providential downpours in July and August, followed by a perfect September with significant day-night temperature differences. Antonio Galloni placed 2021 alongside 2016 and 2019 – with one distinctive feature: it is more approachable, more direct and more seductive than those two great vintages. In the glass, a luminous, deep ruby red. The nose opens with classic Brunello elegance: ripe red cherry, hibiscus, violets, a hint of tobacco, oriental spices, and a subtle earthiness. On the palate, it is powerful yet precise – the tannins are dense but polished, whilst the acidity lends the wine tension and length. A Brunello that combines the strength of the vintage with the signature of its terroir: warm but never heavy, structured but never unwieldy. SUPERIORE.DE

"A nutty, slightly tobacco-like and meaty-animal aroma of ripe black and red berries, with hints of leather, Mediterranean herbs and a touch of ash and tar. Tart fruit with smoky, slightly toasty, nutty and ashy oak notes, crumbly, sandy, slightly drying tannins, a certain power and length, ethereal hints, a touch of tomato juice, a hint of salt, dried oregano and olives in the background, earthy and tarry nuances, a very good finish that is only slightly drying again." Wein-Plus

"Warm, fragrant aromas of wild berries and flowers, with hints of undergrowth and spices; an elegant attack, yet full of character, with a smooth mouthfeel and good length. Delights with its elegant yet powerful texture." Vinum

"A brilliant ruby red with a delicate lightening at the rim. On the nose, dark, spicy notes and earthy accents, as well as ripe fruit, plum, damp earth and a hint of graphite. On the palate, fruit and juiciness, precise structure and great length." Falstaff

"The wine is fragrant, ripe and sweet, with a very intense and concentrated nose. On the palate, it displays enormous richness and great body for a Mastrojanni. A clear continuation of the shift in style." Weinwisser

"Intense balsamic aromas of sage and mint, coated in cocoa. On the palate, it is smooth, polished and supple, without lacking structure. The sandy tannins feel skilfully integrated. Sweet herbs and sun-baked stones accentuate the lush red berries. It is long and harmonious in all its elements, but it is worth waiting another year." Decanter

"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino emanates from the glass with hints of ash and sage, which blend with spices and dried black cherries. It envelops the palate with a silky texture and an abundance of ripe, dark red fruit, soothing, polished and well-balanced on the palate. Powerful tannins blend with a subtle citrus note, whilst rose-like floral notes resonate in final dramatically long, youthfully structured final. The balance here is beyond reproach. Mastrojanni has added the juice from the Vigna Schiena d'Asino to enhance this bottling." Vinous

"Aromas of black cherries, orange peel and crushed stones; medium-bodied with juicy fruit and a flavourful finish. The finish has an almost sandy, terracotta-coloured character. Lovely balance." James Suckling

"Complex and elegant, the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino displays fluid contours that evolve with every swirl of the glass, before giving way to notes of cassis, dark cherry, spices, grenadine and grilled watermelon. On the palate, it displays energy and brightness with a medium to full body, finishing with a subtle mineral salinity that lends it vigour and definition. The grapes for this classic village wine come from 14.4 hectares characterised by varied soils, sites and altitudes, resulting in a balanced and expressive wine that is still very much in the process of developing." Wine Advocate