Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2019 · MAGNUM in OWC

Poggio Antico | Tuscany
Poggio Antico s.r.l. s.a. | Loc. Poggio Antico | IT 53024 Montalcino

09413419 · 1,5 l · 186,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available

"The vintage we've all been waiting for" – this is how the international wine critics in Montalcino unanimously describe the 2019 vintage, with a level of enthusiasm rarely seen in such unanimity. Kerin O'Keefe described the 2019s as even more impressive overall than the already legendary 2016s. Andrew Jefford simply called it the best Brunello vintage he had ever tasted, even more dense and consistent than the much-praised Barolo from the same year. Winemakers such as Francesco Buffi of Baricci spoke of a vintage that took them back twenty years; others drew comparisons with the legendary 1988 and 1990 vintages. A magical year in which rain and sunshine arrived at exactly the right time – and in which the Riserva selections once again stood out from the already exceptional Annata wines.

At Poggio Antico, "Riserva" does not refer to a specific terroir, but rather to the pure potential of the harvested fruit: a selection of those plots which, in a given year, display exceptional concentration, lively acidity and a firm tannin structure. A cool winter and an equally mild spring initially delayed budbreak, but abundant rainfall during the growing season gave the vines precisely the balance they needed to accumulate large quantities of polyphenols. The decisive turning point came in September and October: sharp fluctuations in temperature between day and night sharpened the phenolic character of each individual vineyard. Harvested by hand on 4 October, this vintage fermented for ten days in tulip-shaped cement tanks, followed by a further eighteen days of maceration, then thirty months in French oak barrels and six months in natural concrete, before the wine is bottled unfiltered in December 2023.

A deep, brilliant ruby red. The bouquet offers concentrated notes of dark cherry and ripe wild berries, underpinned by the dry herbs of the Mediterranean maquis, subtle leather and a mineral foundation that reflects the dramatic temperature fluctuations experienced during the ageing process. With aeration, hints of violets and roasted coffee emerge. On the palate, it is dense and powerful, yet never heavy: the tannins are tightly woven yet silky in texture, the acidity is lively and supportive, and the finish is long, spicy and of remarkable clarity – a Riserva that showcases the exceptional completeness of its vintage in every facet. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 is exotic, with a hint of exotic spices and blood oranges, giving way to rum-soaked cherries and notes of baking chocolate. Its style is round and juicy, with crisp wild berries underscored by nuances of candied citrus and sweet herbs. Oaky tannins frame the finish, whilst the 2019 lingers with powerful length and a spicy note – and a hint of residual acidity ensures that your mouth waters and you find yourself craving more." Vinous

"A rather distinctive bouquet with notes of blood oranges, crushed violets and macerated raspberries. On the palate, it is supple, with medium body, crisp acidity and velvety tannins, enveloped in abundant fruit. A lovely finish. Ready to drink now." James Suckling

"The bouquet is also quite complex, revealing notes of dried spices, cinnamon and cloves, underpinned by sweet fruit aromas and blackberry. On the palate, the wine is dense and intense." Wine Advocate

"Shows black currant and violet -- not your typical Brunello flavors, yet this exhibits fine harmony and drive. Iron, earth, eucalyptus and orange peel notes add detail as this glides to the lingering aftertaste. Beautifully balanced and supple." Wine Spectator