Brunello di Montalcino “Vignavecchia” DOCG 2020 (BIO)

San Polo | Tuscany
Marilisa Allegrini S.r.l. | Via della Torre 23/25 | IT 37022 Fumane

29152720 · 0,75 l · 393,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
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Vignavecchia lies remote, steep, a little hidden on the western slope of Podernovi – two hectares of Sangiovese, planted in 1988, when Montalcino had not yet entered the world stage it occupies today. The soils here are older than most people remember: Cretaceous-Eocene, the first layers to emerge from the primordial sea, interspersed with marl and limestone, poor in nutrients, rich in minerals. Vines rooted in such soil struggle – and from this struggle comes concentration. 2020 was the year in which the world stood still – and the winegrowers had time like they hadn't had for generations. Marilisa Allegrini says that her daughters Carlotta and Caterina tended the vineyard as if it were a garden: vine by vine, grape by grape. The summer brought heat, up to forty degrees in August, but the nights cooled down to twenty-six degrees – enough to preserve the freshness of the Sangiovese. Isolated rains at the end of August gave the vines a rest before the harvest began.

The result is a Brunello that is characterised by the tension between warmth and elegance. Vinification in Liters French oak barrels – the smallest format used by San Polo – gives the wine structure without dominance, presence without ostentation. In the glass, the colour is bright ruby red, with a nose of wild cherry and blood orange, underpinned by Mediterranean herbs and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, the 2020 is silky and immediate – a Brunello that does not insist on patience, but invites you in. The tannins are polished, the acidity lively, the finish of mineral length. Some call 2020 a "restaurant vintage" – wines that are ready to drink early, but not made to last forever. Vignavecchia disagrees. The thirty-year-old vines with their deep roots have defied the hot summer, retaining freshness where others fell into overripeness. This wine is no underdog – it is silent proof that great terroirs can produce greatness even in difficult years. Sometimes it just takes time. And in 2020 there was a hell of a lot of time ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Exciting start with flavours of berries, sandalwood and orange zest; promising on the palate, has powerful tannins, but also plenty of polish, juice and length. A convincing wine that goes well with a beef steak." Vinum

"Ruby red with light garnet-coloured nuances. On the nose, fruity aromas of cherry, fig and blood orange as well as subtle balsamic notes. Rich and multi-layered on the palate with good acidity that supports the structure, long-lasting, vibrant." Falstaff

"The cherry and strawberry fruits are joined by wild herbs, thyme and rosemary as well as a hint of green olives. This savoury red wine tightens up thanks to its dense tannins, but remains expressive and persistent on the finish. It shows a fine balance and tension." Wine Spectator

"A Sangiovese of cranberry, then cinnamon and sensations of rosehip and juicy and savoury sip, with perfectly fused tannins and fruity memories. It closes on floral notes." Luca Gardini

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vignavecchia 2020 is one of two sites selected by San Polo. It has a very sharp and straightforward character with a mineral complexity that comes with a well-balanced note of crushed stone that I really love. This much-needed touch of stone from slate-rich Galestro soils helps to break through the austere darkness of Sangiovese from this southern Tuscan appellation. It also softens the abundant oak. This wine stands out for me in this prestigious portfolio. Only 2,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"Wow. The nose has it all: bark, dark mushrooms, blackberries, black cherries and dried lemon peel. The wine is full-bodied, the tannins are well integrated and frame the wine well. This wine has the character of an old vine, with slightly chewy tannins and lots of earthy undertones. Very well made for the vintage. Best after 2028, but already impressive now." James Suckling