Brunello di Montalcino “Vignavecchia” DOCG 2021 (BIO)

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

29152721 · 0,75 l · 393,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
Limitation of 2 articles per customer

On 7 April 2021, frost fell across Montalcino. And again on 15 April. In some vineyards, it destroyed a third of the harvest. At Vignavecchia, on its steep west-facing slope at an altitude of 420 metres, the frost affected the vines differently: not as destruction, but as a form of selection. What survived were the strongest shoots and the best-protected grapes – a natural limitation on yield, more radical than any human intervention. Nature pruned what the winegrower would never have dared to. What followed was a summer of extremes and an autumn of perfection. The months up to August were hot and dry, followed by sporadic rainfall that allowed the vines to recover. September brought exactly what Sangiovese needs: warm days, cool nights, and those temperature fluctuations that preserve aromatics and acidity whilst phenolic ripeness progresses. The harvest began almost two weeks earlier than was usual just a few years ago – a sign of climate change, but this year also a stroke of luck: the grapes reached their peak before the autumn rains set in.

Vignavecchia is San Polo's oldest vineyard – planted in 1988, before Carlotta Allegrini was even born. The soils date from the Cretaceous–Eocene period, the first layers to rise from the sea: poor and stony, interspersed with marl. Vines that have been rooted here for over thirty-five years have learnt to cope with the barren conditions. Their berries are small, thick-skinned and possess an intensity that younger plantings cannot match. The west-facing aspect – unusual for Montalcino, where south-facing slopes dominate – gives the grapes afternoon sun and cool mornings: a combination that fosters elegance where other vineyards prioritise power. The winemaking process respects this finesse. Fermentation and ageing take place exclusively inLiters French oakLiters – for thirty months, followed by at least six months' bottle ageing. The smaller format allows the wine greater contact with oxygen than the large casks in which Podernovi matures, lending it a silky texture that blends with the natural structure of the terroir.

In the glass, the 2021 vintage displays a ruby red of brilliant clarity – more transparent than the 2020, with that translucency that characterises classic Brunello vintages. The nose unfolds in layers: first violets and rose petals, then redcurrants and sour cherries, and finally notes of lavender, tobacco and damp forest floor. On the palate, fine-grained tannins combine with lively acidity to form a structure reminiscent of the great vintages that made Montalcino famous. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with an aftertaste of chalk and red fruits that lingers for minutes. James Suckling described the 2021 vintage as having "old-fashioned charm" – wines that prioritise balance over power, transparency over opulence, and elegance over extraction. Vignavecchia embodies this ideal in its purest form. This is not a wine for immediate enjoyment, but one that deserves time – and will reward it richly. SUPERIORE.DE

"A magnificent bouquet of cherries, Mediterranean scrub and truffles; superb structure with tightly integrated, perfectly balanced tannins and invigorating acidity, with great length and notes of berry confit, sandalwood and spices." Vinum

"A deep ruby colour with a subtle garnet sheen. Rich and inviting on the nose, with aromas of ripe blackberries and plums, along with a hint of liquorice and subtle woody notes. It unfolds on the palate with plenty of body, rich and full-bodied, with very well-integrated tannins, and maintains a rich, full-bodied final." Falstaff

"The 2021 organically grown Brunello di Montalcino Vignavecchia, the estate's flagship wine and limited to just 2,000 bottles, offers the greatest concentration and power of these releases. The complexity of the old vines defines the aromatic profile, with multi-layered dark fruits, crushed roses, autumnal notes and smoked tobacco leaves, reflecting the character of the west-facing Vigneto Vignavecchia and its barren, slate-rich and stone-strewn Galestro soils. Following fermentation in tonneaux and 30 months' ageing in a combination of lightly toasted tonneaux and larger vessels, the wine displays both structure and freshness on the palate. This is a Brunello designed to be enjoyed with patience, and one that will reward long ageing in the cellar." Wine Advocate

"Macerated cherry, plum, spice, mineral and floral flavors highlight this elegant yet intense red. All of the components are there, showing superb balance and structure. Ends with persistent fruit, mineral and spice accents on the aftertaste. Patience is required." Wine Spectator

"Wonderful aromas of berries, sandalwood and cedar follow a medium body with firm, silky tannins and a long, silky finish. Wonderful intensity and energy. Truly elegant. Made from organically grown grapes. Best enjoyed after 2027, but already impressive." James Suckling