Brunello di Montalcino “Vallocchio” DOCG 2021

Tenuta Fanti | Tuscany
Tenuta Fanti | Loc. Podere Palazzo 14 | IT 53024 Castelnuovo dell' Abate

09562721 · 0,75 l · 78,67 €/lavailable immediately

In the early 14th century, a place name appears in a document from Castelnuovo dell'Abate: "Vallocchio Brunello" – bordered between the "Podio Rubeo" and "Piage di Monte Caprile" parcels. This is the oldest documentary reference to viticulture in this municipality. Seven centuries later, the five oldest vineyards of Tenuta Fanti stand on this very land. History has never stopped here. Filippo Fanti has studied, cultivated and observed this terroir for decades. 2010 was the year – the first Vallocchio. Since then, it has only been released in exceptional vintages: no pressure, no annual promise, but a selective statement about what the place really has to say in a particular season. Five hectares, 20 to 35-year-old vines, well-draining Galestro soils of medium texture at 230 to 250 metres above sea level. Hand-picked from the second half of September to mid-October, depending on exposure and plot.

Manually selected on three sorting tables, fermented and macerated at a controlled temperature in stainless steel, malolactic fermentation before ageing in wood, then matured in French barriques and medium-sized barrels – the same care as the Annata-Brunello, but with a raw material that shows this place in its most concentrated form. In Montalcino, 2021 brought the even ripeness that suits Vallocchio: cooler nights, slow phenolic development, pronounced structure without heat-induced heaviness.

Intense, deep ruby red colour. Dark cherry, violets, tobacco, dried herbs and a hint of mineral earth on the nose – complex, very calm. Full-bodied and brooding on the palate, with finely spun tannins, balanced freshness and a final that lingers long and clear. Vallocchio – as if the name were a promise that the wine has been keeping since the 14th century. SUPERIORE.DE

"Enchants the nose with cherry and floral aromas, some vanilla and liquorice; finely chiselled on the palate, the robust tannins and invigorating acidity in balance, long finish." Vinum

"Generous and contemporary in style, the Fanti 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio delivers dark, plummy fruit layered with integrated sweet spice and toast, supported by good length and mouthfeel. The wine’s 15.5% alcohol and extended oak aging contribute to a larger-scaled, more concentrated profile, with extra spice and oak influence lingering on the close alongside firm tannins." Wine Advocate

"A chewy and fruity red with lots of smoke, toasted oak, balsamic and spice aromas and flavors. Medium- to full-bodied with juicy fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Needs time to soften. Try after 2027." James Suckling