Brunello di Montalcino “Ugolforte” Riserva DOCG 2018 (BIO)

Tenuta San Giorgio | Tuscany
Collemassari S.p.A. s.a. | Via Di Porta Pinciana 6 | IT 00187 Roma

29642418 · 0,75 l · 104,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

For three years, the team at Tenuta San Giorgio got to know their vineyards. Not as an end in itself – but because they needed to know which plots had what it takes to produce a Riserva. The Brunello Disciplinare is clear on this point: the Riserva must be the exceptional, not the standard. It was not until 2018, after three years of careful observation and selection, that the answer was clear enough to take the first step: the first vintage of Ugolforte Riserva was put into the barrels. Climatically, 2018 was not an easy year in Montalcino. But in oenology, it is often the case that the most challenging vintages produce the most elegant wines. Selection of the best grapes from the best plots, fermentation in oak vats and concrete tanks with long maceration periods, 30 months in 30-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels, bottled in November 2021, released in January 2024. A Brunello that was shaped over six years before leaving the estate.

The terroir of Castelnuovo dell'Abate – clay, galestro, tuff and red, iron-rich soils all within a single estate – give Ugolforte its polychromatic character: depth from the clay, freshness and fullness from the tuff, and ripeness from the red soils. The lively acidity forms the backbone, whilst the dense tannins provide the structure. Garnet red with ruby highlights. On the nose, dark fruit, sweet spices, a hint of leather and tobacco. On the palate, full-bodied and carried by vibrant acidity, with dense, intense tannins and a long, balanced, fresh final. The debut of the Riserva – and a strong case for all that is yet to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Interesting notes of small wild berries and flowers, of mushrooms and undergrowth; compact on the palate, with fine-grained tannins supported by the acidity, finishing long with notes of red berries, balsamic and harmonious." Vinum

"Ageing in 30-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels gives this debut vintage an extroverted and lively character, with aromas of sweet herbs, ginger, tobacco and dried orange peel. On the palate, it is ripe and full-bodied with juicy red and blackcurrants, supported by youthful and robust, yet supple and approachable tannins. 7,000 bottles were produced." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte Riserva 2018 displays a quite different intensity, with notes of dried cherries, raspberry jam, redcurrants and Red Delicious apple. The wine is very generous and densely packed in terms of aromas. The tannins are fine and chalky, but definitely on the more approachable side of the spectrum for a Brunello Riserva." Wine Advocate

"The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Ugolforte 2018 has a haunting, dark presence, fragrant with dusty rose, violets, crushed stone, black cherry and spices. It is cool and supple, with a texture of pure silk, featuring crisp red fruits accented by autumnal spices, whilst chalky minerals become more pronounced towards the finish. It finishes with a firm, long finish, tannic but not harsh, with a lingering aftertaste of liquorice and redcurrants that slowly fades away." Vinous

"This well-rounded red wine, with aromas of cherries, strawberries, iron and tobacco, is intense and elegant, with a dense tannin structure and lively acidity that carry through to a long, intricate finish. A harmonious wine that should develop well." Wine Spectator

"A very intense nose of lemon leaves, rosebuds and pomegranates. The freshness is complemented by a soft, full-bodied palate with crisp acidity and dense, velvety tannins that show great maturity. Refined, flavourful and lively on the finish." James Suckling