Brunello di Montalcino “Vigna del Lago” DOCG 2021 · 6 bottles in OWC

Val di Suga | Tuscany
Bertani Domains s.a. a r.l. | Via Roma 117 | IT 60031 Castelplanio

09053221 · 1,5 l · 226,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available

A lake next to the vineyard – that's not a metaphor, it's geography. Vigna del Lago is situated in the north-west of Montalcino, at an altitude of 280 metres, and the small lake that gives the vineyard its name tempers the otherwise continental climate of this exposure: harsh winters, very hot summers, and marked day-night temperature fluctuations. The soil is clay – heavy, water-retaining and cool. A combination that forces the Sangiovese Grosso to put down deep roots, ripen slowly and develop elegance rather than bulk. The vine stock is the densest in the entire Val-di-Suga portfolio: 7,500 vines per hectare – a figure reminiscent of Burgundy's planting densities. Double spur cordon training, careful foliage management, yield reduction through thinning. Hand-harvesting into crates takes place exclusively in the early hours of the morning. In the cellar: fermentation for eight to twelve days, followed by maceration for a further two to three weeks. Maturation in 40-hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels for 24 months, then in concrete tanks, then in bottle. No barriques, no influence from wood – pure terroir. 2021 was a fortunate vintage for Vigna del Lago. The late frost in April reduced the harvest – and concentrated the very best. No extreme summer, no stress.

In the glass, a light, luminous ruby red, almost transparent, with a delicate garnet rim. The nose displays aristocratic precision: ginger, cherry, orange peel, dried flowers – delicate and multi-layered, without ever being overpowering. On the palate, it is silky and of medium body, with a salty finish and tannins that guide rather than grip. Long, precise, understated. With a few years in the bottle, citrus aromas and dried flowers will round off the profile. Vigna del Lago is the quiet aristocrat amongst the Brunellos of Val di Suga – and perhaps the most fascinating. SUPERIORE.DE

"A brilliant ruby colour with a slightly lighter rim. A delicately nuanced nose with pronounced notes of fresh raspberries and sour cherries, and a hint of violets. Round and exceptionally smooth on the palate, with plenty of sweet, velvety texture; impresses with beautifully ripened fruit and firm structure." Falstaff

"An elegant Brunello with notes of sour cherries, lilac, tobacco and leather; the texture strikes a balance between fine-grained tannins and lively acidity, with a long, fruity finish. It combines refinement and elegance." Vinum

"A reserved wine with earthy, mineral aromas of balsamic vinegar, pomegranate and red cherries. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, slightly austere, with crisp acidity, firm yet velvety tannins and a chalky finish." James Suckling

"The identities of Val di Suga's three single-vineyard wines were well developed during Andrea Lonardi MW's tenure. The Vigna del Lago, which grows on cool clay soils in the northern part of the Montalcino region, is particularly evocative of the terroir in 2021. This elegantly balanced beauty is all about tension and precision. Youthfully reserved, it evokes notes of sorrel, heather and flint. On the palate, it is vertical in character, with blood orange and red cherry, framed by firm, stony tannins. Alpine herbs lend it spicy notes." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Del Lago 2021 opens up in the glass with a wealth of crushed violet and lavender notes, giving way to hints of pine shavings and cherry sauce. This is a lighter and more graceful interpretation of the Vigna Del Lago, characterised by rounded textures and fresh wild berries, underpinned by a core of enticing acidity. A cascade of floral notes lingers as the 2021 vintage tightens with angular tannins, whilst the palate remains refreshing." Vinous

"Fruit and balsamic notes highlight this supple red. Black cherry, blackberry, mineral, tomato leaf, juniper and eucalyptus flavors ride the vibrant acidity, while dense, chalky tannins provide support. Shows fine harmony and length but needs a few years to integrate." Wine Spectator

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Lago 2021 offers added depth and texture thanks to the fruit sourced from a warmer, lower-lying vineyard at 280 metres above sea level. The fruit profile leans towards the violet and blue spectrum, delivering a touch more body and a velvety yet firm mouthfeel, with a tannic backbone in the background and a hint of harsh minerality that keeps everything in check." Wine Advocate