Brunello di Montalcino

DOCG

Brunello is a red wine of great power and elegance, the ultimate expression of Sangiovese. In Montalcino it is characterized by its reddish-brown colour and intense aromas and flavours.
At San Polo, the Allegrini estate in Montalcino, our Brunello is the fruit of tremendous love and respect for the land and a wine based on strong ethics, quality, and sustainability.

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Climate trend

The winter was not particularly cold, and spring arrived slightly earlier than usual, with temperatures slightly above average, giving the vines’ shoots the opportunity to uniformly develop. The following weeks saw frequent rainfall, which allowed the land to build water reserves, alternating with periods of dry weather, enabling the vines to continue growing without any problems. The damp conditions during flowering led to the formation of bunches that were slightly more sparse than usual and with rather small berries, ideal preconditions for reaching harvest time with perfectly ripe and healthy grapes. However, the feature that will make vintage 2016 particularly memorable is the excellent temperature range that characterized the months of July, August and September, with sunny days and cool, breezy nights. We therefore reached the beginning of October with grapes that exhibited a superb combination of maturity, acidity and aromatic potential, perfect conditions for the production of wines with a distinct personality and a great balance of concentration, elegance and longevity; a perfect reflection of the production philosophy of San Polo.

Vintage rating

Grape varieties

Sangiovese 100%

Vineyard

The most historic vineyards of the estate

Harvest

Grapes are hand harvested in small 17 kg crates towards the end of September.

Size

750 / 1.5 lt / 3 lt

Vinification

Soft crushing of the grapes after careful selection of the berries

Ageing

30 months in 1000 L, 2000 L and 4000 L oak casks. This is followed by at least 6 months ageing in the bottle before it is released onto the market.

Fermentation

In concrete tanks

Malolactic fermentation

in oak casks

Awards

Wine&Spirits

Bene anche la riserva 2004 di Brunello, caratterizzata da una beva armonica ed elegante, mentre l'olfatto è intenso ma un po’ semplice.

Wine Spectator

Mirabile in sontuosità d'estratto, la sua rotondità, la sua balsamicità espressiva, mentosamente ristora. Complimenti

96, Editor's Choice

Wine Enthusiast

Wine Advocate

There's masses of fruit flavor and heaps of tannin in this gorgeous wine. It's full-bodied and the finish is long and fruity. Delicious now or can hold. 116 cases made. –

Vinous

The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva impresses for its vibrant dark fruit, persistence and balance. Smoke, tar, licorice and French oak add further complexity, but this remains a fresh, perfumed Brunello that could use another few years in bottle. There is a clarity and definition to the wine I find particularly attractive. Today the French oak is just a touch pronounced but it should integrate over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.

James Suckling

Starting out with earthy, savory aromas, this red shows fleeting flavors of black currant and raspberry before settling back into notes of earth, iron and juniper. Firm, dusty tannins guard the finish. Best from 2025 through 2045. 1,100 cases imported. –BS

Falstaff

Very ripe cherry on the nose, with hints of seasoned cedar. Full-bodied, with a wonderful core of ripe, fresh fruit. There's slightly chewy tannins, but this is long and flavorful. Turns a little raisiny, with dried fruitcake character on the finish. Best after 2011.

91 Silver Medal