Are you fascinated by the true artisanal production of Italian wine? Each bottle from our estate encapsulates not only an exquisite product of the absolute highest standard, but also the history, tradition and ancient values of our winery. Values passed down from our ancestors that characterize the production of this magnificent wine throughout our territory, the marvelous region of Tuscany, qualities that have made it one of the most famous and renowned in the world.
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2018 is surely among the most appreciated and requested wines from our catalogue, and for a very good reason. Brunello bottles are whole works of art that can rightfully stand under the DOCG label. Extracts with especially substantial tannins, that in the course of five years, for Brunello, and six, for Riserva, are tamed and transformed into some of the best wines in the world.
Wines associated with the village of Montalcino have always existed. Still, it was only in the 19th century that they took a new form, when the bourgeois and pharmacist of Montalcino Clemente Santi became the ancestor of their modern style. Considering the local ground to be suitable for creating wines with structure and elegance capable of aging for decades, he fermented the characteristic of Montalcino Sangiovese Grosso.
The world started to turn its attention toward Santi's masterpieces in 1865, and began the route for establishing the Brunello di Montalcino appellation introducing clear boundaries on where it could be produced. It wasn't until many years later, especially thanks to American investments, that Brunello took off as the cult product that we all recognize today.
But how is a product of this unparalleled quality produced? Here at Carpineto we follow each step meticulously, ensuring only the best for our customers. Anyone who tastes one of our products has the right to savor the nuances, flavors and history that characterizes our estate. Our Brunello is undoubtedly a wine of great character, reflecting the distinctiveness of the terroir and the tradition of our winery. This particular vintage has garnered numerous accolades: a gold medal at the last Decanter World Wine Awards with a score of 97, and ratings of 96 and 94 from James Suckling and Wine Spectator, respectively. An important endorsement coming from one of the most respected awards in our sector.
The grapes for our Riserva are exclusively sourced from the Vigneto Paradiso vineyard, situated at approximately 500 meters above sea level, one of the highest points in the Montalcino appellation, in the esteemed location of Rogarelli which enjoys a peculiar microclimate (warm days and cool nights). The vineyard's well-drained soil and breezy location ensured that even in a rainy year like 2018, we harvested perfectly healthy grapes with excellent ripeness.
The combination with the vineyard's considerable altitude sees the grapes ripening at a slow, steady pace. These factors contribute to its exceptional features: Brunello’s strong notes of aroma and complexity, along with freshness and mineral elegance; it also exudes refinement and boasts exceptional longevity. While 2018 saw heavy rains during spring and an early summer leading to delayed ripening, we managed to attain excellent maturity of noble components for high personality wines with intense colors that characterize good polyphenolic structure, and also tannins that provide balanced softness.
A wine composed of Sangiovese Grosso grapes; the bouquet presents itself with an aroma so bold it almost jumps out of the glass, underlined by unmistakable notes of berries and subtle whispers of vanilla. The red fruit is evident, sometimes interwoven with spicy undertones that contribute to setting this vintage even further.
Fermentation takes place via indigenous yeasts in steel tanks, ensuring a controlled environment at a temperature ranging from 25 to 30°C. In an effort to retain Sangiovese's distinctive bouquet, we opt for regular pump-overs coupled with an extended maceration period on the skins.
Maturation takes place for at least 42 months in oak barrels of different capacities. Bottling was carried out without treatments of any kind or filtration, making the product also vegan friendly. Bottle refinement takes place in the cellar at natural, constant and controlled temperature and humidity.
The color is best described as a dark ruby red with a high concentration of anthocyanin that suggests a great depth. Light reflections leaning towards garnet further enhance this description. The palate confirms width and intensity, indicating a wine rich in complexity and tannins with a promising aging potential. Best food pairings would be large roasts or grilled meats; typically, Florentine steak would be a good match due to the wine's boldness. Production bottles are around 6,000 in number each telling the tale of this exquisite creation year after year, waiting to be uncorked and savored.
