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The Art of Sangiovese: BdM 2020 and Riserva 2019 in Focus
7 minutes readDec 12, 2024Krystal Wen
Brunello di Montalcino (BdM) is a multifaceted wine, celebrated for its ability to balance elegance and complexity. As a fine wine produced in a small region with immense potential, it has garnered the attention of collectors and connoisseurs eager to invest in en primeur wines.
Brunello di Montalcino is different from Super Tuscans. Super Tuscans mainly use Bordeaux grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In contrast, Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese, locally known as Brunello. This focus on a single varietal underscores its purity and connection to terroir.
Yet, it is not just the grape that elevates BdM to the pinnacle of the fine wine world. The wine shows subtle differences in terroir and vintage. This creates a story that excites wine lovers around the world.
On November 20th, 2024, an En Primeur tasting event in London offered an exclusive preview of the Brunello di Montalcino 2020 and Riserva 2019 vintages. This prestigious event brought together global wine enthusiasts and buyers for an exploratory journey through these expressions, expertly curated by Montalcino's renowned vintners.
A New Fine Wine Icon
Montalcino remains a boutique, small-scale wine region compared to many other fine wine-producing areas globally. Approximately 220 BdM producers cultivate the 4,800-acre (1,900-hectare) registered land, with production volumes remaining relatively stable at 9 to 11 million bottles annually. The size of the permitted BdM area has not increased in over a decade, further ensuring the exclusivity of this highly sought-after wine.
This stability in production, coupled with increasing global demand, solidifies Brunello di Montalcino's place as a fine wine icon. Its limited availability and consistent quality make it a standout choice for both enjoyment and investment.
Brunello di Montalcino Vintages
2020 BdM Vintage
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 star) - Outstanding vintage
The 2020 vintage started with a mix of rain and snow. Light snow fell on March 25th and 26th. This did not cause any major damage to the buds.
Rainfall persisted throughout April and May, providing much-needed hydration for the vines. Flowering occurred seamlessly between late May and early June.
A damp June was followed by a dry July, allowing the berries to grow harmoniously. The high diurnal temperatures—hot days and cool nights—played a crucial role in achieving a perfect balance of technological and phenolic ripeness. Additionally, this climatic pattern enhanced the grapes' aromatic components, resulting in wines that showcase exceptional elegance and complexity.
2019 BdM Vintage
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 star) - Outstanding vintage
The vintage season began with a sluggish and chilly onset in April and May. June and July experienced no noteworthy precipitation, save for a few days at the tail end of July.
August was extremely arid, with some rainfall occurring in the initial week of September. The temperature was moderate, ranging between 86 - 95°F (30-35°C). These conditions were optimal for achieving the perfect phenolic and technical maturity necessary for these robust red wines.
Tasting Highlights from the En Primeur Event
Tenuta Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2020
The Tenuta Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2020 exemplifies balance and elegance. The wine releases layers of deep cherry and plum, intertwined with subtle notes of bay leaves and tobacco. On tasting, baking spices and succulent blackberries are lifted by lively acidity. The fine, compact tannins contribute structure to this medium-bodied wine.
The famous Il Poggione “house-style” is the hidden strength behind the beautiful black bruits. This style is clear in this vintage as well. The wine is approachable now yet holds aging potential for over a decade.
Canalicchio di Sopra La Casaccia Brunello di Montalcino 2020
The Canalicchio di Sopra La Casaccia Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is utterly captivating. All the grapes are manually harvested from the single vineyard, La Casacccia. The clay soil, rich in limestone and fossil elements, yields grapes with excellent fruit maturity without sacrificing acidity.
The aroma and flavor are brimming with succulent black cherries, plum, and cassis. These tastes are harmonized by silky tannins and invigorating acidity. The wine's sturdy framework and the lively array of red and black fruits are showcased in equal proportion.
The wine is ready for consumption now and has pthe otential to age further for 7 to 10 years. With time, the finish and mid-palate complexity such as layers of blueberries, dried roses, and herbs (rosemary and bay leaves) could be more pronounced.
Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino 2020
The Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is a captivating and floral wine. It exudes fresh strawberry, cherry, wild berry, and orange zest aromas that weave together with velvety tannins. The gentle and refined mid-palate texture gradually unfolds, blossoming beautifully with a robust structure.
This masterpiece was crafted through 30 months of maturation in large Slavonian oak casks and an additional 7 months in concrete tanks. The finely textured tannins and well-rounded mid-palate are impeccably counterbalanced by a tantalizing acidity. This wine is both vibrant and potent, making it ideal for immediate indulgence or for cellaring for several more decades.
Why You Should Explore Brunello di Montalcino
Longevity, rarity, and exceptional quality define Brunello di Montalcino. With limited production and growing demand, this Italian fine wine represents both a delightful drinking experience and a savvy investment opportunity. Visit VinoVoss to discover the Brunello di Montalcino wines that suit your palate or your cellar.
Krystal Wen
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