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San Polino, Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy, 2016

Product code: 3742
San Polino, Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy, 2016

Producer Profile

There is a small 'nirvana' northwest of Montalcino, where Luigi Fabbro and Katia Nussbaum founded San Polino nearly 30 years ago.

Using Luigi's scientific experience of mapping the Amazon rainforest they decided to try their hands at "creating wines as complete reflections of the biodiversity of their terroir" Katia explains. This tiny estate of only 4 hectares now produces luscious and balanced wines farmed bio-dynamically by this energetic couple who, it is clear, pour all their heart and energies into these sublime wines. Praised by critics and peers they have been described as having "an incredible clarity and pureness of fruit that is unequalled in the region".

Viticulture

From the "Helichrysum" vineyards at San Polino to the south-east of Montalcino at 450m altitude, they use organic and biodynamic agriculture, and permaculture as a model for spraying microorganisms and specialised funghi onto the foliage, highly specialised pruning and foliage management, all worked by hand.

Winemaking

The Riserva is only produced in vintages that will make wines with a potential 20-30 year life-span. Harvest is in early October, then a 3 day cold maceration, sponteous fermentation on native yeasts in tronic Slavonian oak vats 35hl and a 45-60 day post fermentation maceration, aged in French barrique on the fine lees.

Oak Ageing

Time: 48 - 52 months
Type: French Barrique 225l and 38hl barrels
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 20

Tasting Note

The purity and polish here shows wonderfully the moment you stick your nose in the glass, with complex aromas of plums, berries, cedar and violets. It’s full-bodied and ever so refined with elegant and intense tannins that take you deep into the wine. This is a thoughtful and finely crafted Brunello.

Food Matching

A big wine that requires bold flavours, red meat and full-fat cheeses, roasted vegetables.

Technical Details
Varieties:
Sangiovese 100%
Vegetarian Vegan Biodynamic Certified Organic
ABV:
14.5%

Closure:
Natural cork

Colour:
Red

Style:
Still wine

Case Size:
6 x 75cl