Castello Romitorio, Brunello di Montalcino, 6 Bottle Case 75cl

Equivalent Bottle Price £49.99

The Romitorio estate has vineyards in the Northwest area of Montalcino. Their classic Brunello is produced with Sangiovese grapes that have been carefully selected and harvested by hand. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with an initial short period of cold maceration (below 20°C) on the skins for about 15-20 hours. This is followed by up to 20 days of maceration at a higher controlled temperature. Malolactic fermentation that is naturally caused then lasts for about 10 days, before the wine is rested to separate the lees. The wine matures in oak for approximately 24 months, and after bottling the wine is aged in Castello Romitorio’s temperature-controlled cellars for approximately an additional 12 months before release.

The Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino is their flagship wine and reflects more than 30 years of working in harmony with nature within the terroir of Montalcino. It is a wine that expresses the Montalcino territory with purity and tradition.

"Dark, brooding and geared for the cellar, the 2016 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino takes its time opening up in the glass, yet patience is rewarded, as a mix of blackberry and cherry further blossoms, adding crushed stone minerality with hints of sage, lavender and violets. It’s silky and textural upon entry, yet it firms up quickly through a mix of vibrant acids and saturating fine tannin. However, there’s plenty of density to its primary fruits, feeling almost weighty in this youthful state yet perfectly balanced all the same. Savory herbs and spice linger along with tart red berries on the long, structured and dramatic finish. The 2016 is full of potential yet needs time in the cellar to show its best." 95 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (November 2020)