Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

Complex in the primary matrix showing notes of withered red flowers, wet earth, calendula, gorse and sage. Full bodied, perfectly polymerized tannins and a a finale of such grace and splendour that it grabs the reader from the first impact. The smoothness of the wine and the gustatory persistency is of commendable beauty, difficult to replicate. A splendid Riserva made in Montalcino. Better from 2022.

The Altesino Riserva is only made in spectacular vintages and is always a rare sighting in Canada. The Riserva label was first launched in 1977, and the latest Riservas to be declared were 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2016. There will be no 2018. The fruit is sangiovese grosso selected from Altesino's four vineyards: Altesino, Macina, Pianezzine, and Castelnuovo dell'Abate. They total 40 hectares and sit at roughly 250-400 metres above sea level with two primary exposures southern and northwest. 2016 is a highly-lauded vintage, and at Altesino, they have made a gem. It has all the regular Altesino hallmarks, including purity of fruit, dark cherries, and black raspberries with an undertow of balsamic, a touch of complexing bitterness, and a wealth of finesse and persistence through the finish that melts in your mouth. A real keeper, you can drink now if you must, but it will be even better in 2026 and beyond.