As mentioned in part 1 of this long article, I believe that the 2018 vintage offers better Brunellos than is commonly believed. Clearly, the wines are generally lighter-bodied than usual, and many are nothing more than very high-quality Rosso di Montalcino wines, but many of the 2018 Brunellos are in fact much more than that with some being downright stellar. The 2017 Riserva wines pay instead a price to the extremely hot vintage, with most being forward and ripe, but here too there are gems to be had. Clearly, you may not buy as much you normally would, but that does not mean the two vintages should be skipped over altogether. So read away and start your wine buying engines!
La Casaccia di Franceschi.
Superb review Ian, as usual. Montalcino has a special place in my heart, and my wine cellar! Agree that 2015 and 2016 are two amazing vintages. I have heard from a couple of the producers that 2019 might exceed both of them, and I’m interested in hearing your opinion based on the wines that you have been able to taste from that vintage.
Grazie,
John
I’d say 19 is very promising indeed. Might be hard to live up to 15 and 16 which are really almost unicorn vintahges, but 19 looks very exciting right now. It might even turn out to be better in Montalcino than in Barolo and Barbaresco.
Thanks, Ian.
That’s what I have heard from the producers.
I’m hoping to be able to try some pre-release when I am there in October
Lucky you, I should be getting to them too but over here in Shanghai. We’ll exchange notes, OK? Cheers! Ian
Recommendations for a book explaining the differences in Brunello wine appellations.
please see above reply of December 5th. There is no Brunello we currently endorse or recommend presently.