Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino 2018

Nestled in the picturesque hamlet of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, a small town within Montalcino, lies the Mastrojanni Relais. At a height of 400 metres, the vineyards stretch out below offering breathtaking views of the Orcia River mouth and its surrounding landscape. The soil of these vineyards is some of the sparsest in the region, with low yields and sparse nutrients. However, it is precisely these conditions that yield the famous Vigna Cru Schiena d'Asino wine, which is highly sought after by wine connoisseurs. The estate's proximity to Mount Amiata, a dormant volcano standing at 1,738 meters, provides it with a unique microclimate. The mountain acts as a protective barrier against hailstorms and its rising currents divert storms away from the vineyards. This, coupled with the strong winds that blow around the area at night, creates an environment that is ideal for grape growth. The Mastrojanni Relais is committed to tradition and incorporates bioarchitecture in its approach to building the wine aging cellar. The use of wooden beams, chestnut flanges, terracotta bricks and stone gabions to hold back the thrust of the hillside in which the cellar is buried creates a harmonic environment that is conducive to longer periods of bottle-aging. In keeping with their commitment to tradition, Mastrojanni uses concrete tanks for the fermentation and storage of wine. The glazed concrete tanks are primarily used for grapes with advanced ripening stages, while the brushed tanks are used for micro-oxygenation purposes. With a focus on the hands-on approach, the Mastrojanni Relais selects only the best grapes and ensures that all clusters undergo selection before the wine-making process begins. The resulting wine is free from any negative organoleptic overtones, thereby guaranteeing the highest quality product. Mastrojanni Relais is a testament to how tradition and innovation can be married to produce a product that is both unique and of the highest quality.

Brunello di Montalcino is a wine that embodies the essence of Italy's highest DOCG classification (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). Made with 100% Sangiovese, this red wine is produced in the vineyards surrounding the beautiful town of Montalcino, located in the province of Siena in the Tuscany wine region. The name "Brunello," which means "brown," was given to this wine because of the color of the grapes that were believed to be a unique variety grown in Montalcino. The Sangiovese used to make Brunello di Montalcino is a local Tuscan type known as Brunello or Sangiovese Grosso. This variety has thicker-skinned berries, which contribute to the wine's exceptionally bold fruit flavors, high tannin and high acidity. The enduring popularity of Brunello di Montalcino is due to the quality of the fruit, which is carefully selected and handpicked to ensure only the best grapes make it into the wine. However, it's the tannins and acidity that give this wine its longevity, allowing it to age gracefully for a decade or more before reaching its full potential.

The Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino 2018 is a brilliant ruby red wine that immediately captures the eye. On the nose, it offers an intriguing blend of ripe plum and berry notes, with a fragrant spiciness and hints of balsamic and tobacco. In the mouth, the wine is dynamic and tonic, with fine and elegant tannins that are balanced by a juicy acidity. The finish is savory and mineral, with a pleasing persistence that lingers on the palate. Aged for 36 months in Allier oak barrels and then for at least 6 months in the cellars, this wine is a true expression of the Sangiovese grape variety. It pairs beautifully with game, lamb, grilled red meats and mature cheeses. With a production of 70,000 bottles, the Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino 2018 is a wine that will impress even the most discerning of palates.

Monica Larner, wine critic from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, has given the Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino 2018 an excellent rating of 93/100 points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Sangiovese
Country - Italy
Region - Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage - 2018
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%