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With its growth, Brunello became recognized as the ultimate expression of the Sangiovese grape in that it combines power, concentration, complexity, and personality that few Chiantis or Vino Nobile di Montepulcianos can match. However, it is not the clone itself that is responsible for this. Among the contributing factors are soil composition, climatic conditions, altitudes, and ageing requirements set by the DOCG. In the Montalcino zone the soil will generally contain more sand and limestone than soils farther north in the region of Chianti. The climate is another decisive factor, as there is a significant shift from the damper, cooler, continental climate of Chianti Classico to a more dry, heat-infused Mediterranean environment that is cooled by air currents formed by the Montalcino hills and shelter provided by Tuscany’s highest peak, Mount Amiata. It is these influences that enhance the muscularity of the Sangiovese grape, in turn making a more rich, dark, concentrated, and delicious red (heavier and more tannic than Chianti). The tongue-curling tannins and firm acidity allow these wines to age and have captured the attention of wine collectors worldwide. The longevity of wines from this area was tested by Clemente’s grandson Ferruccio Biondi-Santi when he laid down significant quantities of the 1888 and 1891 vintages. These have proven their endurance through countless tastings, even one hundred years after their bottling. While the Santi family had this early vision, it wasn’t until the 1960’s that Brunello began to show its grandeur thanks to the early efforts of the Costanti estate and Giovanni Colombini of Fattoria dei Barbi, among others.

The Montalcino production zone can be broken down into a range of subzones. Within each there are variations in altitude, soil composition, and weather patterns. In fact, the Consorzio lists more than 24 distinct microclimates in the area. In addition to this range of elements there is an array of styles from each producer that make it difficult to examine terroir in a side-by-side comparison.
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Valdicava Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, 375ml Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2005, 750ml
Our Price: $69.00
Our Price: $73.55
Valdicava Brunello Di Montalcino 2004 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2005
Vincenzo’s systematic changes have earned Valdicava a place among the elite producers of Brunello di Montalcino. With just 10 hectares in the coldest part of the Brunello zone, he is probably the most exacting grower in the area, managing vegetation so that each grape will enjoy the perfect amount of sun and mercilessly expunging tightly packed grapes to avoid rot and diseases. He has also rebuilt the cellar, where he replaced his grandparents’ botti with stainless steel and oak fermenters and new wood casks for ageing. Abbruzzese’s Brunello and Brunello Riserva are truly outstanding, while the Rosso di Montalcino is one of the best available; and all of his bottlings consistently demonstrate richness and excellent structure. The Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello is possessed of rich cherry fruit interspersed with layered notes of smoke, minerals, and earth; the firm tannins work well with this profile, rendering it wonderfully drinkable now, yet capable of developing even more with a few years of cellar age.
Il Palazzone Lorenzo e Isabelle 2005, 750ml Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino 1998, 750ml
Our Price: $75.00
Our Price: $80.56
Il Palazzone Lorenzo e Isabelle 2005 Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998
Cabernet Franc rarely gets the lead in a Super-Tuscan blend, but Il Palazzone’s Dick Parsons gave it a shot in this debut bottling, Lorenzo & Isabelle. Named for Parsons’ parents, Lorenzo & Isabelle is comprised of Cabernet Franc (59%), Sangiovese (39%), and Petit Verdot (2%), the last of which, according to Parsons, is “for the nose.” Most Brunello estates release their products in January of the fifth year after the harvest, but Il Palazzone waits to release the vintage for a further six to eight months. First premiered in 1990, Il Palazzone’s Brunello di Montalcino ages for more than three years. The wine is first aged in barrique then Slavonian oak before botting. Made from 100 percent Sangiovese, this wine is an intense ruby red with dark fruit and chocolate aromas.
Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino 2000, 750ml Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998, 750ml
Our Price: $113.56
Our Price: $125.00
Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998 Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998
Most Brunello estates release their products in January of the fifth year after the harvest, but Il Palazzone waits to release the vintage for a further six to eight months. First premiered in 1990, Il Palazzone’s Brunello di Montalcino ages for more than three years. The wine is first aged in barrique then Slavonian oak before botting. Made from 100 percent Sangiovese, this wine is an intense ruby red with dark fruit and chocolate aromas. The estate’s limited-production Brunellos are recognized for displaying a remarkable equilibrium between finesse and concentration, in addition to a substantive degree of ageability. Indeed, Il Palazzone adheres to the original DOCG maturation paradigm—though some vintages receive aging beyond this minimum. Il Palazzone also extends the period of bottle aging, releasing its wines six to eight months later than most estates. A monstrous Brunello that will last for decades, this huge wine is loaded with ripe fruit and notes of earth, spice, herbs and just a touch of warm oak to soften the edges.
Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1999, 750ml Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1997, 750ml
Our Price: $135.00
Our Price: $200.40
Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1999 Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998
The estate’s limited-production Brunellos are recognized for displaying a remarkable equilibrium between finesse and concentration, in addition to a substantive degree of ageability. Indeed, Il Palazzone adheres to the original DOCG maturation paradigm—though some vintages receive aging beyond this minimum. Il Palazzone also extends the period of bottle aging, releasing its wines six to eight months later than most estates. A monstrous Brunello that will last for decades, this huge wine is loaded with ripe fruit and notes of earth, spice, herbs and just a touch of warm oak to soften the edges. The estate’s limited-production Brunellos are recognized for displaying a remarkable equilibrium between finesse and concentration, in addition to a substantive degree of ageability. Indeed, Il Palazzone adheres to the original DOCG maturation paradigm—though some vintages receive aging beyond this minimum. Il Palazzone also extends the period of bottle aging, releasing its wines six to eight months later than most estates. A monstrous Brunello that will last for decades, this huge wine is loaded with ripe fruit and notes of earth, spice, herbs and just a touch of warm oak to soften the edges.
Case Basse Soldera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Our Price: $294.00
Case Basse Soldera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Soldera's 2002 Brunello Riserva has an unusual history. Bad weather caused Soldera to make hard choices, and thus he used only a small portion of his vines' grapes, picking only the very best fruit. The resulting wine is exquisite, age-worthy, and extremely limited. While Soldera usually crafts 22,000 cases in a year, he only made 6,000 cases of the '02. Soldera exercises a precise and meticulous regimen in the vineyard, privileging a painstaking “by hand” approach to several procedures. Brunellos issuing from this realm constitute their own category, being unrivaled by any other expression that bears the Montalcino designation.
   
 
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