|
Salvioni is an exacting, painstaking estate that spares nothing to craft intensely artisanal Brunello; for example, they have one of the longest maceration times in Montalcino, making it the Giacomo Conterno of Brunello. This is why the estate makes only between 500 and 800 cases of its super-concentrated, masculine and evocative wine--and it never, ever makes a Riserva. The cult status of this producer burns brighter because its consulting enologist is Attilio Pagli, a star in the wine world who got his start with Gianfranco Soldera. Polished, breathtakingly balanced and beautiful, Salvioni's Brunelli are a must for wine-lovers who love Brunello.
- Country: Italy
- Region: Toscana
- Subregion: Brunello di Montalcino
Collectors with a predilection for Brunello will no doubt maintain very similar lists of coveted producers, differing mainly with respect to order. Many, however, will demonstrate agreement with respect to the top three: Soldera will likely start things off, and positions two and three will be filled by Biondi-Santi and Salvioni, occupying second and third, respectively, or the reverse, depending on the collector's preferred stylistic objective. Whatever Salvioni's rank, it enjoys the undisputed top spot in the cult Brunello genre.
It stands to reason that Salvioni would follow Soldera. When Giulio Salvioni commenced production in 1985 at his La Cerbaiola estate, he did so with Attilio Pagli at his side. Pagli's career commenced at Soldera, where he mentored under esteemed consultant Giulio Gambelli. Some discern a likeness between the style of the two houses, marked by a seemingly inexplicable juxtaposition of concentration and finesse. This is understandable, as both Salvioni and Soldera pursue very unique and highly individualized protocols with respect to the crafting of Brunello. Perhaps Salvioni distinguishes himself most prominently through what he doesn't have, however—namely, a Riserva.
|
