{"title":"December 10: Barolo vs Brunello","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"casanova-di-neri-brunello-di-montalcino-white-label-tuscany-italy-2018","title":"Casanova di Neri, Brunello di Montalcino White Label, Tuscany, Italy, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCasanova di Neri farm was founded in 1971 by Giovanni Neri following the purchase of an estate in the Montalcino area. Since the founder's passing in 1991, his son Giacomo has headed the company, managing the vineyards and the cellar himself, now assisted by his sons Giovanni and Gianlorenzo, an example of continuity in the family tradition. Since the beginning, Casanova di Neri’s philosophy has been based on zonation and pursuing the best terroirs to research and enjoy the best vineyards of the Montalcino area in order to produce unique and distinctive wines, with great character.Today the 75 hectares of vineyards are divided into six distinct areas that originate unique terroirs: Pietradonice south-east of Montalcino, Cetine to the south, Cerretalto to the east, and Fiesoe north-east, this vineyard is located near the winery and homonymous cottage in front of Montalcino, and the Podernuovo which boasts the highest position on the farm, at 480 meters above sea level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cellar is partially underground and allows the grapes and wine to be processed by gravity. The two storage spaces for thebarrels and the room for agingin bottles are entirely underground with naturally constant humidity and temperature. The property is set in amazingly beautiful countryside and respects the surrounding landscape.The excellent quality of the vineyards, the discipline and utmost care for the vines, blended with our passion and experience have resulted in the production of unique wines of great character, with their own well-defined style, never conditioned by fleeting tastes and fashions. Over the years, the combination of all these elements has brought a continuous string of accolades by the most important national and international opinion leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCasanova di Neri now produces eight labels. Three are Brunello wines, each with its own characteristics: White Label Brunello, Brunello Tenuta Nuova and Cerretalto Brunello, along with Rosso di Montalcino, Irrosso, Pietradonice, Ibbiano and Irrosè\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eGiacomo Neri \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSangiovese\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTuscany, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTranslucent and bright ruby red color. Its appealing and fascinating nose immediately reveals the freshness of the vintage 2018 followed by hues of nutmeg and crisp red berries. On the palate it is well-hatched, generous and measured at the same time. It shows overall great balance between tannic texture and acidity. Perfectly enjoyable even young.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e94 Points - Wine Spectator\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA bright, fruity style, this red offers cherry, strawberry, currant, white pepper and mineral flavors. Reveals almond and earth accents as this extends on the finish. Features fine balance and mouthwatering length. Best from 2025 through 2042.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Ian Blackburn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the prettiest efforts in the fresh 2018 vintage of Brunello comes from Casanova di Neri - truly elegant, refined and focused. Exacting tannins are balanced with typically superb CDN fruit intensity. Very stylish in the mouth and prolonged finish - Fun now, but better in 2025 and beyond. Color 14.5\/15, Aroma 23.5\/25, Body 23.5\/25, Overall 33.5\/35\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe 2018 Brunello di Montalcino keeps me coming back to the glass to take in its pretty bouquet of dusty florals, exotic spices and dried strawberries. This is like pure silk on the palate, seamless and supple, with depths of dark red fruit and mineral tones that add a more tactile feel toward the close. Balsam herbs, cedar and tobacco all resonate throughout the long and dramatic finale, as fine tannins frame the experience with youthful poise. As is often the case, Casanova di Neri is a master at creating one of the region's most balanced and enjoyable “entry-level” Brunellos.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e92 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLots of clean cherry and plummy character to the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied with dense, chewy tannins and a long finish. Lovely freshness of fruit here, but give the tannins a year or two to sink in. 40th anniversary bottling. Best from 2024.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e91 Points - Decanter\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eCelebrating its 40th anniversary with this 2018 release, Casanova di Neri’s ‘Etichetta Bianca’ has been made since 1978. It blends fruit from plots in the Torrenieri area, where the estate was first established. Tasted five months after bottling, the 2018 is still emerging from its wood-ageing cocoon. Cedar and grilled meat eventually give way to wild mountain blossoms. It's angular at this stage as nervous acidity, granular tannins and polished oak wrap around sinewy fruit - it needs time to come together but shows promise on the finish, signing off with juicy cherry and enticing truffle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Regal Wine Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45388735709489,"sku":"","price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Casanova-di-Neri-Brunello-di-Montalcino-White-Label-Tuscany-Italy-2018.jpg?v=1757359312"},{"product_id":"altesino-brunello-di-montalcino-tuscany-italy-2019","title":"Altesino, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNear the end of 2002, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, owner of nearby Tenuta Caparzo, purchased the Altesino winery. Today's winemaking team, led by Simone Giunti and Alessandro Ciacci, is firmly committed to maintaining Altesino’s hard-earned reputation as a Montalcino institution and a global leader in innovative winemaking. Amid the eastern hills of Montalcino near Siena in central Tuscany, stands the magnificently elegant 14th century-built Palazzo Altesi, home to the Altesino winery and a marvelous resort. The ancient coat of arms, carved in white Carrara marble, is still visible above the antique oak portal. The stunning Palazzo Altesi beautifully reflects Altesino’s charm and refinement. Though the worldwide reputation of Brunello has encouraged some conservatism among Montalcino estates, Altesino has always been a leader, unafraid of innovation. The estate pioneered the technique of aging its IGT wines in small French oak barrels, limiting the time spent in oak to enhance each wine’s personality. The resulting wines were a groundbreaking improvement over those produced by traditional methods. No longer overwhelmed by wood, they were able to display the unique characteristics of the fruit, with softened tannins and perfect balance. Not content to rest on its laurels, Altesino became the first Montalcino estate to introduce the concept of cru wines, made with a special selection of grapes from a single vineyard. Its Montosoli Brunello, named after the prestigious vineyard, was the first of these wines and is still considered among the regions finest. Altesino also pioneered the concept of Brunello futures (wine purchased before its release) with its 1985 vintage. This commitment to innovation led to many modern wines in the estates portfolio, including Alte d’Altesi, Palazzo Altesi and Rosso di Altesino. Elegance, finesse, and a fruitier, richer style are the trademarks of Altesino’s wines and have earned the estate a position among the very top producers of Brunello. This achievement is even more impressive considering Brunello is perhaps the most recognized Italian appellation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemakers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSimone Giunti and Alessandro Ciacci\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSangiovese\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTuscany, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrunello di Montalcino, ambassador of the high quality of Italian winemaking in the world, was the first wine to obtain DOCG recognition. Brunello has a bright ruby red color, which tends to garnet with the passing of the years. On the nose it expresses intense, clean, pleasant and refined aromas that open with notes of violet, tobacco, chocolate and pleasant memories of undergrowth and vanilla. On the palate it has excellent correspondence with the nose, a well-balanced attack, full body, good tannins and important texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino boasts a rich and savory side that this wine wears very well. There is a beautiful level of dark fruit that folds into the wine's velvety texture. Blackberry and plum envelop the palate, adding elegant full-bodied volume and fine tannins along the way. The wine is aged in traditional Slavonian casks, and production reaches 110,000 bottles annually (which is very ambitious considering this level of quality).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA dark ruby color in the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a beguiling blend of dusty earth, crushed rocks, savory herbs and dried roses. This is racy and sleek, with vividly ripe wild berry fruits elevated by orange and sage, all guided by vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins take control through the finish, yet the mouth is left watering for more as a bitter licorice tinge and dark chocolate adds a crunchy sensation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA medium-bodied red with pretty plum and berry aromas and flavors. Fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very fine and focused. Not the most structured but this is all about finesse and polish. Drinkable but better in two or three years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48449699447089,"sku":null,"price":59.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Altesino_BrunellodiMontalcino_Tuscany_Italy_2019.jpg?v=1709854300"},{"product_id":"giulia-negri-marassio-barolo-docg-pidmont-italy-2020","title":"Giulia Negri, 'Marassio' Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy, 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eGiulia is the most recent generation to take the reins of a family estate stretching back 150 years. Respectful of history, Giulia is also tremendously ambitious. She is keen to forge her own path, whilst observing other small, maverick producers from around the world, keen to glean knowledge and experiment. Extremely personable, she has rare access to some of the finest mentors in the international wine world and their very graciously offered advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"category-about__text\"\u003eGiulia’s wines have already won considerable acclaim but she is grounded , very aware that whilst her style is intuitive, her thirst for knowledge insatiable she also enjoys substantial, tried and tested historic roots – and some rather fine vineyards. Serradenari, the crest of Barolo, presents views over almost all of Barolo, the vines surrounded by prolific truffle forests. Giulia pays tribute to her beloved Burgundy, planting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir near the forest. Nebbiolo inhabits warmer, sandy soils producing Barolo which Giulia views as a work of art, a “flagship in the winemaking world”. Her wines become more polished year on year whilst retaining an innate honesty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"category-about__text\"\u003eOrganic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"category-about__text\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGiulia Negri\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% Nebbiolo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePiedmont, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the very top of Serradenari, Marassio is the highest point in all of Barolo. Unusual for La Morra, the soil here is rich in limestone with veins of chalk, giving Giulia’s most dense, profound, earth- and mineral-driven Barolo—a masterpiece to revisit in five, ten, or twenty years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAromatic with blackberries, flowers and perfumes. Some lavender. Full-bodied with very fine tannins that are like cashmere in texture. Bright finish. Lightly salty with crushed stone. Reserved. Complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points - Wine Enthusiast \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade from high-altitude vineyards in La Morra, this standout red has aromas evoking tilled earth, toasted nut, underbrush and eucalyptus. On the firmly structured palate, assertive close-grained tannins accompany juicy morello cherry, strawberry, hazelnut and tobacco. Give it time to fully develop. Drink 2024–2036.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49408707395889,"sku":null,"price":143.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/GiuliaNegri_Marassio_BaroloDOCG_Piedmont_Italy_2020.jpg?v=1717625398"},{"product_id":"damilano-barolo-cannubi-docg-piedmont-italy-2018","title":"Damilano, Barolo Cannubi DOCG, Piedmont, Italy, 2018 (Price break)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDamilano is one of the oldest wineries in Barolo. The family business dates back to 1890 when Giuseppe Borgogno started cultivating and producing wine from the grapes from his own vineyards. Giuseppe improved the general quality of the vinification system and of the wines, turning the winery into a “jewel” of the Langhe area. In 1997 Giuseppe passed the winery on to his grandchildren Paolo, Mario and Guido. Together, they are working to keep and improve the level of the quality of the Damilano wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Cannubi Cru is in found within one of the 6 core zones which comprise the fiftieth UNESCO site in Italy. A mixture of Tortonian and Helvetian calcareous marl gives the grapes intense aromas of cherry, plum, tobacco, rose and violet. Its low potassium and high calcium\/magnesium content offer the wine a fine and polished touch. Calcareous with 45% sand, 35% limestone, 20% clay. The vineyard is located at about 270 m. a.s.l. and has an southsouth-east sun exposure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGuido Damilano and Alessandro Bonelli\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text\" id=\"text-3845323831\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"general-txt\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGrape \/ Blend \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNebbiolo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePiedmont, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eGarnet ruby red in color with orange reflections. The bouquet is ample and embracing, with pronounced fruity notes of cherry and plum and notes of tobacco, licorice and cocoa. On the palate, the wine is harmonious, pleasantly dry with soft tannins, broad and full-bodied. Persistent finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCannubi is a sumptuous wine, perfect with the full-flavored Piedmontese cuisine such as white truffle -based dishes and braised meat. Ideal with the refined dishes of the great international gastronomy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA polished wine with charming layers of fruit and complexity. The enchanting aromas of red cherry, rambutan, strawberry, and rose develop and open into a deeply flavoured palate. A velvety wrap of tannins surrounds the dark plums and morello cherry and a light dusting of vanilla.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e94 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA nice balance of ripe berries and almost plummy fruit on the nose, following through to a medium-to full-bodied palate, where more savory notes of fresh nuts and ferns really get going, adding complexity and interest. The fine-grained tannins give good support. Like the intensity and balance here. Try from 2024.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e94 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2018 Barolo Cannubi is a bright and lively expression with wild fruit and cassis over a tight and elegant mouthfeel. This is a wine of texture and persistence, and you feel its silky effects on the palate for many minutes. It spreads wide and deep, revealing savory flavors of spice, licorice and a metallic touch of iron. The alcohol content is a bit much at 15%, but there is enough texture here to soften its effects. Some 40,000 bottles were released (and the glass weight used on this wine and the other cru selections is on the heavy side).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Spectator\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA supple red, with pure rose and cherry themes supported by vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Balanced and refreshing, with accents of mint, pine and mineral that linger. Best from 2025 through 2042.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50447819014449,"sku":null,"price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Damilano_Barolo_Cannubi_DOCG_Nebbiolo_Piedmont_Italy_2018.jpg?v=1734100390"},{"product_id":"pian-dellorino-piandorino-tuscany-italy-2022","title":"Pian Dell'Orino, Piandorino, Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePian dell’Orino is one of the shining stars in Brunello di Montalcino. The estate is located right next door to the most famous name in \u003cstrong\u003eBrunello history, Biondi Santi. \u003c\/strong\u003eThis area has a long history of being particularly suited for growing grapes for high quality wines. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaroline and Jan run Pian dell’Orino with all of the passion for excellence and purity that one would expect from a great estate dedicated to ecological responsibility and sustainable agriculture. Their love for Tuscany and passion for viticulture particularly binds them to the land, vines and the resulting wines. The wines come from four different vineyards that have a total area of 15 acres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wines of Pian dell’Orino, be they the outstanding Rosso di Montalcino that can be enjoyed immediately upon release, or the classic and hauntingly beautiful, age worthy Brunello di Montalcino, are amongst the finest examples of their respective appellations to be found in Montalcino.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100 percent Sangiovese Grosso. Before harvest, the grapes are individually checked on the vines and cluster thinning is done. During harvest, the grapes are checked once more on a large table before being destalked and placed in the fermentation bins. Then the grapes are left to macerate for a certain period, according to the vintage. Spontaneous fermentation starts and the temperature is automatically controlled so that it does not exceed 34C. The must macerates for three to five weeks, depending on the vintage, in order to obtain greater concentration and structure in the young wine. The wine is then transferred to wooden oak barrels of 25 hectolitres (6,600 US gallons), where the malolactic fermentation takes effect. After 2 - 3 years of maturing in the barrels, when the wine becomes stabilized and appears brilliant, it is bottled without using a filter. The wine is left to mature in the bottle for at least one year before labelling and release.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCaroline Pobitzer and Jan H Erbach\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% Sangiovese\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMontalcino, Tuscany, Italy \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe grapes of Piandorino are those of the youngest vineyards, the experimental vineyard and the areas with cooler exposures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a more direct and self-confident character, a more immediate and lively approach, in some ways simple, but no less exciting.\u003cbr\u003eLike stopping to listen to a class of young artists at the conservatory, getting involved in their spontaneous understanding and at the same time intuiting their brilliant potential, finding yourself following the rhythm with one foot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 2022 Piandorino boasts notes of mixed red and darker berries, as well as crushed violets and fresh earth. The palate is medium-framed, with a sunny feel through the mid-palate, and it closes to notes of ripe orange and a mouthwatering accent of salty earth. It's still one of the best values in the whole region and is going to drink well over the coming 10 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Wine Advocate \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFrom a hot vintage that saw hot weather and a couple of intense rain showers, the Pian dell'Orino 2022 Piandorino (with 1,596 bottles made) offers punchy and macerated aromas of cherry skin and light spice. The wine shows primary intensity with raspberry tart with sweet gelatin. During fermentation, the cap is managed with a combination of hand pump-overs and délestage in open-top casks, allowing air. Macerations last from seven to eight days to up to three weeks, depending on the quality of grapes. This IGT wine matures in botte, although a clay amphorae was introduced and used partially in the yet-to-be released 2022 Rosso di Montalcino.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_initials\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Caroline Debbane Selections","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51351723639089,"sku":null,"price":59.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Pian_Dell_orino_Piandorino_Tuscany_Italy_2022.jpg?v=1747224243"},{"product_id":"castello-di-verduno-basadone-pelaverga-piedmont-italy-2023","title":"Castello di Verduno, 'Basadone' Pelaverga, Piedmont, Italy, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Castello di Verduno, owned by Gabriella Burlotto and Franco Bianco, is a beautiful old building at the top of the village of Verduno, on the edge of the Barolo zone. The Castello di Verduno wine label unites two cellars, one under the castle in the Barolo zone and the other near the famous 'cru' Rabajà, in the Barbaresco area. Wines are produced in Barbaresco and bottled and stored in Verduno.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMario Andrion\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePelaverga\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePiedmont, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eOnly the beauty of selvatic poppy manages to convey the harmonious characteristics of Basadone. This pearl rare oenologist is fruit of Pelaverga piccolo, that grapes are growns at the common of Verduno in vineards locate on Massara and Olmi. This singular vineard is present in the territory of Verduno since 1600. The company, it was the firsts to plant a vineard in 1972. Red ruby wine, characterized by spicy notes and from delicate taste. As the kiss, The Basadone, that the popular tradition want aphrodisic, awakens desires.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oliver McCrum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51573501559089,"sku":null,"price":38.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Castello_di_Verduno_Basadone_Pelaverga_Piedmont_Italy_2023.jpg?v=1750956480"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/december-10-barolo-vs-brunello.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}