Description

Andrea Costanti is a well known figure, and former president of the Brunello Consorzio, whose family has been part of Montalcino history since 1555. Like Montalcino itself, he is both profoundly rooted in local tradition, and receptive to international, contemporary trends. In 1983, Andrea took over from his uncle, Count Emilio. Andrea set to the task with a will and determination that has seen the winery upgraded, vineyards expanded (now 12 hectares) and the family’s reputation for great Brunello enhanced.

There is an aura around Brunello wines and I swear there was a little halo above my glass. This wine did not disappoint. 2007 was a warmer year in Brunello but it did not detract from the wine. The intensity was certainly increased but not at the expense of subtly and freshness. Very savoury, almost gruyere cheese like, meaty, spice nose. Lots of silky fruit, caramel oak, clean acid with hints of cola. This wine is finely structured, boney and youthful. It needs time.

Brunello di Montacino DOCG – South of Chianti the small town of Montalcino is huddled around its fortressed castle on the Tuscan hillside. The region has 1200ha planted and produces over two million bottles per year. The wines are densely structured and powerful – characters produced by a particular clone of Sangiovese Grosso.

Sangiovese – Widely cultivated across Italy from Emilia-Romagna (North of Italy) to Campania (on the Southern Peninsula) and producing as much wine as Barbera. A wide range of clones and hugely diverse growing conditions sees the variety represent easy drinking ‘quaffers’ all the way to benchmarks such as Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Sangiovese di Romagna and Morellino di Scansano.