Brancaia Ilatraia 2018 - 750 ml

Argiano 's Brunello di Montalcino 2016 is an exceptional wine from one of the most prestigious estates in Montalcino , Tuscany, a region renowned for its quality wines. This Brunello is made from the Sangiovese grape variety, which gives the wine its unique structure and character. The 2016 vintage is considered exceptional, not only for the quality of the grapes but also for the balance between richness, acidity and finesse, making it a wine that combines power and elegance.

Main features :

• Grape variety : 100% Sangiovese (locally called Brunello in Montalcino). This grape variety is the basis of the great Brunello di Montalcino , and it is distinguished by its ability to produce complex, balanced wines with remarkable aging potential. Sangiovese from Montalcino is renowned for its aromas of red fruits and spices, its fine tannins and its beautiful acidity, which make it a wine that is both powerful and elegant.

• Region : The Argiano estate is located in the Montalcino area , in the Tuscany wine region. This area benefits from an exceptional terroir, between mountains and hills, where the Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters allows the grapes to ripen slowly, thus favoring the expression of aromas and the concentration of flavors.

• Vintage : The 2016 vintage in Montalcino was exceptional due to ideal weather conditions. After a mild and wet spring, the summer was warm but balanced, with cool night temperatures allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The wines from 2016 are renowned for their great concentration, depth and ageing potential. This vintage was widely praised by critics and considered one of the best of the decade.

Sensory profile :

• Color : Argiano 's Brunello di Montalcino 2016 has a deep ruby ​​red color with brick-red highlights, a sign of good maturation. The color is intense and bright, a testament to the concentration of the wine.

• Nose : The nose is rich and complex, with intense aromas of ripe red fruits , such as black cherry , blackberry and wild strawberry , which are supported by spicy notes of cinnamon , black pepper and tobacco . As it airs, touches of violet , dark chocolate and damp earth appear, bringing further complexity. The aromas of garrigue (rosemary, thyme) and undergrowth evoke the Tuscan terroir and the richness of the wine.

• Palate : On the palate, this Brunello stands out for its solid and balanced structure . The tannins are present but well-melted, providing both power and suppleness . The wine has a beautiful depth, with a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the fruit. The aromas of black fruits are well-defined, supported by spicy nuances and subtle woody notes. The texture is silky and harmonious, with a beautiful length in the mouth. The finish is persistent, leaving notes of ripe strawberry , tobacco and cocoa .

Breeding :

Argiano 's 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is aged for approximately 36 months in large oak barrels (some of which are tuns) and barriques . This process allows the wine to slowly mature, integrating the woody aromas while preserving the purity of the fruit. The oak aging gives the wine a smooth texture and subtle secondary aromas, without overpowering the fruit profile of the Sangiovese .

Aging potential :

This 2016 Brunello di Montalcino has excellent aging potential thanks to its tannic structure and acid-fruit balance . It can be enjoyed now, but it will continue to improve with age. The wine is likely to reach its peak after 8 to 12 years of aging, or even longer. As the years go by, it will develop more evolved aromas of leather , underbrush , truffle and tobacco .

Food and wine pairings :

Argiano 's Brunello di Montalcino 2016 is a complex and structured wine that pairs perfectly with flavorful and well-seasoned dishes. Here are some pairing suggestions:

• Red meats : An ideal wine to accompany a bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), a roast beef , or grilled lamb chops .
• Sauced dishes : Perfect with braised meat dishes, such as a stew or beef stew .
• Mature cheeses : Pairs well with strong cheeses, such as Pecorino , Parmesan or hard cheeses.
• Mediterranean Cuisine : Excellent with Mediterranean dishes, such as ratatouille or roasted vegetables .
• Game : A perfect choice to accompany game meats such as wild boar or venison .

Summary :

Argiano 's Brunello di Montalcino 2016 is a majestic wine, with an aromatic complexity and tannic structure that make it a great Tuscan classic. This exceptional vintage benefits from the richness of Sangiovese , a grape variety that offers a perfect balance between power, freshness and elegance. With its depth, black fruit aromas, spices and subtle woody notes, it embodies all the typicity and richness of the Montalcino terroir. This wine is already magnificent to drink today, but it will gain complexity over the years, making it an excellent choice for the collector's cellar or for any special occasion.