Agostina Pieri, Brunello Di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2016

Overview of the Wine
When Francesco Monaci established this winery, he had no idea of the frenzy his wines would inspire. In only a handful of vintages, his Brunello and Rosso have become some of Montalcino’s most sought-after wines. A nephew of Consorzio President and famed producer, Giancarlo Pacenti, Francesco had long dreamed of making great wines in the Montalcino area, but was not able to find the perfect vineyard until 1991. The steep Sangiovese vineyard that he finally found, in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, offered the potential to realize his goal.

The seven-hectare vineyard he found is perfectly situated, with a full southern exposure. This allows for incredible ripeness even in the old, low-vigor Sangiovese clones he favors. Grapes are harvested by hand and then strictly sorted to eliminate sub-standard fruit. The fermentation takes 25-30 days in vat and stainless steel before racking into large Slavonian oak casks and smaller French oak barriques. Only the finest lots are selected for Brunello.

This is one domain that takes great pride in its Rosso, treating it much like the Brunello. Pieri is the only producer ever to earn Gambero Rosso’s prestigious Tre Bicchieri score for a “mere” Rosso di Montalcino. That wine, the 1995, caused a sensation with its amazing concentration and persistance— it easily outpaced most Brunellos and set a new benchmark for the appellation.

And, always looking to push his wines further, Francesco began collaborating with Fabrizio Moltard in the 2002 vintage. Together, they aim to enhance the expressive sense of place that a unique vineyard, and unique appellation, can produce.

Grape / Blend
Sangiovese

Origin
Tuscany, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
So woodsy and sultry. Drinking this Brunello is like stepping into an enchanted dark forest in Montalcino. Notes of wild herbs, dark cherry, leather, and tobacco fill your nose. A seriously perfect finish with silky and buoyant tannins. 

92 Points - Vinous
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from Agostina Pieri shows woodland herbs and berries mixed with hints of licorice, white pepper and animal musk. It’s deeply textured and soothing, blending cooling acids and minerals with tart red fruits and pretty inner florals. Round tannins gently tug at the palate under an air of sweet violets and spice. The 2016 impresses most for its elegance and feminine beauty.

Product size: 750ml