2019 Brunello di Montalcino

A pure ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is pure and layered on opening and deepens as it opens further, revealing notes of cherry liqueur, crushed violets, gravelly earth, and sweet tobacco. Medium-bodied, but with fantastic concentration, it’s long on the palate with even, mouthwatering acidity, ripe tannins, and a savory mineral flourish. This is a very impressive and noble wine to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years. Pietroso was founded in 1978 by Domenico Berni, who began with one hectare and produced his first Brunello for his own passion and enjoyment. His grandson, Gianni Pignattai, took the reins in 1992 and is joined in the family business by his wife Cecilia, son Andrea, and daughter Gloria. Today they have six hectares of vineyards in five different areas of the region, with one hectare of olive groves. The historical name of their area, just outside the town of Montalcino, is Petroso, meaning “stony,” which is also the name of one of their vineyards. Their most recent acquisition is from the famed and populous vineyard of Montosoli, which they purchased in 2015 and replanted in 2017. The intention is that these grapes will go into a vineyard-designated wine in the future, although the first fruit utilized from Montosoli was in 2020. The wines are fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral barrels averaging 30 hectoliters in size. They have only produced Riserva bottlings in 2010, 2015, and 2016 and will have the next release with the 2019 vintage.