2016 Brunello Riserva

James Suckling: 95

The Story

The Villa al Cortile estate is part of Tenute Piccini, a Tuscan family that has been committed to the wine industry for four generations dating back to 1882. Today, Piccini Villa al Cortile is one of the big guns in Tuscan winemaking and when it comes to Brunello, they are one of the biggest producers, and for the BEST of their Brunelli, we look to their single vineyard estate Villa al Cortile.

Winemaking

The 12 hectares of vines is split between two properties. An 8 hectare parcel in Montosoli in the north of the appellation has a north-to-northeast exposure, and cooler temperatures which contribute acidity and ageworthiness to the final blend. The second 4 hectare property in Lavacchio in the southwest gets more exposure to the sun; the grapes here provide more obviously fruity characters to the wine.

Bunches of 100% Sangiovese are hand-picked into small bins to ensure berries arrive intact at the winery. Maceration on the skins is followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled medium and small stainless steel vats for 7-10 days with frequent pumping over and one or two delestage. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. The wine then ages or 6 years of which 36 months is in barrel followed by a minimum of 6 months in bottle.

Tasting Notes

Fragrant blue-flower, perfumed berry, new leather and pipe-tobacco aromas waft out of the glass along with whiffs of a freshly tilled vineyard. The smooth, elegantly structured palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed black raspberry and baking spice framed in polished tannins. It also has surprising freshness for the hot vintage that lends balance. Drink 2022–2030.