Fossacolle, Brunello di Montalcino 2019 Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

PRODUCER

This estate has four hectares of vineyards, 2.5 of which are destined for Brunello and the rest for Rosso di Montalcino. The estate is situated in Tavernelle, to the north of Argiano and to the west of Pieve di Santa Restituta. It is in south-central Montalcino. Owned by Sergio Marchetti, whose family has been there since the 1700s, the wines are now made by his son-in-law, Adriano Bambagioni, with help from his son, Stefano. Adriano learned his trade during the 10 years he worked with Giacomo Tachis and this comes across in the supple tannins of the Brunello.

VINEYARDS

The vineyards are located at 300m above sea level and are south facing. Soils here are firm and predominantly clay and limestone. The first vines were planted in 1984 and are spur cordon trained with about 4,000 vines per hectare.

VINTAGE

The 2019 winter in Tuscany was cold and dry, although February was warmer than average. Regular episodes of rainstorms in the spring helped replenish the vines' water supply. However, a drop in temperatures delayed budbreak, and May was particularly wet. The summer started with temperatures above average in June, while July and August saw several hailstorms, but generally, the weather remained stable until harvest time. Compared to other regions of Italy, affected by heatwaves causing grape sunburn in some areas, Tuscany produced about 10% more grapes than the 2018 vintage. The winemaker describes 2019 as a good vintage, with the wines showing a good structure and balance.

VINIFICATION

Cold pre-fermentation maceration took place for 14 days in stainless-steel tanks with two pump overs every day. Fermentation was then carried out at temperatures of 30-32°C for 25 days, with indigenous yeasts in the first part and selected yeasts for the second part. Malolactic fermentation took place in cement vats. The wine was aged for two years in a combination of used French and Slavonian oak, with barrels ranging from 225 litres to 25 hectoliters. After the oak ageing, it spent a further year in cement tanks followed by eight months in bottle.

TASTING NOTES

Intense ruby in colour, with aromas of sour red cherries, fennel, and delicate floral notes. It shows a wonderful complexity on the palate, with a core of fruit and spicy notes. The tannins are noteworthy, silky, and persistent. This 2019 Brunello, with outstanding balance, elegance, and complexity, will continue to develop its flavours in the bottle.