~ The Siro Pacenti Estate sits within sight of Montalcino ~
The Siro Pacenti estate was purchased in 1970 by Siro who set about planting vineyards in what has since become the Brunello di Montalcino zone. His Pelagrilli estate sits within sight of Montalcino and was expanded in the late 1990’s with the acquisition of vineyards in the Piancornello area of the zone. His drive for excellence and innovation continued and in 2004, new barrel aging cellars were completed.
Today, the estate is comprised of 22 hectares of vineyards all of which are planted to Sangiovese. Sitting at 350 meters above sea level, the vineyards are comprised of clay and sand with an undercurrent of fossilized sea remains. As a result, his Brunello often reflects wonderful trace minerality characteristics.
~ The vineyards on the Siro Pacenti Estate are strewn with large rocks and limestone fragments ~
The subject of today’s article is the famous Vecchie Vigne (old vines) Brunello. The fruit for this wine is sourced from two single vineyards and only the best clusters of grapes from each are selected to produce this wine. The vines from each vineyard are 35 years old or more. Consequently, they are producing complexly flavored grapes. Production averages about 30,000 bottles per year.
The 2011 Siro Pacenti Vecchie Vigne Brunello is simply spectacular. The wine is a brilliant shimmering violet with a deep ruby colored core. The aromas are indeed complex and compelling. Wild flowers, crushed berry, cigar tobacco and worn leather are so purely defined. On the palate there is no let up. Driven flavors of ripe, crushed cherry are permeated throughout by smoky sweet pipe tobacco, toasted tobacco leaf, hints of vanilla, savory herbs and dusty, mineral laced tannins. Fresh, juicy, lively and long this is everything you could ask for in a maturing Sangiovese. Vecchie Vigne is aged 24 months in barrique and then in bottle until it can legally be released. Given the crazy pricing on the 2015 which received a 100 point score from a notable critic, this 2011 is an absolute steal and ready to drink. Plus, it’s got a long life ahead. 95 points. About $70. Find this wine.
~ The Vecchie Vigne is produced from two single vineyards whose vines are over 35 years of age ~
I found this bottle locally and unfortunately, it was the last bottle available. However, they had ample stock of the 2013 vintage which was priced a bit lower than this one. I may have to grab a bottle for an additional data point down the line…
Salute!
I envy your retail access to Italian wine. There is near-zero chance of finding this wine in Denver.
I hear ya Steve. For sure we here on the east coast are very fortunate that way. Still, I am always amazed at the number of wines I’ve never heard of that are quite good and imported through odd channels. For example, I just received a bunch of samples of wines from Castellina that I expect will be very interesting. Imported through Texas!