Dynamite 2016 Rosso di Montalcino

~ Young growth on the vines at the Piancornello Estate ~

In 1950,  Zefiro Monaci acquired the estate of Piancornello which, at the time, consisted only of a rural house dating back to the 1700s.  Realizing the potential for premium grape cultivation, he started to plant his first Brunello vineyards.  In the years that followed,  Zefiro’s son Alfeo and his wife Silvana, continued to cultivate these vineyards.

Living on and farming their own land was an important privilege and value. Today, that honor, respect and tradition continues to live through Claudio, his wife Silvia and their two daughters.  It is exemplified in the estate’s organic vineyard practices.

The Piancornello estate is located in the zone of Sesta, between Sant’ Angelo in Colle and Castenuovo dell’Abate.  Nestled on a plateau facing Val d’Orcia, with Mount Amiata looming on the horizon, it benefits from prime exposition. The vineyards cover a surface of about 20 hectares and from these mineral rich soils both Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino are produced.

~ A testimony to balanced nature and natural organic viticulture ~

Today we’re looking at the estate’s most recent release and it is spectacular.  Aged for 10 months in large wood barrels and partly in concrete vats, Piancornello’s 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh, juicy and dynamic wine.   It is certified organic and as Claudio relayed, that accreditation is critical to him.

“Piancornello is one of the founding farmhouses of the district of organic Brunello and is part of the Cru zone of Sesta, which is at the lead of organic and biodynamic agriculture.

My aim is to continue to reduce human intervention on the vines and practise biodynamic agriculture, teaching my daughters that we want to live on an environmentally sustainable farm.”

~ The Piancornello Estate in Montalcino ~

The 2016 is a deep ruby color.  The nose is vibrant with aromas of crushed cherry, fresh flower, perfumed fennel and fresh leaf tobacco.  It smells amazing.   On the palate, the freshness is bright and vivacious.  Juicy and long with crushed wild cherry flavors, leaf tobacco, hints of pepper and wonderful mouthwatering acidity.  This is one of the best Rosso di Montalcinos I’ve had in a long time.  A tremendous value around $23 it’s one to search out. Bravo!  92 points. Find this wine.

~ Just a simply gorgeous Rosso di Montalcino from an outstanding vintage ~

Buon fine settimana!