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| ~ La Serena’s Cellar was designed by owner, Andrea Mantengoli’s brother who is an organic architect ~ |
The origins of La Serena begin in 1933 when the Mantengoli family purchased the estate – all of one hectare at the time – and began producing wines mostly for local consumption. Since 1988, under the direction of Andrea Mantengoli, production has increased from 2,700 to 30,000 bottles and plantings have increased to 8 1/2 hectares. Still very, very small by some standards, but Andrea is pleased with capacity.
Today the estate is producing organic wines within their microclimate as Andrea reflects on the characteristics that make Sangiovese special in Montalcino: “Sangiovese grapes find here the perfect balance, it doesn’t need to be pushed, but it is very demanding to reach the perfect ripeness, it is wild but at the same time it changes a lot according to different soils. You can see easily the different morphology of the grapes within a short distance according to the nature and aspects of the land.”
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| ~ Cover crops and grasses growing between vine rows at La Serena to be used as green manure and organic fertilizer ~ |
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| ~ All natural organic methods are employed at La Serena ~ |
Today we’re reviewing La Serena’s 2010 Brunello. Another excellent release from this small winery and yet another shining star in a vintage seemingly without a bad wine.
The 2010 is a deep, dark black ruby color that barely lightens at the edge of the bowl. In the past, I’ve called this Brunello, “Wild Thing” for it’s untamed nature and meaty characteristics. This example did not portray itself that way. It is extremely elegant.
On the nose, the wine exhibits aromas of crushed berry, flowers, roasted chestnut, and hints of tobacco leaf. On the palate, the wine has not yet developed much complexity but expresses an elegant core of ripe, juicy red fruit that at first blush appears medium bodied and lighter than many Brunello. But, it’s the elegance baby! The trailing finish allows for some iodine/blood flavors that contrast with the notes of sage and fruit. La Serena is aged 2 years in oak, with 80% – 90% of the wine in cask and the balance in barrique. A very nice effort here and a good value. 93 points. About $40.
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| ~ The “Not So Wild” Thing ~ |
Salute!
John,
I am looking forward to opening one of these. Any thoughts on the drinking window for this wine? I have not opened a 2010 La Serena yet but have been alternating between the 06, 07 and 08 and enjoying all of them. La Serena has always been a good value Brunello to me.
Joe D
Hi Joe,
I think this wine shows well right now if you open and decant it a bit. It was much more expressive and weighty after some air. By and large, the 2010's have so much finesse, balance and fruit I think they will age effortlessly for 15-20 years. The tannins in many of them are so well integrated and woven that they appear to be non-existent. But they're there. And that's what makes many of the wines charming now – albeit in more of a youthful monolithic sort of way. Complexities will arrive once the wines age.
Cin Cin,
John