Tenimenti Angelini own several wine estates across Italy, but perhaps the crown jewel is the Val di Suga Estate in Brunello di Montalcino. Each year, during my Annual Brunello Report, the wines from Val di Suga represent themselves very well.
Carved out in 1969, from what was nothing but fodder and farmland north of Montalcino, serious winemaking only began at Val di Suga in 1977 with the release of a Riserva Brunello. In 1994, the gruppo Angelini purchased the estate and immediately set about investing in the property and elevating the quality of the wines. They have succeeded admirably. Today the estate produces 4 separate Brunello; one estate bottling and three single vineyard wines that are some of the most sought after in the world. Val di Suga prizes sense of place among all other aspects and the individual Brunellos represent unique terroir that they have chosen to highlight.

~ This schematic map illustrates the location of the Val di Suga properties relative to Montalcino Centro and the Sea ~
Today we’re focusing on the Estate Brunello. Produced from grapes selected from all three of the single vineyards, the 2011 Val di Suga Brunello represents the entirety of the estate’s terroir. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine displays a deft combination of freshness, intensity and structure. It is aged for 3 years in 50 hectoliter Slavonian barrels and an additional 12 months in bottle before release.
In the glass, the wine is a deep ruby color with violet reflections that sparkle. The nose is filled with notes of crushed berries, fresh flowers and hints of clove and spice. On the palate is where the wine amazes. It’s “liftingly” fresh. So nimble and lively that it’s full bodied frame gives the sensation of carrying no weight at all. Concentrated cherry and berry flavors are accented by coffee, spice, and leather notes. Can you tell it’s got 2011 ripeness? Yes. But this is not over done at all. A wonderful combination of elegance and power. I love this producer right now and they make a ton of wine so finding these shouldn’t prove too difficult. Great value too! 93 points. About $45.

~ The Val di Suga Brunello had production of almost 100,000 bottles and is an excellent value compared to many other Brunello ~
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Salute!
John,
Enjoyed the review. Must agree that Val Di Suga is a very quality producer. I have been enjoying the Brunello Vigna Spuntali. The 2004 is drinking great right now and the 2006s are in the cellar waiting. I must admit that my introduction to Val Di Suga was through my wife. Donna did a solo trip to Tuscany with friends and of course stopped in Montalcino and had the opportunity to taste Val Di Suga’s offerings. To my surprise a “present” for me showed up 2 weeks later and it was 6 bottles of 2004 Vigna Spuntali.
Joe D
Whoa! Though I must admit, a “present” like that seems a fair reward for being able to go to Tuscany alone. What’s that about? Leaving in a few short weeks for our next trip. Looking forward to tasting, eating, taking pictures and finding great things to write about. Cheers!