~ One of the vineyards close to the Bollag home that provides fruit for the Estate Brunello ~
It was June 2019 when I turned down the dusty, country road that leads to the Terralsole estate. The GPS wasn’t cooperating, (sigh) but I was confident in the directions Mario had sent me. “When you reach what looks like a narrow alley at the end of the road, carefully drive through it and keep going straight.” Hmmm……
Who was I to argue? I passed Tenuta San Polo and sure enough, the “road” turned into what could charitably be called a causeway adorned with an overpass. It looked like some sort of crumbling, Roman aqueduct. As a result, my level of trepidation increased momentarily but nevertheless, with an intrepid spirit, I soldiered on. Had my Audi been 6″ wider, I think I may have had to finish the journey on foot.
~ This is the Pian Bossolino Vineyard that slopes down from the Villa ~
Terralsole is a small, family owned estate. It sits on just 12 hectares of vineyards. Pian Bossolino surrounds the family home at just over 1,200 feet of elevation. The Fonte Lattaia vineyard sits lower at 750 feet of elevation. The combination of the vineyards terroir contribute different character to the finished wines. At Pian Bossolino, the slow, even ripening develops fragrant complex aromas in the grapes. At Fonte Lattaia, the clay in the soil tends to provide Sangiovese of greater structure and richness.
~ I tasted the 2015 Brunello from this tank in 2019. Even at that time, it was easy to tell that it would be an amazing wine ~
The 2015 Terralsole Brunello di Montalcino is an array of colors that illustrates the glory of Sangiovese. The majority of the wine is deep ruby but at once you can see violet lasers reflecting throughout. At the edge of the bowl, the copper colored rim is visible.
The aromas are fragrant and rise effortlessly from the glass. Crushed berry, wild fennel, perfumed flowers and toasted spices are complex and intense. On the palate, the wine is fresh, juicy and so lively. Flavors of wild cherry, sweet pipe tobacco, toasted chestnut and warmed baking spices lead to lingering finish of sweet fennel. This is mouthwatering, elegant and full bodied. A treat! 96 points.
Total Wine carries Terralsole wines in the US. However, the best way to locate this and the full line of Terralsole wines is directly from the producer. Go here.
~ The 2015 is spectacular. Pure, focused, the essence of wonderful Sangiovese ~
Although this article reviewed the 2015 “Estate” Brunello, in June 2019 I also tasted the vineyard designated Fonte Lattaia. That will be a must purchase for me personally. Take note.
Salute!
