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| ~ The Old Farm House at La Serena ~ (image courtesy of Cantina La Serena) |
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 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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| ~ Nella Cantina ~ (image courtesy of Cantina La Serena) |
Today we spotlight a wine that excelled in a challenging vintage; the 2008 La Serena Brunello. Under the supervision of cellar master Paolo Caciorgna, La Serena has produced one of the best 2008’s that I’ve tasted.
In the glass, the wine is a deep violet color – verging between ruby and purple. The aromas are fantastic. Loads of floral notes, with wild red berries, leather, mineral and game – a La Serena trademark, are prevalent. It’s wonderful to swirl in the glass. On the palate the wine is elegant and polished with only a slight rustic edge. The core of wild berry fruit is focused like a laser and the accents from red clay, rosemary, and leather are complex and interesting. This is delicious and an excellent value. The La Serena is aged mostly in 20 hl barrels with a small portion of the wine, (about 10%) refined in barrique. 93 points, about $35.
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| ~ A beautiful effort in this vintage ~ |
Wild thing, I think I love you!
La Serena, one of my favorite Brunellos . I have the 2006 and 2007 in my cellar but have not tried the 2008. Umm, might be searching for this this weekend. My wife and I had the fortune of meeting the owner of La Serena a few years ago at the Fortezza in Montalcino. Very nice man who makes an excellent Brunello.
Couldn't agree more Joe. There are data points here for 2006 and 2007 as well. The 2008 is still out around here and that's almost a year behind other 2008s. Therefore I'm betting the 2009 and 2010 will have similar lags. The 2010 will be very intriguing. http://tuscanvines.blogspot.com/2012/05/vintage-after-2007-brunello.html
Okay, the 2008 La Serena and the 2009 Selvapiana are in the cellar. Looking forward to trying them.
Tonight's wine with dinner was the 2008 Casa Emma Soloio Merlot. Very nice wine and a long week of traveling for work. Brought back wonderful memories of sitting on Casa Emma's patio having lunch and looking over the vineyards.
John, thank you for your great recommendations.
Joe, thanks for the wonderful comments and continued support. I couldn't agree more – Soloio is a wonderful wine. I just wish it were easier to find.