fattori dei barbi brunello di montalcino 2016 750ml

The first Brunello imported in the USA, Fattoria dei Barbi is a historic estate that continues to be a pioneer in Tuscan wines. Barbi's "Blue Label" Brunello is the heart of the estate's production and its flagship bottling. The family has been producing Brunello from this vineyard since 1892, and the current label was designed by Giovanni Cinelli Colombini in 1958.

Manual harvest occurs at the end of September followed by a pre-fermentation cold maceration ("cold-soak"), which consists of cooling the grapes at a temperature of 3-5C(37 - 41F) in an anaerobic environment (under a CO2 blanket) to protect the must from oxidation. This non-alcoholic, aqueous extraction results in an increased color intensity and stability, softer astringency and tannins and more body and aromatics. After 48 hours, the temperature is raised to 27- 28C and alcoholic fermentation begins, lasting 16 -17 days. After racking and malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in small-to-medium size oak barrels (225L - 15 hl) for the first months, followed by two years in larger 30HL Slavonian oak casks. The wine rests in bottle for four months before release.

Winemaker Notes:

Brilliant ruby red with a touch of garnet. Intense aromas of ripe cherry rounded by scents of citrus and spices, wild herbs, earthy hues. On the palate, the wine is soft and balanced with delicate tannins and vibrant acidity, long persistency. This wine is a perfect match for roasted or grilled red meats, game, venison, stewed wild boar. Excellent with mature cheeses.
 

Critical Acclaim:
95 points - Wine Spectator
"This red is pure and supple, evoking cherry, blackberry, licorice, earth and spice flavors, delivering almost seamless harmony at this early stage, with refined tannins that are very well-integrated. Shows fine length, courtesy of the vibrant acidity. Best from 2023 through 2043."

95 points - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2016 Brunello has delicate savory aromas of rosemary, dried raspberry, and floral forest floor. There is freshness and pure ripe fruit that fills the palate, with blood orange, dried red cherry, and fresh tomato leaf as well as classic, angular tannin structure and a pleasant light bitterness. This wonderfully expressed traditional wine will be prime for enjoyment over the next 15 years. 2021-2036."

95 points - James Suckling
"Aromas of plums, cherries, flowers and sandalwood follow through to a full body with chewy, polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Lots of structure and intensity. Give it at least three or four years to come around. Try after 2025."

94 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a delicate and graceful wine. It shows the precision, linearity and power of the vintage for sure, but it also delivers floral tones, bright raspberry, toasted almond and a playful touch of a medicinal herb that shape a careful and contemplative bouquet. Those bright aromatic nuances are followed by silky tannins and softly finessed fruit flavors. With an ample 160,000 bottles made, this is a solid go-to Brunello, especially if you are looking for a bottle with a relatively accessible drinking window."

750ml Bottle