tenuta san giorgio ugolforte brunello di montalcino 2018 750ml

The San Giorgio estate vineyards are essentially a continuation of the coveted Poggio di Sotto site in Castelnuovo dell'Abate. As such, the Sangiovese Grosso cultivated here benefits from the same climatic conditions, soils, and exposures as its world-renowned sibling. As part of the Collemassari Group of estates, San Giorgio's vines are now managed and vinified by the same world-class winemaking team of Tuscan icons, Poggio di Sotto and Grattamacco.

The name “Ugolforte” comes from a well-known bandit which during the XII century has lead the rebellion of Montalcino’s people against the power of Siena.

This wine is produced from the estate's most mature vines (20 years old on average), situated between 250 and 400 meters above sea level. The soil is rich with calcareous deposits and clay. The climate is mild and Mediterranean with nearly constant winds, creating an ideal environment for minimally invasive viticulture.

The fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with gentle and repeated pumping over, allowing a long maceration and slow release of noble and fully ripe tannins. Aging is carried out in 30hl oak casks over a period of 24 months.

TASTING NOTES

San Giorgio Ugolforte presents a dark core of red and black berry fruit layered with earth, leather, smoke, and herbs. Complex and elegant, the wine is full on the palate and firm in tannin structure. Refreshing acidity frames a graceful finish. Classic Brunello di Montalcino.

FOOD PAIRING

Traditionally paired with game and hardy, autumnal fare, Brunello di Montalcino is one of the world's great red wines. Enjoy with a celebratory meal or contemplate alone as a true "Vino da Meditazione".

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

WS94, Wine Spectator

"This red is marked by cherry, plum, thyme, sage and loam aromas and flavors. Lively and firmly structured, featuring a saline undercurrent. An open-knit version, with nice equilibrium, fine energy and a long, resonant finish."

JD93, Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Ugolforte is rich with blackberry, licorice, toasted sweet cedar, black cherry, and dark scorched earth. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with lush fruit and soft velvety tannins, notes of ripe blackberry, tea leaf, turned earth, and no bitterness. Approachable thanks to its ripe fruit, it will still benefit from time in the cellar to lose its youthful baby fat."

RP93, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Showing medium-dark concentration, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte is savory in character with black spice, saddle leather and some distant hints of cured meat. I always associate Ugolforte with a more contemporary winemaking style that showcases spice, ripe fruit and soft tannins. This vintage delivers all of those things over a plush and accessible mouthfeel."

WE93, Wine Enthusiast

"A sweet nose of vanilla, toasted coconut and candied cherry is balanced by undertones of wild herbs. On the palate, that sweetness evolves with figs and chocolate, while crushed stones and soil amplify the savory. Notable tannins are almost chewy with density and structure."

750ml Bottle