2020 Palazzetta Brunello di Montalcino

La Palazzetta is a Brunello di Montalcino wine estate located in the Tuscan village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the southeastern edge of Montalcino. The estate almost exclusively focuses on Brunello di Montalcino wines produced with the region's most ubiquitous grape variety – Sangiovese. lavio Fanti is a traditionalist – utilising large Slovenian and French oak for his Brunellos to rest in. Flavio’s Brunellos are a testament to his local micro-region. He cultivates organically with due respect for the land and his beloved appellation. The soils here are composed primarily of galestro (a rock-strewn, schist and clay soil, associated with many top vineyard sites in Tuscany), and are planted to Sangiovese with a small amount of Colorino for the estate's Sant'Antimo wine.

Grapes are harvested by hand and vinified traditionally with the use of Slovenian oak and neutral French oak tonneaux. Unlike many other producers in the region, La Palazzetta doesn't use small oak barriques for fermentation or aging.The wine is macerated 18-21 days in open top fermenters with indigenous yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation and subsequently matured for three years in 3,000 and 5,000 litre botti.

Tasting note: An intense bouquet of blackberry, black cherry and blueberry with hints of chocolate, menthol and balsamic. Harmonious and elegant with powerful tannins and balancing acidity.

Food match: Shoulder of Lamb in an anchovy and mushroom crust, game or mature cheeses.