Cortonesi, Brunello di Montalcino “La Mannella” 2017

Brunello di Montalcino “La Mannella” is produced by Cortonesi, a family-run winery known for crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines that showcase the elegance and power of Sangiovese Grosso. Sourced from the La Mannella estate, located on the northern slopes of Montalcino, this Brunello benefits from a unique microclimate that allows for slow ripening, excellent acidity retention, and refined tannins. The 2017 vintage was marked by a warm and dry growing season, resulting in lower yields but concentrated, structured wines with rich fruit and great ageing potential.

The La Mannella vineyard, situated at higher elevations, features galestro-rich soils, providing excellent drainage and minerality. The warm days and cool nights help balance fruit ripeness with acidity, creating a wine that is both powerful and fresh. Aged for a minimum of 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by additional refinement in bottle, this Brunello delivers depth, complexity, and a distinctive sense of place.

Appearance: Deep ruby red with garnet highlights, showing intensity and youthful vibrancy. The core is nearly opaque, suggesting great concentration, while the rim displays a warm, brick-orange hue, indicating the beginning of its evolution. The wine’s clarity is striking, with a brilliant, polished sheen that reflects its careful ageing. Swirling the glass reveals long, slow-forming legs that glide down, hinting at a rich, structured body with excellent ageing potential.

Aroma: Rich and expressive, with aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, and dried redcurrant evolving into notes of tobacco, cedar, and leather. Hints of dried violets, balsamic, and Mediterranean herbs add complexity, while subtle traces of dark chocolate and spice emerge with aeration.

Taste: Bold yet beautifully balanced, this wine opens with juicy red and black fruit flavours, including wild cherry, plum, and raspberry, layered with earthy undertones and hints of liquorice. The well-integrated oak brings subtle notes of sweet spice and toasted almonds. A vibrant acidity runs through the palate, keeping the wine fresh and lifting the structured tannins.

Finish: Long, refined, and lingering, with echoes of dark berries, savoury herbs, and a touch of mineral salinity. The tannins are firm yet polished, ensuring continued development in the bottle over the next decade or more.

Food Pairing: Bistecca alla Fiorentina pairs beautifully with the wine’s bold tannins and vibrant acidity, enhancing the richness of the meat. Wild mushroom risotto highlights the wine’s earthy complexity, while aged Pecorino Toscano provides a savoury, umami-driven contrast.