Cortonesi, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016

Cortonesi is a highly respected producer in Montalcino, known for crafting wines that reflect the tradition and excellence of Sangiovese Grosso. Established as a family-run estate, Cortonesi has built a reputation for age-worthy and terroir-driven Brunello di Montalcino wines, balancing power with elegance. The 2016 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in recent history, with near-perfect conditions that allowed for slow ripening, excellent phenolic maturity, and impeccable balance. The Riserva designation signifies extended ageing, ensuring a wine of remarkable depth, structure, and longevity.

Sourced from the estate’s finest vineyards in northern Montalcino, this Brunello Riserva is produced from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, grown in galestro-rich soils that provide excellent drainage and concentration. The high-altitude vineyards benefit from warm days and cool nights, preserving freshness while allowing the grapes to develop complexity and structure. Aged for a minimum of 48 months in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by additional refinement in bottle, this wine showcases the depth and character that define great Brunello Riservas.

Appearance: A deep garnet red with brick-orange highlights at the rim, revealing its graceful evolution. The wine is intensely coloured yet luminous, with remarkable clarity. Swirling in the glass reveals slow, elegant legs, hinting at a rich and structured body.

Aroma: A complex and layered bouquet opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and dried redcurrant, evolving into notes of tobacco, cedar, and leather. Hints of wild herbs, balsamic, and dried violets add further refinement, while subtle nuances of dark chocolate, crushed stone, and spice emerge with aeration.

Taste: Powerful yet poised, with finely integrated tannins and a beautifully structured palate. Flavours of ripe red and black fruits are interwoven with earthy undertones, liquorice, and sweet spice. The mid-palate reveals layers of savoury depth, with notes of cigar box, dried rosemary, and black tea adding complexity. A firm backbone of acidity ensures vibrancy and balance, while the wine’s texture remains velvety and refined.

Finish: Exceptionally long and evolving, with lingering notes of dark cherry, espresso, and a touch of mineral salinity. The finely tuned tannins provide an elegant grip, while the wine’s acidity carries through, promising continued evolution in the bottle for decades.

Food Pairing: Aged bistecca alla fiorentina enhances the wine’s structure and depth, with its rich marbling complementing the bold tannins and acidity. Braised wild boar pappardelle is another classic pairing, as the earthy, savoury notes of the dish harmonise beautifully with the wine’s complex character.