Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Riserve Franci 2018

The Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Franci 2018 is a limited-edition masterpiece from one of Montalcino’s most revered producers. This wine reflects the finest expression of Tassi's winemaking skills and the exceptional quality of the Franci vineyard. Only produced in outstanding vintages, this Riserva wine undergoes longer ageing than regular Brunellos, resulting in a more complex, powerful, and age-worthy wine. The 2018 vintage has produced a classical style of Brunello, marked by elegance and balance, allowing the pure Sangiovese fruit to shine alongside its complex, earthy undertones.

Aged in large Slavonian oak casks, the Riserva has developed deep, nuanced flavours while maintaining freshness and structure, showcasing the best of traditional winemaking in Montalcino.

Appearance: Deep garnet with ruby highlights, indicating concentration and potential for long-term ageing.

Aroma: The nose is intensely aromatic, featuring ripe black cherries, plums, and dark berries alongside dried roses, tobacco, and earthy forest floor notes. There are layers of cedar, leather, and sweet spices such as cinnamon and clove, adding to the wine’s rich complexity.

Taste: Full-bodied with a firm tannic structure and vibrant acidity. Flavours of black cherry, redcurrant, and plum intertwine with earthy notes of dried herbs, leather, and hints of truffle. The oak imparts subtle touches of vanilla, espresso, and dark chocolate, adding depth while allowing the bright Sangiovese fruit to remain the star. The acidity keeps the wine fresh and lively, ensuring a long life ahead in the cellar.

Finish: The finish is long, persistent, and elegant, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and savoury earth. Fine-grained tannins and a hint of minerality add to the wine's refined character.

Food Pairing: Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Franci 2018 pairs wonderfully with dishes that have rich, robust flavours. A perfect match would be braised short ribs or slow-cooked lamb shank, where the wine’s tannins and acidity can cut through the richness of the meat. It also pairs excellently with dishes featuring truffles or wild game, as the wine’s earthy, savoury notes mirror the complexity of these ingredients. For a cheese pairing, aged Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano-Reggiano offer the perfect balance to the wine’s depth and structure.