2011 Brunello by Fattoi, a thrutful Sangiovese expression

 

A winery Estate of great value and since many years at the top of the appellation about price/quality ratio, in which it is normal that the "protagonists of history" (the Grandfather Ofelio, his sons Leonardo and Lamberto and the last generation represented by the gentle and qualified Lucia) welcome you - for a tasting or for a visit - after a hard day's work spent in the vineyard or in the cellar.

An absolutely interesting terroit, located in the southwestern sector of the municipal area, at a height of about 350 meters and not far from the famous Santa Restituta Church, close to great interpreters of this territory (if not really sacred monsters), producers who over the years have contributed to writing the history of Brunello di Montalcino and Tuscan Sangiovese.

A vintage that will probably not be remembered as one of the most important and long-lived in history but which today, just under ten years after the harvest, is expressing its full potential.

Three factors that combined together have to give life to a great wine, what - in fact - has proven to be 2011 Brunello made by Fattoi, a vigorous and emblematic expression of the most materic and sanguine character of the appellation.

Intense and varietal on the nose, full-bodied and round on the palate, in which it is told through an almost oily consistency and tannin that the terroir’s quality and the passage of time have made it velvety. The important alcohol content (15% for this vintage) is practically imperceptible, masterfully integrated into its rich structure.

Some time ago, after tasting a recent version of their Rosso di Montalcino, I expressed a small criticism of the winery, especially about the path that their "Second Vin" was taking: this time, I can only applaud them, for the quality of their Brunello and for the moments of enjoyment that they have given to myself and to my diners.

 

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011

Personal rating: 94/100

Grapes: 100% Sangiovese Grosso

Aging: 36 months in wood (partly in large oak barrels and partly in tonneaux) + 10 months in bottle

Alcohol Content: 15%

Price range: 30-35 €

 

TASTING

👀 Garnet, medium intense, consistent and with extreme clarity

👃Clean, very intense, varietal and with a good finesse, as well as without the slightest hint of evolution notes. Very ripe fruit (reminiscent of black cherry or dark cherry jam), tobacco, pepper, light ethereal and balsamic notes in the background to give greater depth to the profile

👄Full-bodied, round but undoubtedly balanced and extremely pleasant, despite the important alcoholic component. Consistency on the palate between velvety and oily, mature tannin, smoothed by the passage of time. Excellent persistence, finish featured by tobacco and ripe fruit return.