Brunello di Montalcino, 1976 Red Wine
Svetoni
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 13%
Price:
£149.00
Description
This fully mature Brunello presents itself with quiet dignity, offering an aromatic profile shaped by time rather than power. The bouquet opens with dried cherry, macerated plum, and fig, followed by balsamic nuances, cedar, and worn leather. With aeration, tertiary layers emerge—forest floor, porcini mushroom, tobacco leaf, and truffle—interwoven with subtle hints of anise, orange peel, and a gentle oxidative nuttiness.
On the palate, the wine is resolved and graceful, its structure softened by decades of bottle age. The fruit has shifted toward sour cherry and dried berry tones, framed by savory herbal notes and earthy minerality. Tannins are fully integrated, silky and delicate, serving as a textural echo rather than a driving force.
A thread of lively acidity remains, lending lift and precision to the wine and preventing the tertiary character from becoming heavy. Notes of tea leaf, balsamic resin, and dried spice unfold gradually, creating a layered and contemplative drinking experience. The balance favors elegance over intensity, with each element harmoniously aligned.
The finish is long, nuanced, and quietly persistent, marked by savory spice, leather, and fading cherry tones. At or just beyond peak maturity, this Brunello is best appreciated slowly, ideally alongside simple, earthy fare or enjoyed on its own. It stands as a compelling testament to traditional Montalcino winemaking and the enduring longevity of Sangiovese when well cellared.
Condition
Good conditions