From the Brilliant 2021
Vintage:
|
2021 in Montalcino is shaping up to be an exquisite, classically styled Brunello vintage with intense, pure fruit, good freshness, firm but refined tannins with expressive bouquets, crisp textures and solid aging potential. In fact there's nothing we dislike about the vintage. That's saying something.
We've
selected two wines from the vintage that while differing in
style, are both perfect examples of how good the wines can
be.
2021
Piancornello Brunello di Montalcino ($62)
We begin with Piancornello located in the Castelnuovo dell’Abate region. This is a classic, graceful wine that's a bit broody when first opened but delights soon after with expressive red and dark berry fruit, savory-crunchy-mineral mid-palate complete with subtle notes of balsamic/herbal, licorice + underbrush, more dark berry fruit, and a finish with edgy tannins that become silky on the lengthy finish.
We begin with Piancornello located in the Castelnuovo dell’Abate region. This is a classic, graceful wine that's a bit broody when first opened but delights soon after with expressive red and dark berry fruit, savory-crunchy-mineral mid-palate complete with subtle notes of balsamic/herbal, licorice + underbrush, more dark berry fruit, and a finish with edgy tannins that become silky on the lengthy finish.
2021
La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino ($85)
By contrast we arrive at La Fiorita, a fuller, richer wine with a big personality. This one's very expressive with red berry, cherry fruit, great aromatics, plus forest floor notes, tobacco, exotic spice, and a sinfully seductive finish.
By contrast we arrive at La Fiorita, a fuller, richer wine with a big personality. This one's very expressive with red berry, cherry fruit, great aromatics, plus forest floor notes, tobacco, exotic spice, and a sinfully seductive finish.
When
we speak of Brunello we have to talk about food because
these wines shine even brighter when paired perfectly.
With
Piancornello, we like dishes that echo its classic Tuscan
profile and savoriness, with a bit of rusticity. Wild boar
ragù over pappardelle comes immediately to mind; however
since boar isn't on everyone's shopping list, wine-braised
short ribs work exceedingly well. Roast lamb with rosemary
and garlic is another great pairing as is a plateful of
mushroom risotto or tagliatelle ai funghi.
If you can find a block of aged pecorino this is the cheese to pair with this wine.
If you can find a block of aged pecorino this is the cheese to pair with this wine.
As
La Fiorita is the fuller bodied wine the classic
dish Bistecca alla Fiorentina will work wonders. Also a
perfectly executed Osso buco is a winner too. Thinking
of a hardy mushroom lasagna? Sign us up!
Additional
Brunellos from the excellent 2021 vintage will arrive
throughout the Summer. For now, these are the two to begin
with. 
