The Brunello tasting is tomorrow. Can't wait. The New York Brunello Tasting is always an event I look forward to. I'll be drinking the newly released Brunello di Maontacino 2016, the Reserve Brunellos of 2015, Moscadello di Maontalcino, Super Tuscan offerings and wines from the San Antimo Region within Montalcino.
When it comes to Brunello, there is without question one Brunello producer who makes my favorite Brunello of all, and that's Fattoria Barbi and their Brunello Normale and Brunello Reserva, with its amazing Red Label that I love so much. Barbi is one of Montalcino's oldest producers, among the First 30, they make amaing Brunello and other wines, and they have one of the most Gorgeous Wine Cellars in the wole of Italy. Bar none.
My second favorite Brunello comes form my pal Conti Franceso Maruni Cinzano, who along with his family own the great wine estate Col d' Orcia in Montalcino, producing some of, easily the World's Best Brunello. Francesco, always has wonderful older vintages of his wonderful Brunello for me to taste, and it is always a very special treat when I do, especially when he taste me on his most amazing Brunello Reserva Poggio al Vento. This particular time, Francesco tasted me 2004 vintage of the Col d' Orcia Brunello "Poggio al Vento" Reserva 2004.
I'm looking forward to seeing some of my Italian friends from Montalcino, as well as drinking their wines. It's going to be quite a day, needless to say, all those wonderful 2015 and 2016 Brunellos, the Moscadellos, Rosoo di Montalcinos and other wines from Montalcino.
As always, I look forward to seeing Conti Francesco Conzano Maruni, the Colombinis from Barbi, other friends from Italy, and my New York Italian Wine Friends as well. They'll all be there. We'll drink Brunello and munch on Salami and Cheese, Chit-Chat and catch up, as this (finally) will be the first big Italian Wine Tasting in New York in Two Years, since the Worldwide Pandemic started back in early 2020.
Of numerous things that have changed our lives as the results of the Pandemic, I really can't complain too much, but I must say, "I really miss going to Italian Wine Dinners, Luncheons, and Tastting," and now, finally I have my first in two years, tomorrow at The Benvenuto Brunello New York Tasting 2022. And if that wasn't enough? Friday is an even bigger event, and the one, that when it comes to Italian Wine in New York, it is the biggest most improtant Italian Wine Event of The Year, and that is the Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Tasting, which is Friday February 25th, 2022 ... The Tre Bicchieri Tasting is of what according to Gambero Rosso are the Best Italian Wines of the year, and are scored by glasses: 1, 2, or 3, with Three Glasses as a top rating for Italian Wines. For those who may not know Ganbero Rosso is the Italian Food and Wine Magazine, that is the Wine Spectator of Italy, just to give you an idea.
Anyway, enough on Tre Bicchieri, we were talking about Brunello and the wines of Mantalcino, and the Benvenuto Brunello Tasting, weren't we? I will go to the tasting, see my friends, taste the Brunello, have a good time, and I will report back to you within the next couple of days to talk about about the Tasting, the Brunellos, and the other wines, and as always, I will tell you which Brunellos I like best.
So, until tomorrow and the day after, have a good day, one and all.
Daniel Bellino Zwicke
BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO 2016 "A GREAT VINTAGE"
Yes 2016, as was 2015, a great vintage for Brunello. Some say one of the greatest.
All the wheather conditions were just about as good as one growing Sangiovese Grosso grapes in Montalcino could possible want. The combination of Rain, Sun, and Temeratures was ideal thoughtout the growing and harvest season in Montalcino. In Montalcino, it wasn't too hot, it wasn't too dray, "It was just Right."
When all is said and done, yes this was one of the Great Vintages for Brunello, and should stand out as Legendary. Stock up, store, and enjoy now and years down the road.
TOP BRUNELLO PRODUCERS
ARGIANO
COL d'ORCIA
FATTORIA BARBI
Valdicava
LISINI
ALTESINO
CASTELLO ROMOTORIO
ANGELO SASETTI
LIVIO SASSETTI
BRUNELLO SASETTI
Angelo Sassetti has been producing Brunello from the Pertimali estate in Montalcino for over 35 years. Based in his farmhouse, he hand manicures his vineyards and controls crop levels vigorously.
This, combined with his unfiltered winemaking techniques, not only preserves the quality of his harvest and his land, but maximizes the beauty and ageability of his wines. Together with his wife, Rosie, with each vintage Angelo produces a Brunello that is truly in a class of its own.
BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO
"ERTAMALI"
Angelo Sassetti
GALLO NERO
"The BLACK ROOSTER"
CHIANTI
