Caprili - Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello, in the local Tuscan dialect stands for "nice dark one" and it has become the unofficial name of the Sangiovese Grosso, a clone of the popular Sangiovese varietal.
Montalcino has one of the warmest and driest climates in Tuscany with the grapes in the area ripening up to a week earlier than in nearby Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti Classico. It is a rather arid area, receiving an average annual rainfall of around 28 inches in contrast to the Chianti region which receives an average of 35 inches. The northern slopes receive fewer hours of sunlight and are generally cooler than the southern slopes. Vineyards planted on the northern slopes ripen more slowly and tend to produce wines that are racier and more aromatic. Vineyards on the southern and western slopes receive more intense exposure to sunlight and more maritime winds and tend to produce wines with more power and complexity. The top producers in the area have vineyards on both slopes, and make use of a blend of both styles.
Region: Tuscany
Production Area: Montalcino (Siena)
Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Varietal blend: 100% Sangiovese Grosso
Soil: Mixed limestone and silica rocks.
Vineyards: Southwestern exposure at1.200 feet above sea level. About 24 acres planted with Sangiovese. The average age is about 10 years old with a significant portion over 20 years old.
Planting system: Spurred cordon
Yield: About 3 pounds per vine, 3 tons per acre
Harvest: Early to mid October.
Vinification: Fermentation under controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks for about 25 to 28 days, with 8-10 soft daily pump-overs.
Aging: Three years in small French oak barrels and 4 months in the bottle.
Production: 30.000 bottles
Alcohol 13 % vol.
Tasting Notes: The color is ruby red, shading into garnet. Aromas of berries, significant acidic bone and firm tannins. It is recommended to uncork the bottle a few hours before serving
Food Pairings: Ideal with red meats, roasts, game and aged cheeses.
REVIEWS from The Wine Advocate:
Caprili Brunello di Montalcino 2003 – 90 Points
“The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino from Caprili reveals an intense, full-bodied expression of sweet dark fruit intermingled with scorched earth and toasted oak. It possesses outstanding weight and density in a sumptuous, modern style, although the tannins dry out on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015.”
By Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate #176, April 2008
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