Notedincanto Brunello di Montalcino 2019

Behind the Bottle

This stunning Brunello comes from the sun-drenched hills of Montalcino in southern Tuscany, where the Sangiovese grape reaches its fullest expression. Notedincanto crafts this wine with patience and respect for tradition - exactly what we look for when selecting wines for our shop.

The Details:

• 100% Sangiovese Grosso (the special Brunello clone)
• Sustainable farming practices
• Grown in limestone and galestro clay soils at 250-450m elevation
• Aged traditionally in Slavonian oak
• 14.5% alcohol
• Limited availability

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep, concentrated ruby core transitioning to garnet rim with excellent clarity and moderate viscosity.

Nose: Pronounced intensity with complex layers of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, and black plums, complemented by tertiary notes of dried herbs, forest floor, tobacco leaf, and leather. Delicate hints of vanilla, cedar, and baking spices from oak aging are well-integrated.

Palate: Dry, full-bodied with firm but elegant tannins and refreshing acidity. The palate presents concentrated flavors of black cherries, dried cranberries, and raspberry preserve, followed by nuances of espresso, dark chocolate, dried Mediterranean herbs, and subtle earthiness. Exceptional structure with a harmonious balance between fruit, acidity, and oak influence.

Finish: Impressively long and persistent with lingering notes of red fruit, subtle spice, and a distinctive mineral character typical of the terroi

On the palate, this wine strikes that perfect balance between power and elegance that makes Brunello so special. There's wonderful concentration here - dark cherries, dried cranberries, and that touch of savory bitterness that great Italian reds often have. The tannins are present but beautifully integrated, giving structure without harshness. The finish? It kept me coming back for another sip, revealing new layers each time.

At the Table

I've enjoyed this wine with several different meals, and it shines brightest alongside:

• Slow-cooked meat dishes (the ragu I made with wild mushrooms and a touch of rosemary was a knockout pairing)
• Aged cheeses (try it with a chunk of aged pecorino)
• Anything featuring porcini mushrooms
• Classic Tuscan bean dishes
• Fennel-scented sausages

2019 - A Vintage to Remember

I've been following Brunello for years, and 2019 is genuinely exciting. The growing season had that perfect rhythm that winemakers dream about - consistent warmth without extreme heat, cool nights to preserve acidity, and a dry harvest period that allowed picking at the perfect moment.

The result is wines with remarkable balance - ripe enough to enjoy now but with the structure and acidity to evolve beautifully over the next 15-20 years. If you're looking to start or add to a collection, this is a vintage worth investing in.

Serving Suggestions

This wine really rewards a bit of patience. I recommend:

• Pulling the cork about 1-2 hours before drinking
• Using your widest wine glasses to let the aromas develop
• Serving just slightly below room temperature
• Pairing with simple, high-quality ingredients that let the wine shine

This is one of those special bottles that reminds me why I fell in love with Italian wine in the first place. Whether you're a longtime Brunello enthusiast or just beginning to explore Tuscany's wines, I think you'll find a lot to appreciate here.