Deep garnet color; cherry, raspberry, plum, leather, earth, oak on the nose; black cherry, raspberry, blackberry, balsamic, plum, chocolate, oak spice on the palate.
Dry; significant tannins that can nicely be tamed and polished by decanting. Good acidity. Rich, full in the mouth. Ripe sangiovese fruit—a special fruit. The Tuscan region south of Florence grows a special clone “Sangiovese Grosso” or “Sangiovese Brunello.” Only sangiovese grapes are grown in the region. Brunello wines differ slightly from other sangiovese wines. Brunello has a fleshy texture, more emphasis on dark fruit, significant tannins and balancing acidity, and high alcohol. 15% ABV
This is the mid-level of Brunello di Montalcino wines. There is a Rosso di Montalcino that ages one year. The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva ages two years in oak, then four years in bottle. Brunello di Montalcino—this wine—ages two years in oak, then three years in bottle. Because of the somewhat rarity of the grape and the extended time in barrel and bottle—five years or more— Brunello di Montalcino can be pricey, but worth it.
San Felice Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017 is a brawny plunge into the dark fruits of sangiovese—a special clone in this case. Full, supple in the mouth; rich, ripe fruit flavors; oak; assertive-but-polished tannins with some supportive acidity. Significant wine, perhaps not for the faint of palate. Pair with hearty beef dishes; lamb; pork; wild game—venison, wild boar stew; barbecue chicken and other poultry cooked in robust style; risotto. Cheese—mature, rich cheeses; provolone del Monaco; mature parmigiano reggiano; pecorino; ragusano PDO. $55-65
