Cava d’Onice Colombaio Brunello di Montalcino 2020

Cava d'Onice is the small Montalcino project of Simone Nannetti, who built it with his father on a vineyard of under half a hectare in this celebrated corner of Tuscany. Brunello di Montalcino is made entirely from Sangiovese, here in its fullest expression. Montalcino sits south of the main Chianti zone, warmer and drier, on a mix of galestro marl and clay-limestone soils that give ripe, concentrated fruit and firm structure, while altitude and a coastal breeze keep acidity and aromatic freshness in balance. Long, even ripening builds the depth the appellation is known for. The wine follows the traditional ageing path, around thirty-six months in oak followed by twelve months in bottle, during which slow oxygen exchange resolves the powerful tannin and develops tertiary notes of leather, tobacco and dried herbs alongside the dark fruit. The result is deep garnet, with dark cherry and plum over leather, earth, tobacco and oak spice. The palate is full bodied and structured, with ripe, gripping tannin, bright acidity and a long, savoury finish that rewards time. Decant an hour and serve at 18C in a large glass with roast and braised red meat and game.