Podere Brizio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2017

Podere Brizio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a Sangiovese from Montalcino in southern Tuscany, made to the Riserva tier of the appellation. Brunello is the local clone of Sangiovese; Montalcino's warm, dry climate and varied soils of galestro and clay ripen it fully and give a wine of firm tannin and structure built for the long ageing the rules demand. This Riserva goes well beyond the minimum, with 48 months in French oak barrels followed by 12 months in bottle. The extended barrel ageing resolves Sangiovese's robust tannins through slow oxygen exchange and develops savoury, tertiary complexity, while the bottle time lets the wine knit together before release. Farming is organic. The colour is deep garnet. The nose is mature and savoury, showing dark cherry and plum with leather, tobacco and dried herbs. The palate is full and structured, with firm but polished tannins, fresh acidity and a long finish marked by liquorice and earth. It is ready to drink with food and has the structure to cellar for many years. Serve at 17 to 18C, decanting an hour or two ahead. It suits roast and braised red meats and aged cheese.