Brunello di Montalcino Aria

The vines grow on the south-eastern edge of Montalcino near Castelnuovo dell’Abate, on a continuous hillside site with different soil types; the estate specifies quartzite and clay. The hand-picked grapes ferment with natural yeasts in upright wooden vats holding 20 to 40 hl. The wine is matured for 34 months in 15- and 17-hl casks, then aged unfiltered in bottle for at least 42 months. The cool vintage is described as bright, ethereal and finely structured, with lively acidity, refined tannins and aromas of candied cherry, dried fig, rose, cocoa, anise and leather. 4,287 bottles of 0.75 l were produced. Sources: stelladicampalto.it, North Berkeley Imports, Dolce Vita Wines.