Tasting Notes
I don't always put two vintages of the same wine on the website but I made an exception for this amazing Brunello di Montalcino because the 2015 was an outstanding vintage. That's not to say that the 2013 vintage is not fabulous - it is and of course it has the advantage of an extra couple of years of age to soften it. Why not try both?
The family-owned Castello Tricerchi estate in Tuscany is huge - but only 13 hectares of the 400 hectare estate are cultivated as vineyards so it is relatively small and in keeping with the majority of winemakers that Wines With Attitude® deals with. Castello Tricerchi works with consultant oenologist Maurizio Castelli and has been tweaking its winemaking philosophy and, amongst other things, switching over to traditional oak casks for the ageing process. The results are evident in its well structured, traditional style Brunello with juicy, ripe fruit flavours and elegance.
This is a lovely fruity Brunello di Montalcino and it also has the savoury notes that you would expect from a Sangiovese that has a bit of age on it. It may need to be decanted because of a little sediment but also because the aromas may need a little time to open up and reveal the underlying fruits. On the palate though they are more evident and carry through right to the end of the lovely long finish - cherries, plums, redcurrants and cranberries together with warm spices, cedar and a leafy savouriness. The wine has been aged in barrel for over two years and then in bottle for a further year before release. It can be aged for much longer still if you can resist it but it is drinking very nicely now.
Food Pairing
The producer suggests that this wine is "perfect with meat, ripe cheese or for meditation." It is sufficiently structured to cope with big meat dishes such as game, goose, steak, braised beef, offal and rustic stews. Mushroom dishes are a good match and milder cheeses including goats' and sheeps' cheese.
Producer's Notes
"The Brunello shows the personality and nobility of the handpicked grapes from the Vigna del Castello (The Castle) and the Vigna del Velo (The Veil) Vineyards. A stunning vintage delivering extremely healthy grapes at the time of harvest with ripe tannins and skins rich in polyphenols. Whilst youthful at present, the wine's smooth tannins, fruit quality, harmony, balance and marked acidity are all pointers towards cellaring potential of at least 20 plus years."
Awards
93 points James Suckling Oct 2019
"Lots of exuberant ripe berries and a hint of blackberry leaf and hay. Fruit-forward and delicious with expansive tannins and lots of ripeness. Full-bodied and round, but there's some tannin bite on the finish"
15.5 points Jancis Robinson Jan 2020
"Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges and already looking a little developed. Gentle, ripe cherry fruit with hints of undergrowth. Mellow and ripe on the palate, too, and without any edges. Lots of round, concentrated fruit on the finish. Ready now."
