Col d’Orcia (Cinzano) Brunello di Montalcino 2007 750ml

Here is a particularly impressive wine from one of Montalcino’s top estates. The wine opens with ethereal balsam notes of eucalyptus, humus, dried fruit and dried mint. Beyond those elegant tones are sturdier layers of cured meat and savory spice. It shows bold concentration, thick power and firmness on the close, with a drying mineral finish. Let it age five more years.

• Country: Italy
• Region: Tuscany
• Appellation: Brunello Di Montalcino
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Sangiovese

The name of this grape, meaning ‘blood of Jove’ conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively ”“ full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.