THE WINE

The Brunello di Montalcino Nastagio from the Col D’Orcia winery comes from a selection of pure Sangiovese grapes grown on vineyards that are around twenty years old and located on the high river terrace of the Orcia River basin at around 200 meters above sea level. The company’s vineyards are all owned; this Brunello, in particular, takes its name from the production vineyard. Both the processing in the vineyard and the winemaking in the cellar follow the strict protocols of the organic regulations.

THE WINEMAKING

The harvest is strictly manual, and once in the cellar, the grapes ferment on the skins at a controlled temperature below 25°C for a period ranging from 18 to 20 days. This passage takes place in very particular steel tanks created specifically to extract tannins and colour delicately. These are rather large tanks (100 hl) with low and wide shapes. The wine ages for around 12 months in 5 hl French oak tonneaux, followed by a further period, which depends on the vintage in oak barrels, and, after the assembly and bottling, 12 months in the cellar. The 2018 vintage was bottled in late July 2022.

THE TASTING

Ruby red with garnet reflections. The aroma is broad and intense, with pleasant hints of small berries that alternate with light balsamic notes where mint and liquorice are perceived; there are also light puffs of vanilla and toasted sensations due to the passage in a wood close. This Brunello is very well structured and enveloping on the palate with velvety tannins, which are enhanced by the freshness and good flavour. The finish is long and persistent.

FOOD PAIRINGS

With meat menus, it is perfect throughout the meal. Try it with the classic Florentine steak.

The Awards

2018
– 93/100 Veronelli
– 93/100 James Suckling
– 2 glasses by the Gambero Rosso guide
– 4 grapes by the Bibenda guide