La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • The Brunello Riserva is a selection of grapes from a single vineyard, Plan Bossolino.
  • Not made each year, this perfect Sangiovese, has a similar winemaking and aging process as the Brunello.
  • The ideal maturity of the tannins from the skins, will carry over time a complex contrast between structure and elegance.
  • The minimum required of aging time is 6 years before release. Going further, kept in a private cellar, the Riservas will reveal a unique longevity of freshness.

Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese

Elaboration: The vineyard soil is clay loam-galestro. The cultivation system is spurred cordon. Maceration (with pump over and delestage) and fermentation is at a controlled temperature of 25 °C in Slavonian Oak casks. The wine ages for 24 months in French oak, 4 months in steel, and 18 months in cask before releasing.

Tasting Notes: ” This rich red is energetic and balanced, saturated with black cherry, plum and mineral flavors. Accents of wild rosemary and sage chime in as this remains fresh and long on the iron and underbrush aftertaste. Best from 2024 through 2045.” – Wine Spectator

PRESS

2018 – 95 Wine Spectator

2016 – 95 James Suckling | 94 Decanters | 93 Wine Advocate | 92 Vinous

2015 – 97 Wine Spectators | 95 James Suckling | 95 Wine Advocate | 93 Vinous

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

From its foundation in the early nineties to today, the La Fiorita estate has always sought to perfect the taste, longevity and aromatic complexity of its Brunello offerings, which emanate from the magical union of the Sangiovese grape with the unique terroires that surround Montalcino. Traditional and modern techniques combine to enhance quality from soil to bottle without compromise or shortcuts with virtually all interventions done by hand.

La Fiorita was established in 1992 starting from a project that Roberto Cipresso, winemaker on the rising at the time, shared with two homeland friends; the first vineyard had an extension of half hectare and the annual production was of just 1,000 bottles of Brunello; the first vintage was the 1993 and it was entirely purchased en-primeur by Enoteca Pinchiorri of Firenze. The cellar was in the basement of an old building of the 18th century in the heart of the medieval town of Castelnuovo Abate. The first vineyard was followed by the implantation of the Poggio al Sole vineyard and then of the Pian Bossolino vineyard, that increased the annual production to 25,000 bottles, divided by normal Brunello and Riserva.

Since 2011, with the acquisition of the estate by Natalie Oliveros, La Fiorita has embarked on numerous projects of long-term importance. Three are of particular notes. The first was the 2014 planting of the third Brunello certified, fully organic, vineyard to the south-west area of ​​Montalcino. The second are the steps taken to date to secure organic certification for the other two vineyards and the third is the design and layout of a state-of-the-art winemaking and cellaring facility.

Print Review Shelf Talker (2015 – 97 Wine Spectator)
Print Review Shelf Talker (2016 – 93 Wine Advocate)