Fanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Le Macchiarelle 2013

Fanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Le Macchiarelle 2013 is a single-vineyard Sangiovese of real depth and character, drawn from the oldest plot on the Fanti estate. This Riserva captures the essence of traditional Brunello while offering an extra layer of concentration and refinement that only old vines and time can deliver. Its structure, complexity, and sense of place make it a compelling choice for collectors and serious Brunello lovers alike.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2013 Vigna Le Macchiarelle Riserva shows a deep garnet core with brick-tinged edges, a sign of both its age and careful maturation. The nose is complex and evolving, with black cherry and dried red plum interwoven with notes of rose petal, tobacco leaf, leather, and dried herbs, followed by hints of sweet spices, cedar, and a subtle earthy, truffley undertone. On the palate, this is a structured yet graceful Brunello, with firm, fine-grained tannins wrapped around flavours of ripe cherry, macerated berries, balsamic notes, and savory spice. Layers of licorice, cocoa, and underbrush emerge with air, giving a long, persistent finish that is both savoury and refined. The 2013 vintage offers a beautiful balance of freshness and maturity; it is drinking beautifully now but still has the backbone to age further for another 8–12 years, gaining even more tertiary complexity.

Production
Vigna Le Macchiarelle is the oldest vineyard on the Fanti estate, rooted in classic Montalcino soils where galestro (marl), clay, and stony substrata help naturally limit yields and concentrate flavour. The site’s exposure and altitude provide excellent diurnal swings, preserving acidity and aromatic finesse in the Sangiovese grapes. Harvest is typically carried out by hand, with strict selection in the vineyard and again in the cellar to ensure only the finest bunches from this single parcel become Riserva. After a gentle vinification with temperature-controlled fermentation and extended maceration on the skins to extract colour and tannin, the wine is aged for an extended period in large oak vessels and/or carefully chosen barrels, followed by significant bottle aging before release, in keeping with Brunello di Montalcino Riserva regulations.

Food & Serving
This Brunello Riserva calls for richly flavoured, rustic yet refined dishes: think bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef or lamb, wild boar ragù, game birds, or aged Tuscan pecorino. It also pairs beautifully with truffle dishes, mushroom risottos, and hearty, herb-laced stews. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 18 °C, slightly cooler than room temperature. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to fully open up and reveal its aromatic and textural complexity, especially if enjoyed in the next few years.

Producer
The Fanti estate, located in the heart of Montalcino in Tuscany, is a long-established family property that has been cultivating vines and olives for generations. Over time, Fanti has become known for its meticulous vineyard work and its ability to express the nuances of Sangiovese across different parcels, with Vigna Le Macchiarelle standing out as a flagship site. The winery is regarded as a quality-driven producer within the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, consistently earning recognition for wines that combine regional authenticity with depth, polish, and ageworthiness.