La Magia, Brunello di Montalcino 1997

La Magia Brunello di Montalcino 1997 is a benchmark example of how a great vintage and a respected estate can come together to create a wine of depth, finesse and remarkable longevity. Sourced from La Magia’s high-altitude vineyards on the sun-drenched southern slopes of Montalcino, this Brunello showcases the full potential of Sangiovese Grosso in a classic, age‑worthy style. The celebrated 1997 vintage, widely praised in Montalcino for its warm, stable growing season, has endowed this wine with both rich concentration and beautifully evolved complexity.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the wine shows a deep ruby core shading toward a garnet rim, clearly reflecting its maturity yet still vibrant and alive. The nose is intensely aromatic, opening with layers of dried cherry, plum and fig, followed by notes of leather, tobacco leaf, balsamic undertones, wild herbs and a subtle, earthy minerality. On the palate, this 1997 Brunello is full-bodied yet supremely harmonious, with silky, resolved tannins and a well‑balanced acidity that keeps the wine fresh despite its age. Flavors of dried red fruit, black tea, licorice and sweet spices unfold slowly, joined by hints of truffle and forest floor on the long, persistent finish. The wine is fully in its drinking window, showing complete aromatic maturity, but well‑stored bottles still have the structure to evolve for a few more years, rewarding those who appreciate the nuances of mature Brunello.

Production
La Magia’s vineyards lie on Montalcino’s southern slopes near Castel Sant’Angelo, benefiting from a warm, sunny climate tempered by cooling breezes from Monte Amiata. The soils are predominantly calcareous clay with streaks of volcanic minerals, lending both structure and complexity to the wine. The Sangiovese Grosso grapes are hand‑harvested at optimal ripeness, then vinified traditionally with an extended maceration to extract color, tannin and aromatic depth. After fermentation, the wine is aged for around 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks, a classic Brunello approach that respects the grape’s character, followed by prolonged bottle aging to allow tertiary aromas and silkier texture to develop before release.

Food & Serving
This mature Brunello pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes such as braised lamb shank, bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino Toscano and truffle‑accented risottos or pastas. Serve at 16–18 °C to highlight its aromatic complexity and balance. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the bouquet to fully open and to gently separate any natural sediment that may have formed during its extended cellar aging.

Producer
La Magia is a family-run estate situated on the prized southern slopes of Montalcino, an area long recognized for producing some of the region’s most expressive and powerful Brunello wines. Farming its vineyards with traditional methods and a deep respect for local terroir, La Magia has built a reputation for elegant, terroir‑driven Sangiovese Grosso that ages gracefully over decades. The estate’s wines, particularly from standout vintages like 1997, are frequently cited by collectors and Brunello enthusiasts as exemplars of classic Montalcino character, balancing intensity, authenticity and longevity.