Baricci Nello, Brunello di Montalcino 1997

Baricci Nello Brunello di Montalcino 1996 is a classic, traditionally crafted Brunello from the revered Montosoli hill in northern Montalcino – an area long considered one of the appellation’s finest crus. This mature 1996 vintage offers a rare opportunity to experience fully evolved Sangiovese Grosso from one of the region’s historic, small family estates. With over two decades of careful cellaring behind it, this bottle promises complexity, elegance, and a true taste of old-school Brunello.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 1996 Baricci Brunello shows a deep garnet core shading toward brick and tile at the rim, signaling its maturity. The nose is layered and evocative, with dried cherry, stewed plum, and blood orange interwoven with notes of leather, tobacco leaf, cedar, forest floor, and a subtle hint of dried herbs and spice. On the palate, this is a refined, classically structured Brunello: medium to full-bodied with lifted acidity and finely resolved tannins. Flavors of dried red berries, sour cherry, and orange peel unfold into savory tones of leather, truffle, balsamic nuances, and old wood, backed by a lingering, gently earthy finish. The wine is at or near its peak drinking window, with tertiary complexity fully on display. Properly stored bottles should be enjoyed now and over the next few years, appreciating their evolved character rather than primary fruit.

Production
Baricci’s vineyards lie on the Montosoli hill, about 280 meters above sea level on the northern slopes of Montalcino, overlooking Siena. This prized terroir combines well-drained marl and limestone-rich soils with excellent exposure, giving Sangiovese Grosso both finesse and structure. Harvest is 100% manual, with careful hand-selection of bunches in the vineyard and further sorting before the grapes reach the cellar. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, typically lasting under 20 days, with a focus on gentle extraction to preserve Sangiovese’s aromatic purity and color. After fermentation, the wine is aged according to the traditional Brunello method in large Slavonian oak casks for a minimum of three years, followed by around eight months’ bottle aging before release, yielding an artisanal production of roughly 13,000 bottles of Brunello annually.

Food & Serving
This mature Brunello is an excellent partner for classic Tuscan fare such as bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef, wild boar ragù, or roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic. It also shines with aged Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano, and truffle-based dishes that echo its earthy nuances. Serve at 18°C (around 64°F) in large Burgundy or Bordeaux-style glasses. Due to its age, decant gently for 30–60 minutes to remove sediment and allow the bouquet to open, taking care not to overexpose it to air for too long.

Producer
Baricci is one of Montalcino’s benchmark traditional producers, rooted in the Montosoli hill since the family acquired the Colombaio Montosoli farm in the mid-20th century. Nello Baricci began producing wine in 1955, at a time when Brunello was still largely unknown and made only by a handful of enthusiasts. In 1967 he was among the founding members of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, the consortium created to protect and promote the appellation as its reputation grew worldwide. The first commercial Baricci Brunello dates to the 1971 vintage, with the estate steadily earning a reputation for authenticity, small-scale production, and unwavering adherence to traditional methods. Today, Nello’s grandsons Federico and Francesco carry the legacy forward, maintaining Baricci’s status as a historic, highly regarded “small producer” whose wines have helped shape Brunello di Montalcino’s identity on the global stage.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.