Cava d'Onice Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016

Cava d'Onice Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 is a limited-edition expression of Sangiovese from one of Tuscany’s finest vintages. Produced only in years deemed truly outstanding, this Riserva is crafted from the estate’s very best Brunello vineyard parcels, resulting in remarkable depth, precision and longevity. With a maximum of just 2,000 bottles made, each individually numbered and some even hand-engraved by a local artisan, this is a collectible Brunello that marries craftsmanship, tradition and rarity.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Riserva shows a deep, luminous garnet core with brick-red reflections developing at the rim – classic Brunello color that hints at both concentration and evolving complexity. The nose is refined and layered, offering aromas of wild cherry, dried rose petals, blood orange and plum, interwoven with notes of tobacco leaf, leather, cedar, sweet spices and a touch of balsamic and earth. On the palate, this is a structured yet finely etched Brunello, with vibrant Sangiovese acidity carrying flavors of sour cherry, black tea, dried herbs, licorice and subtle cocoa. The tannins are firm but polished, giving the wine an elegant, elongated frame and a long, savory finish with hints of graphite and Mediterranean scrub. 2016 is a benchmark vintage in Montalcino and this Riserva has excellent aging potential: it is already beautifully expressive but will continue to gain complexity over the next 10–20 years, and likely beyond under proper cellaring.

Production
The grapes for this Brunello di Montalcino Riserva come from Cava d’Onice’s top vineyard sites around Montalcino, where Sangiovese thrives on well-drained galestro and marl soils at altitude, benefiting from warm Tuscan days and cooler nights that preserve acidity and aromatics. Only the best clusters are hand-selected in the vineyard, with strict yield control and careful sorting at harvest to ensure perfect ripeness and health. In the cellar, the wine is traditionally vinified with a temperature-controlled fermentation and a long maceration on the skins to extract fine tannins and aromatic complexity. It is then aged in wood in accordance with Brunello Riserva regulations—typically in large Slavonian oak and/or carefully chosen French oak—before a further maturation in bottle, released only once it has achieved the balance and depth worthy of the Riserva designation.

Food & Serving
This Brunello Riserva is a superb partner for rich, savory dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef or lamb shanks, wild game, and stews with porcini mushrooms or truffles. It also pairs beautifully with aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano Reggiano and other hard cheeses. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 18°C (around 64°F). Decanting is highly recommended—give it at least 1–2 hours in a decanter to allow the bouquet and texture to fully open, especially in its youth.

Producer
Cava d’Onice is a boutique estate in Montalcino, known for its meticulous, small-scale approach to Brunello and its deep respect for the Sangiovese grape. Founded by a family of local growers, the winery has built a reputation for wines that are both classically structured and finely detailed, expressing the distinct terroirs surrounding the historic hilltop town. With an emphasis on low yields, careful vineyard work and precise, traditional winemaking, Cava d’Onice has become a respected name in the region, particularly for its limited-production Riserva bottlings, which highlight the estate’s commitment to quality and the unique character of exceptional vintages.

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