Fonterenza, Brunello di Montalcino 1,5 L 2016

Fonterenza’s Brunello di Montalcino 2016 in magnum is a beautifully pure, classically styled expression of Sangiovese from one of Montalcino’s most quietly revered artisan estates. The exceptional 2016 vintage combines finesse, freshness, and depth, making this 1.5 L format ideal for both serious cellaring and special occasions. Crafted with minimal intervention and a deep respect for the land, it shows Brunello at its most honest and soulful.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this 2016 Brunello shines with a deep, luminous ruby core edged by garnet reflections, showing both energy and evolving complexity. The nose is detailed and refined: wild cherries, red plum, and blood orange peel are layered with dried rose petals, tobacco leaf, sweet spices, and hints of Mediterranean scrub, earth, and subtle leather. On the palate, it is precise and vibrant rather than massive, with a fine, tensile line of acidity that carries flavors of sour cherry, pomegranate, and red currant alongside savory notes of tea leaf, thyme, and gentle balsamic tones. The tannins are firm yet silky, beautifully integrated and chalky, promising long life while already offering impressive harmony. The 2016 vintage is built for aging: in magnum, this wine should evolve gracefully for 15–25 years, gaining more truffle, dried herb, and tertiary complexity over time.

Production
Fonterenza’s vineyards lie in the southern reaches of Montalcino, rooted in a mix of galestro (marl), clay, and rocky soils that naturally limit yields and give Sangiovese its signature tension and aromatic lift. Farmed organically and biodynamically, the vines are tended by hand, with strict selection in the vineyard and again at harvest to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy grapes make it into the cellar. Fermentations are spontaneous with native yeasts in large wooden vats, followed by long, gentle macerations to extract nuance rather than power. The wine is then aged traditionally in large Slavonian and/or neutral oak botti for several years, allowing the terroir and the vintage to shine without heavy oak influence before bottling and extended rest in the cellar.

Food & Serving
This Brunello is a natural partner for refined Tuscan and Italian classics: think bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised lamb shank, wild boar ragù with pappardelle, roasted game birds, or aged Pecorino Toscano. It also pairs beautifully with truffle dishes, porcini risotto, and hearty vegetarian fare featuring lentils or roasted root vegetables. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F); in magnum, the wine benefits from a longer awakening, so decant 1–2 hours before serving in large Burgundy-style glasses to fully open its aromatic spectrum and soften the youthful structure.

Producer
Fonterenza is a boutique estate founded in the late 1990s by twin sisters Francesca and Margherita Padovani, who set out to craft authentic, terroir-driven Brunello from the hills around Sant’Angelo in Colle in Montalcino. From the beginning, they embraced organic and biodynamic farming, low-intervention cellar work, and a strong focus on expressing site rather than formula. Today, Fonterenza is celebrated among sommeliers and collectors as one of the key artisan voices in Montalcino’s new wave—combining traditional long aging and large casks with a more delicate, transparent touch. Their Brunello regularly garners critical acclaim for its purity, elegance, and ageworthiness, standing out as a benchmark for thoughtful, small-scale production in Tuscany.

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