Le Ragnaie Passo del Lume Spento Brunello di Montalcino 2017

Le Ragnaie Passo del Lume Spento Brunello di Montalcino 2017 is a rare, high‑altitude expression of Sangiovese from one of Montalcino’s most talked‑about estates. With only around 3,020 bottles produced, this cuvée captures the elegance and lift that cooler, elevated sites can bring in a warm vintage. Named after the “pass of the extinguished lantern”, it shines a light on the new generation of Brunello that values finesse over sheer power.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Passo del Lume Spento shows a radiant, translucent ruby garnet hue, typical of pure Sangiovese from a cooler site. The nose is bright and focused, with aromas of wild cherry, red currant and blood orange peel wrapped around notes of rose petals, dried herbs, sweet tobacco and a hint of flinty minerality. On the palate, the wine is strikingly vibrant and energetic for the vintage: fine, chalk‑tinged tannins frame a core of juicy red berries, sour cherry and pomegranate, layered with hints of tea leaf, balsamic, cedar and subtle spice. The high elevation brings tension, freshness and precision, giving the wine an almost weightless feel despite its depth and intensity. Acidity is lively and mouth‑watering, promising further development. While already captivating, this Brunello has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 10–15 years, gaining complexity and softness with time in bottle.

Production
Passo del Lume Spento is sourced from one of the highest vineyards in the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, where cooler temperatures, rocky soils and constant breezes help Sangiovese ripen slowly and evenly, even in warmer years like 2017. Le Ragnaie farms its vines with great care, favoring low yields and manual work in the vineyard to preserve balance and purity of fruit. Harvest is carried out by hand, with strict selection of bunches in the vineyard and again in the cellar. Vinification follows a traditional, minimalist approach: a gentle, extended maceration on the skins and fermentation in large vessels, followed by long maturation—typically in large Slavonian oak casks—to allow the wine to develop complexity while maintaining the clarity and finesse that this high‑altitude site naturally delivers.

Food & Serving
This Brunello’s lifted profile and refined tannins make it a superb match for classic Tuscan cuisine: bistecca alla fiorentina, slow‑braised lamb, wild boar ragù, or pappardelle with porcini and truffle all work beautifully. It also pairs well with aged Pecorino Toscano, game birds, and dishes that highlight earthy mushrooms or herbs. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Brunello stems to allow the aromatics to open up. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended, especially in its youth, to soften the structure and fully reveal the wine’s perfume and detail.

Producer
Le Ragnaie is a highly regarded boutique estate in Montalcino, known for championing high‑altitude Sangiovese and a classically elegant style of Brunello. Founded in the late 1990s and led by Riccardo Campinoti, the winery quickly gained attention for its distinctive vineyards among the highest in the appellation, where cooler conditions naturally favor freshness and aromatic complexity. By combining organic farming, meticulous vineyard work and a traditional, long‑aging approach in large oak casks, Le Ragnaie has become a reference point for those seeking refined, terroir‑driven Brunello. Wines like Passo del Lume Spento underscore the estate’s role in redefining what’s possible in warmer vintages, earning consistent praise from international critics and collectors alike.

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