Le Ragnaie Passo del Lume Spento Brunello di Montalcino 2017 DBMG

Le Ragnaie Passo del Lume Spento Brunello di Montalcino 2017 in this impressive 3L double magnum format is a striking example of high-altitude Sangiovese from one of Montalcino’s coolest sites. Sourced from one of the highest vineyards in the appellation, whose name translates to “the pass of the extinguished lantern,” this Brunello showcases purity, finesse, and tension even in a warm vintage. With only 3,020 bottles produced, it is a rare and highly sought-after expression that has quickly become one of the standout wines of the 2017 vintage in Montalcino.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Passo del Lume Spento shows a luminous, medium ruby color with garnet hints at the rim, typical of finely structured Sangiovese. The nose opens with lifted aromas of red cherries, wild strawberries and blood orange, followed by notes of dried rose petals, crushed herbs, sweet tobacco and a subtle touch of spice and underbrush. There is a sense of airiness and precision to the bouquet, reflecting its high-altitude origin. On the palate, this Brunello is particularly bright, energetic and refined, offering a core of red berry fruit framed by vibrant acidity and finely etched tannins. Flavors of sour cherry, pomegranate and red currant interplay with hints of anise, cedar, tea leaf and mineral tones. Despite the warmth of the vintage, the wine remains poised and taut, with a long, focused finish that emphasizes elegance over sheer power. In 3L format, the aging curve is extended; this bottle should evolve beautifully over 15–20 years from the vintage, gaining further complexity and harmony with time.

Production
Passo del Lume Spento is sourced from one of the highest and coolest vineyard sites in Montalcino, where rocky, well-drained soils and brisk temperatures slow ripening and preserve acidity in the Sangiovese grapes. This altitude-driven terroir is key to maintaining freshness and aromatic lift in warm years like 2017. Grapes are typically harvested by hand, with careful selection in the vineyard and at the winery to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy clusters make it into the final wine. Traditional Brunello vinification follows: gentle fermentation and maceration on the skins to extract fine tannins and nuanced flavors, followed by extended aging in large neutral oak (often Slavonian botti) to develop structure and complexity without overwhelming the purity of fruit. The result is a classically styled, terroir-driven Brunello that lets its cool, high-elevation origins speak clearly.

Food & Serving
This elegant yet structured Brunello pairs beautifully with refined Tuscan-inspired dishes: think bistecca alla fiorentina, roasted lamb with rosemary, braised beef, game birds, porcini risotto or aged pecorino. Its vibrant acidity and fine tannins also work well with truffle dishes and slow-cooked ragù over pappardelle. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight the wine’s aromatic complexity and balance. Given the youth and concentration of this 2017, especially in 3L format, decanting for 2–3 hours is recommended to allow the wine to open fully and reveal its layered character.

Producer
Le Ragnaie is a highly respected estate in Montalcino, known for its high-altitude vineyards and traditional approach to Brunello. Founded on some of the appellation’s loftiest plots, the winery has been at the forefront of a broader shift toward cooler, elevated sites that emphasize finesse, aromatic clarity and ageworthy structure in Sangiovese. By combining careful vineyard work, low yields and classical cellar practices, Le Ragnaie has built a reputation as one of the region’s most exciting and terroir-focused producers. Wines like Passo del Lume Spento have helped cement the estate’s status, often singled out by critics as benchmark examples of how altitude can bring precision and elegance even in warmer vintages.

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