Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino Schiena d'Asino 2018

Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino Schiena d'Asino 2018 is a single-vineyard Brunello that captures Sangiovese in its most authentic and refined expression. Sourced from old vines in the renowned Vigna Schiena d’Asino, it delivers a wine of striking personality, poise and depth, where fine-grained tannins frame an intricate aromatic profile. This cuvée represents one of Mastrojanni’s most prestigious bottlings, a modern classic rooted in the long-standing Brunello tradition of ageworthy elegance.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Schiena d’Asino shows a deep, luminous ruby red hue with garnet reflections beginning to form at the rim. The nose is layered and expressive, with notes of wild cherry, dried rose petals and blood orange zest interwoven with hints of tobacco leaf, leather, sweet spices, cedar and a subtle earthy-mineral undertone. On the palate, it is both powerful and refined, with a taut core of red and black cherry, plum and pomegranate supported by a vibrant, mouthwatering acidity. The tannins are exquisitely woven—firm yet polished—giving the wine its signature tension and structure without ever feeling harsh. Nuances of licorice, balsamic herbs and savory spice unfold with air, leading to a long, persistent finish marked by mineral grip and aromatic lift. The intact, energetic tannic spine and dynamic acidity promise excellent aging potential: this wine will reward cellaring over 10–20 years, gaining in complexity, silkiness and tertiary nuances.

Production
Vigna Schiena d’Asino is situated on the southeastern slopes of Montalcino, where Sangiovese thrives in a mix of clay, marl and limestone soils that naturally limit yields and intensify aromatics. The old vines, deeply rooted in this stony terrain, are carefully tended and harvested by hand, with rigorous bunch selection in the vineyard and at the sorting table to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy grapes make it into the final wine. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled vats using traditional methods, with extended maceration on the skins to extract fine tannins and aromatic complexity. The wine is then aged for several years—primarily in large oak casks (botti) and select barrels—allowing the structure to soften slowly while preserving the purity of Sangiovese fruit and the distinctive character of this single vineyard.

Food & Serving
This Brunello is a natural partner for richly flavored, savory dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, braised lamb shanks, wild boar ragù, ossobuco or aged Tuscan pecorino. It also shines alongside truffle dishes, mushroom risottos and slow-cooked game birds, where its structure and acidity can cut through richness and elevate earthy flavors. Serve at 18 °C (around 64–65 °F) for optimal expression. Decanting is recommended—about 1–2 hours for a young bottle like the 2018—to allow the wine to open up, soften its tannins, and reveal the full spectrum of its complex bouquet.

Producer
Founded in 1975, Mastrojanni has become one of the benchmark producers of Brunello di Montalcino, particularly renowned for its estate-driven, terroir-focused wines from the southeastern part of the appellation. The estate has built a strong reputation for crafting Sangiovese that balances traditional winemaking with meticulous vineyard work, resulting in Brunellos of notable purity, structure and longevity. Over the decades, Mastrojanni has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following for its single-vineyard bottlings like Schiena d’Asino, which showcase the nuance of individual sites and reinforce the estate’s status as a key reference point in Montalcino’s quality revolution.

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