2018 Brunello di Montalcino

Garnet-flecked ruby robe.

A stunning nose that gives almost no fruit on first pass.

The Mocali estate is situated to the southwest of Montalcino at an altitude of 350 above sea level. The estate was acquired by Mister Ciacci Dino in 1956. The company covers about 43 hectares, of which, 16 are vineyards. Immersed in the Mediterranean forests, we see the vineyards of Raunate, flanked by a tall pine forest where you can discover the remains of ancient kilns active in past centuries for the production of lime formed by the high percentage of this stone, locally known as Balsano.

It is dominated by coffee, chocolate, tobacco and wood, although hints of dark plums, violets and cherries creep in as you return to the glass. The palate has ripe strawberries, sour cherries, and a little bit of cured rose petals alongside a dense and fine-grained tannic finish.

This month’s recipe would be lovely, as would black truffles over agnolotti, roast duck with lavender, or, more reasonably, roast or grilled portobello mushrooms topped with Parmigiano and parsley.