# Brunello di Montalcino (2021)

- **Producer:** La Palazzetta
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €50
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, rose, cherry, blackcurrant, orange, smoke, chocolate

## About this wine

La Palazzetta is a family-owned estate founded by Flavio Fanti and now operated alongside his children Luca and Tea. Located in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, near the historic 8th-century Abbey of Sant'Antimo in the southeastern sub-zone of Montalcino, the estate covers 18 hectares. Practicing certified organic viticulture, the winery emphasizes non-interventionalist methods and traditional aging to showcase the unique limestone terroir and warm microclimate of its south-facing vineyards.

## Interesting facts

- Situated right near the iconic 8th-century Abbey of Sant'Antimo in Castelnuovo dell'Abate.
- The estate has been fully certified organic since the 2018 vintage.
- Aged traditionally for 3.5 years in large Slavonian and French oak casks.

## Food pairing

The firm, chalky tannin structure, high natural acidity, and full body of classic Brunello di Montalcino require rich proteins, game meats, and aged cheeses. The fats and rich flavors in these dishes soften the powerful tannins and harmonize with the wine's bold palate.

## Wine making process

Grapes are hand-harvested with strict selection from 25 to 30-year-old vines planted in calcareous limestone soils. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts, accompanied by a 20-day skin maceration and natural malolactic fermentation. The wine undergoes an extensive aging period of 42 months in large French and Slavonian oak casks, followed by six months of bottle refinement prior to commercial release.