# Brunello Di Montalcino (2019)

- **Producer:** Pietroso
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Tuscany, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €120
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, black plum, black cherry, red cherry, blueberry, blossom, vanilla, coffee, cloves, nutmeg, underbrush, graphite, tobacco, earth, wet leaves, roast coffee, forest floor

## About this wine

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG from Azienda Agricola Pietroso, a family-owned estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. Founded in the 1970s by Domenico Berni and now managed by his grandson Gianni Pignattai, the winery is situated on the southern slopes of Montalcino at around 400 meters altitude, with vineyards including a portion of the historic Montosoli vineyard. Pietroso focuses on producing fine wines in limited quantities, adhering to traditional winemaking practices. The estate has garnered increasing recognition for its quality over the past 15 years.

## Interesting facts

- Pietroso means 'a place rich in stone'.
- Estate founded in the 1970s.
- Vineyards located on southern slopes of Montalcino.
- Part of the original Montosoli vineyard is owned by Pietroso.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes, where they can cut through fat and complement the meat. Its savory notes and potential for earthy undertones make it a natural partner for game and slow-cooked meats.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Pietroso begins with a manual harvest in early October. Alcoholic fermentation is initiated with indigenous yeasts, followed by an extended maceration period of approximately 20 days on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel and wooden vats. The wine then undergoes a lengthy aging process, starting with about 6 months in French oak, followed by 24 months in Slavonian and Austrian oak. The majority of its maturation takes place over 36 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (around 30 hl). The wine is further aged for 6 months in bottle before its release.