Wine Spectator Executive Editor Tom Matthews with Dwight Casimere (c) and Marillisa Allegrini of Allegrini Estates
The Grand Tasting at Manhattan's Gothman Hall
Story and photos by Dwight Casimere
The red Italian wine known as Brunello di Montalcino is one of the most celebrated in all of the famous wine region of Tuscany. It's lush flavors and aromas, from crushed red flowers to ripe red fruit and black cherries andd hints of vanilla spice, cinnamon and oak, are the perfect accompaniment to all things Italian, in terms of food, and invite delightful opportunities to drink in solitaire, with nothing but a bit of cheese, salumi or a light pasta to do with it. The win originated in the town of Montalcino, just south of Florence in the famed Tuscany wine region. The grape variety was thought to be an original, but careful research revealed that it was actually a type of Sangiovese, Italy's most prevalent indigenous grape, known now as Sangiovese Grosso.
In 1980, the wine was given the coveted DOCG designation, making it one of Italy's most famous and expensive wines. Just one taste will justify the cost in your mind.
The wine is being poured at celebrations around the country. In honor of the 50th anniversary, winemakers in the region released their 2012 vintage as a commemoration. Taste it now at fine wine shops, restaurants and wine bars in your local area. You'll find that it is flavorful, elegant and just plain wonderful!
Among the favorites to look out for are the terrific wines of La Manella, Col di Lamo, or any of the Montalcino's from the house of Banfi.
Faces at the national rollout of the 2013 Commemorative Vintage Brunello di Montalcino:
Fran ceso Pineider and Giovanna Neri (r) of Col di Lamo winery
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