Wines Brunello di Montalcino Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino DOCG - 2016

Viniou Reviews

The Prime Donne Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 stems from Tuscany, one of Italy’s most respected wine regions. This Brunello is crafted exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, locally known as Sangiovese Grosso, and stands out for its remarkable depth and elegance. The 2016 vintage is particularly celebrated in Montalcino; optimal weather conditions allowed for perfect grape ripening and yielded wines with outstanding balance, structure, and longevity. The winemaking process typically involves extended maceration followed by lengthy ageing—at least two years in large oak barrels and additional time in the bottle—resulting in a wine of considerable complexity and impressive ageing potential. Expect deep garnet hues and an expressive bouquet blending dark cherry, plum, spice, dried herbs, and balsamic hints.

The region of Montalcino itself sits on a hilltop just south of Siena, benefiting from a unique combination of Mediterranean and continental climates. Warm, sunny days promote rich fruit flavours, while cool nights preserve the grape’s natural acidity, giving the wines structure and freshness. The diverse soils, ranging from clay and limestone to galestro (a rocky schist), contribute to the remarkable terroir expression characteristic of Brunello. Historically, Montalcino has produced wine for centuries, but its fame exploded after the DOCG designation in 1980, solidifying it as a benchmark for world-class Sangiovese.

For food pairings, Brunello di Montalcino beautifully complements rich, savoury dishes. Consider serving it alongside traditional Tuscan fare, such as wild boar ragù with pappardelle, bistecca alla Fiorentina, or aged pecorino cheese. The wine’s firm tannins and layered aromatics also pair wonderfully with slow-cooked lamb or mushroom risotto. For a refined experience, decant the wine for at least an hour to let its bouquet fully develop. Serve at 16-18°C to allow the flavours and aromas to express themselves optimally. This is a wine that shines with hearty cuisine and thoughtful presentation.