Viniou Reviews
The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino from Tenute Silvio Nardi is a distinguished Tuscan red wine crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, the classic varietal of the region. This vintage benefited from a growing season marked by balanced weather, with warm days and cool nights contributing to an optimal ripening of the fruit. The terroir around Montalcino is renowned for its diverse soils, particularly the mixture of clay, limestone and galestro, which imparts a singular depth and complexity to the wine. Traditional vinification is favoured, with an extended maceration period to extract both colour and tannins, followed by a maturation in large oak casks that allows the wine to develop its characteristic structure and aromatic profile.
The Brunello di Montalcino appellation, nestled in southern Tuscany, is one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions. The rolling hills benefit from a Mediterranean climate, with ample sunshine tempered by breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The region's soils, ranging from marl to limestone and volcanic stones, give Brunello its firm tannins and ageing potential. Historically, Brunello di Montalcino as a DOCG was born from a drive for excellence and typicity, gaining international acclaim for producing robust, long-lived Sangiovese expressions that reflect both the landscape and the traditions of the area.
For food pairings, the intensity and complexity of this Brunello marry beautifully with richly textured dishes. Traditional Tuscan fare such as wild boar ragù, pappardelle with porcini mushrooms, or bistecca alla fiorentina will enhance the wine’s earthy and savoury notes. Roast lamb or aged pecorino cheese would also be excellent matches, as their robust flavours complement the wine's structure and bring out its nuanced aromatics.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour before serving to allow it to open up and reveal its layered bouquet of dark cherry, leather, tobacco and spice. Serve at a cool 16-18°C to fully appreciate its balance and complexity. With proper cellaring, this 2015 vintage promises to evolve gracefully over the next decade.
