The Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 2016 is a remarkable red wine, crafted exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, locally known as Sangiovese Grosso. This particular vintage hails from a year renowned for ideal growing conditions: balanced rainfall, ample sunshine, and a long, gentle ripening period. Such harmony in weather has produced a wine of impressive balance and complexity. Collemattoni employs traditional winemaking methods, fermenting the grapes with native yeasts before maturing the wine in large Slavonian oak casks for several years. The result is a Brunello that showcases both purity of fruit—cherries, plums, and wild berries—and subtle notes of leather, liquorice, and balsamic herbs, framed by fine-grained tannins and a vibrant acidity.
Montalcino, situated in southern Tuscany, is famed for its picturesque rolling hills and ancient soils, predominantly clay mixed with marl and limestone, which lend minerality and finesse to the wines. The unique microclimate here—with warm days, cool nights, and breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea—encourages slow, even ripening, leading to Brunellos that marry power with elegance. The region's winemaking tradition dates back centuries, but Brunello di Montalcino itself achieved DOC status in the 1960s before becoming one of Italy’s most prestigious DOCGs, celebrated for its age-worthiness and individuality.
This wine's depth and structure call for equally robust and nuanced food pairings. Traditional Tuscan fare is a natural match: consider wild boar ragù, Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina) grilled rare, or pappardelle with porcini mushrooms. Hearty game dishes or slow-cooked beef will stand up beautifully to Brunello’s intensity, while aged pecorino cheese brings out its savoury side.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 2016 for at least an hour before serving. The ideal tasting temperature lies between 17 and 18°C, allowing the bouquet to fully express its complexity and the palate to reveal its layered flavours.
