Wines Brunello di Montalcino Renieri - Riserva - 2015

Renieri’s Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015 is a distinguished expression of Tuscany’s celebrated Sangiovese grape, crafted in the heart of Montalcino. While detailed blending components are not always disclosed for Riserva bottlings, Brunello di Montalcino is, by DOCG regulations, produced exclusively from Sangiovese, locally referred to as Sangiovese Grosso. The 2015 vintage was widely regarded as particularly generous, offering optimal ripening conditions after a warm, sunny growing season. Renieri’s approach, as with many artisanal producers, favours careful selection of grapes, extended maceration for depth and structure, and maturation in oak barrels over a period that can exceed the standard bottling time, resulting in their Riserva’s signature complexity and longevity.

Montalcino lies in the southern part of central Tuscany, a region revered for its rolling hills and patchwork of soils – from compact clay to galestro, a crumbly schist that’s uniquely beneficial for vine health and water retention. The microclimate is drier and warmer than many parts of Tuscany, allowing for a slow, steady grape maturation and contributing to the wine’s powerful yet elegant structure. Brunello di Montalcino was the first Italian wine to be awarded DOCG status, testament to its unique character and history, rooted in the late nineteenth century but truly coming into its own from the latter half of the twentieth century.

A Brunello Riserva of this calibre makes a superb partner to robust dishes, whether traditional Tuscan fare or classics from further afield. Consider roast leg of lamb seasoned with rosemary, bistecca alla fiorentina, or rich wild boar ragù with pappardelle. The wine’s tannic backbone also works well with aged cheeses such as pecorino toscano or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Decanting is recommended to allow the wine’s aromatic layers – black cherry, dried herbs, leather and subtle spice – to unfurl fully. Serve at 16–18°C for optimal enjoyment, allowing the wine to reveal its full depth and finesse.