La Togata Brunello di Montalcino 2019

A "Modern Classic" from a Legendary Vintage

In early 2026, the 2019 La Togata Brunello is entering its most exciting phase. The 2019 vintage is widely considered "legendary" across Montalcino, defined by a perfect balance of structural power and aromatic finesse. La Togata, a family-run estate with vineyards in the prestigious southern sectors of Montalcino (Sant'Angelo in Colle and Lavacchio), has leveraged this vintage to produce a wine that is both muscular and remarkably polished.

While some Brunellos require decades to soften, the 2019 La Togata is already showing a "supple, radiant" character that makes it approachable now, though it has the "bones" to age for twenty years.

The Terroir: South-Facing Elegance

• The Vibe: If northern Montalcino is "ethereal and floral," La Togata’s southern sites are "bold, sun-drenched, and savory."

• The Site: The vines are over 20 years old, planted in tuffaceous clay soils rich in "scheletro" (stony fragments). This soil provides excellent drainage, forcing the Sangiovese Grosso vines to dig deep, resulting in a wine with profound mineral tension.

• The Craft: Hand-picked at the end of September. The wine undergoes a long maceration on the skins to extract deep color and tannins, followed by 36 months in Slavonian oak barrels and an additional 12 months in the bottle before release.

🍷 Tasting Notes (The "Vibe" in 2026)

As of early 2026, critics are noting that the 2019 has moved past its "tight" primary stage and is beginning to show beautiful secondary complexity.

• The Nose: Intense and Ethereal. It leads with a powerful bouquet of dark cherries, plums, and wild strawberries. As it opens, the "classic" Brunello notes emerge: leather, tobacco leaf, cocoa, and a hint of Mediterranean scrub (thyme and rosemary).

• The Palate: Powerful and "Rhythmic." The entry is full-bodied and "broad," with a core of blackberry and blood orange zest. The tannins are "austere but vellutato" (velvety), providing a firm structural grip that is balanced by a refreshing, vibrant acidity.

• The Finish: Long and Savory. It leaves a persistent trail of black pepper, licorice, and iron-like minerality.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• The Traditionalist: Bistecca alla Fiorentina or Roasted Wild Game; the wine’s tannins crave the protein and fat of high-quality red meat.

• The Savory Choice: Pasta with Wild Boar Ragù or Truffle Risotto; the earthy, leathery notes of the Sangiovese harmonize perfectly with forest flavors.

• The "Slow" Match: Pecorino Toscano (Aged); the saltiness of the cheese brings out the hidden sweetness of the wine's dark fruit.

Pro Tip: In 2026, the 2019 is noted for its "dense" structure. To fully unlock the tobacco and floral aromatics, decant for at least 2 hours before serving. Use a large "Ballon" glass and serve at 18°C.