Ridolfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021 75cl

Profile Overview

• Producer: Ridolfi

• Region: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy (Northeastern slope, ~300 meters elevation)

• Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese (Sangiovese Grosso)

• Terroir: Marine clay, fossil-rich soils, and weathered sandstone (Alberese)

• Vinification: Hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts (around 40+ days on the skins). Aged for 36 months in large 35-hectoliter Slavonian oak barrels (botti grandi) followed by a minimum of 12 months in the bottle.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: The "big brother" step-up from their Rosso. Dark sour cherries, ripe wild raspberries, and crushed red plums leading into balsamic undertones, dried violets, bay leaf, subtle marzipan, and underbrush.

• Palate & Texture: Full-bodied yet impeccably athletic rather than heavy. The 2021 vintage delivers radiant, concentrated fruit with tight, fine-grained tannins that give serious vertical structure. Natural high-altitude acidity keeps the whole machine moving with precision.

• Finish: Long, noble, and deeply savory. Leaves behind persistent notes of dark berry skins, blood orange zest, black tea, and a distinct salty-mineral grip.

Serving Suggestions

• Service Temperature: 16–18°C. Resist the urge to let it get room-temperature warm, or the 14.5% ABV will hijack the elegant florals.

• Decanting: 1 to 2 hours minimum if drinking now—this is a serious, structured vintage that appreciates a chance to stretch its legs. (Ideal cellaring window runs comfortably out to 2035–2040+).

• Pairings: Built for rich, savory dishes: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised beef short ribs (stracotto), wild boar ragù, roasted game, or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino.