Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva 2016 – Cantina Carpineto

The year 2016 in Montalcino was unanimously considered extraordinary. This is due to a relatively cool climate that allowed the grapes to ripen longer and more completely. The rains at the end of August, followed by the Tramontana winds, postponed the harvest to mid-September, almost a week later than in previous years, with some harvests continuing until mid-October. These factors contributed to a homogeneous ripening of the grapes, giving a more brilliant and defined expression of the aromas, thanks to the temperature variations, and a better phenolic ripening. The favorable climatic conditions therefore led to a notable increase in the quality of the Brunelli, which, according to international critics, reached heights in 2016 rarely reached in the past. Furthermore, many prestigious wineries chose to offer the Riserva version, with a longer refinement of six years instead of the usual five. These precious bottles, which hit the market in the first part of 2022, are now ready to be tasted, deserving the right attention and awareness of their evolutionary potential over time. Approaching a Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 means recognizing that the wine currently offers only a partial vision of its future potential. Tasting must therefore be a perspective to grasp those elements that will make it become even more extraordinary as the years go by. This bottle, limited to 6,000 examples, is produced exclusively with grapes from the Paradiso vineyard, located at 500 meters above sea level in Roganelli. Here, on 3.5 hectares, the Sangiovese Grosso is grown with a spurred cordon system, with a density of 5,700 plants per hectare. The area is surrounded by olive trees and a dense forest of oaks, holm oaks and Mediterranean scrub. The soil, of medium texture, is mainly composed of scaly clay, schist, marly limestone and quartz sandstone, which give the grapes a notable mineral content. The slight exposure to the North, combined with good ventilation and a significant temperature range, gives the wine a unique aromatic bouquet and extraordinary freshness. These factors, which could be disadvantageous in cold years, prove to be advantageous in good years, since this vineyard is often the last to be harvested. This means that the grapes reach a slow and prolonged phenolic maturation, allowing them to be harvested at the right level of acidity and sugar. The vinification takes place with native yeasts in steel tanks at a controlled temperature, with frequent pumping over and a long maceration on the skins. After at least 42 months in oak barrels of various capacities, the wine is bottled without treatments or filtrations, further refining in the cellar at natural temperature and humidity. In the glass, the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 by Carpineto presents itself with a deep and intense ruby red color, accompanied by a light garnet reflection that testifies to the long aging. The aroma is characterized by a surprising intensity and breadth, with a freshness that immediately captures. Notes of fresh flowers (violet and rose), fruits such as berries, plums and prunes, and delicate balsamic nuances of hay and Mediterranean scrub can be recognized, as well as spicy hints of vanilla, chocolate and white pepper. These same sensations are found on the palate, with a fine and integrated tannin that will become even more harmonious with further refinement. The minerality is expressed through notes of pebble and graphite, while alcohol and polyalcohols enhance the wine without prevailing. The sensation on the palate is elegant, with an enviable persistence and cleanliness, with returns that recall spices and acidity. Despite the expressive richness, a certain reserve is felt: the bottle, in fact, only partially shows its potential. A strength yet to be expressed can be glimpsed, as the complexity and integration of the structure suggest a promising future. This Brunello is currently great, but its development potential will lead it to be even more extraordinary.