Palazzo Brunello Di Montalcino

TASTING NOTES Brunello is Montalcino’s signature wine, made entirely from Sangiovese grapes (Brunello is the local, but unofficial, name for Sangiovese). Palazzo is a traditionally-made Brunello (large oak only) from the South-Eastern part of the production area. It has an intense ruby red color, which tends towards garnet with age. Scented, high-toned aromas of red berries, sweet spices and flowers, with a note of candied red cherry emerging with air. Fine-grained and floral, offering excellent energy and lift in the mouth, and attractive inner-mouth perfume to its red berry flavors. Finishes clean and persistent, with smooth tannins. Ideal with roasted or grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes and seasoned cheese. WINERY Palazzo REGION Toscana VARIETAL 100% Sangiovese Grosso LOCATION OF VINEYARDS Montalcino ORIENTATION South-East ALTITUDE 1050 ft TYPE OF PLANTING Spurred cordon SOIL Dry and stony TYPE OF CULTIVATION Sustainable VINIFICATION Harvest takes place towards the end of September and begining of October, the grapes are picked by hand. Vinification in steel vats of 35/45hl; maceration lasts approx. 18/20 days at a controlled temperature of 30°C (86F). AGING Aged for 36-40 months in large Slavonian oak casks. 6-8 months in bottle. ALCOHOL CONTENT 14.5% TOTAL PRODUCTION 14,000 bottles OENOLOGIST Fabrizio Ciufoli Palazzo Perhaps it was a coincidence or maybe it was a twist of faith that, in 1983, Cosimo Loia purchased the Palazzo estate, which carried the same family name as his wife Antonietta. After spending several years in Scotland, Cosimo and Antonietta fell in love with the Montalcino area and decided to pursue their dream and appreciation for country living and settled in Montalcino with their children. A picturesque farm, located on the southeastern slope of Montalcino, covers 12 hectares (30 acres) at an altitude of 320 meters (1050 ft) above sea level. The soils of Eocene origin and stony and arid and particularly suitable for growing Sangiovese. Palazzo’s vineyards cover approx 4 hectares and are located next to top producers like Cerbaiona and Salvioni. 3 more hectares are dedicated to olive trees. The vineyards enjoy perfect sun exposure and are well protected from the sea breezes. A strict selection during the growing season allows the grapes to ripen well before being individually handpicked. Palazzo is considered a boutique winery producing approx. 25,000 bottles annually. Keeping things small allows Palazzo to continue under the strict management of the family and ensure that the wines retains the highest quality. Over the past years, the winery has experienced some major structural changes: the 17th Century farm house was completely renovated to suit modern farming needs and the arrival of consulting enologist Fabrizio Ciufoli who has raised the level of quality. Production has also benefited from using mostly traditional large Slavonian oak casks. This formula has infused new life to the estate, which is now managed by Cosimo’s children Elia and Angelo.