It has been awhile since I have done any wine recommendations. Guess I've been sticking to some of my old favorites, of late.
But our friends invited us for a special treat of the libation kind. A Brunello di Montalcino.
Brunello is made of 100% Sangiovese grape, which is one of my Italian favorites. These wines are aged in oak for at least 3 years or more, making them more expensive than their Chianti counterparts.
Brunellos are a bit more deep in color and richer in texture and flavor than Chianti as well.
Fattoria dei Barbi, is the producer of the wine. They are located in Montalcino, which is near and Siena.
Italian Wine Merchants, has this to say about them:
"The Colombini family has owned property
in Brunello di Montalcino since 1352, and they established
Fattoria dei Barbi there in 1790. Today, Barbi's 100 hectares
of vineyards produce over 700,000 bottles of wine annually!
The vineyards are composed of galestro with components of
lime and argillous soil, and they enjoy ideal southeast
exposure. At the bottom of the hill, below the estate's
vineyards, sits the Taverna dei Barbi, a restaurant that
places the winery in a very select group of producers offering
the opportunity to dine on the premises. At the head of
the Barbi estate today is the legendary Donna Francesca
Colombini-Cinelli, although she is now partially retired
and has entrusted the responsibility of the estate to her
son Stefano. This new generation is careful to maintain
family traditions while also incorporating numerous modern
changes. Offering wines ranging from the respected Brunello
Riserva 'Vigna del Fiore' to the Brusco dei Barbi, this
producer is sure to enjoy a long, successful future."
in Brunello di Montalcino since 1352, and they established
Fattoria dei Barbi there in 1790. Today, Barbi's 100 hectares
of vineyards produce over 700,000 bottles of wine annually!
The vineyards are composed of galestro with components of
lime and argillous soil, and they enjoy ideal southeast
exposure. At the bottom of the hill, below the estate's
vineyards, sits the Taverna dei Barbi, a restaurant that
places the winery in a very select group of producers offering
the opportunity to dine on the premises. At the head of
the Barbi estate today is the legendary Donna Francesca
Colombini-Cinelli, although she is now partially retired
and has entrusted the responsibility of the estate to her
son Stefano. This new generation is careful to maintain
family traditions while also incorporating numerous modern
changes. Offering wines ranging from the respected Brunello
Riserva 'Vigna del Fiore' to the Brusco dei Barbi, this
producer is sure to enjoy a long, successful future."
I am not going to spoil this one by giving away all of its details. Instead, I highly recommend you give it a try for yourself. And let me know what you think.