Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013
Fattoria dei Barbi
Barbi’s “Blue Label” Brunello is the heart of the estate’s production and its flagship bottling. The family has been producing Brunello from this vineyard since 1892. The current label was designed by Vittorio Zani, an artist from Siena, where it was first used for the Brunello 1957 vintage.
Terroir: Sourced from the estate’s 41 hectares (100 acres) in the southeast area of Montalcino. Vineyards are planted at 5,200 plants per hectare with yields of 1.3kg per vine. Two types of soils prevail; gravel and clay soils produce wines with power, while more sandy soils heighten aromatics.
Vinification: Manual harvest occurs at the end of September followed by a pre-fermentation cold maceration (“cold-soak”), which consists of cooling the grapes at a temperature of 3°-5°C (37 – 41°F) in an anaerobic environment (under a CO2¶blanket) to protect the must from oxidation. This non-alcoholic, aqueous extraction results in an increased color intensity and stability, softer astringency and tannins and more body and aromatics. After 48 hours, the temperature is raised to 27°- 28°C and alcoholic fermentation begins, lasting 16 -17 days. After racking and malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in small-to-medium size oak barrels (225L – 15 hl) for the first months, followed by two years in larger 30HL Slavonian oak casks. The wine rests in bottle for
four months before release.
Additional Information
Brilliant ruby red with a touch of garnet. Intense aromas of ripe cherry rounded by scents of citrus and spices, wild herbs, earthy hues. On the palate, the wine is soft and balanced with delicate tannins and vibrant acidity, long persistency.
This wine is a perfect match for roasted or grilled red meats, game, venison, stewed wild boar. Excellent with mature cheeses.
Technical Details
- Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
- Winemaker: Stefano Cinelli Colombini
- Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
- Soil: Stone, clay, sand
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Ttl Acidity: 5.4 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/l
- Avg Production: 96,000 bottles
- Sizes Available: 750ml
- Pack Size: 6/750ml
- Varietals: 100% Sangiovese Grosso
Recent Press
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Score: 92 Points
Vinous Author: Ian D'Agata
Date: Tuesday, July 3, 2018Bright red. Expressive aromas of red currant, licorice, flowers and tar. Floral, bright and subtle, with blood orange and red fruit flavors framed by harmonious acidity. Finishes suave, dry, and long. Lovely, elegant, old-style Brunello that will prove very food-flexible. -
Score: 92 Points
Wine Spectator Author: Bruce Sanderson
Date: Friday, May 4, 2018A supple texture and round profile wraps around the cherry, leather and spice flavors here. Firms up, turning more chewy by the finish, exhibiting a salty, minerally finish. Best from 2021 through 2035. -
Score: 93 Points
The Wine Advocate Author: Monica Larner
Date: Monday, April 9, 2018The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino exhibits a nicely balanced presentation with dark fruit layers that are embellished by well-managed oak spice and savory smoke. This vintage is particularly elegant and tight, with streamlined intensity that builds slowly in the glass as the wine takes on more volume and general breathing space. The finish is long, silky and should well endure the test of time. -
Score: 91 Points
JamesSuckling.com Author: James Suckling
Date: Friday, April 6, 2018Quite classically styled with leather and cedary aromas alongside dried cherries. The palate has bright acidity and poached red-cherry flavors hold long, smooth and even. You can drink now or hold for a more savory style and try around 2021. -
Score: 91 Points
Wine Enthusiast Author: Kerin O'Keefe
Date: Friday, April 6, 2018Underbrush, dark kitchen spice and woodland berry aromas lead the nose. The solid palate offers Marasca cherry, prune and ground clove alongside firm tannins. Drink 20212028.
