After tasting the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from Podere Brizio, we think you should put this fast-improving winery on your radar! While the estate has been involved in Brunello production for decades, its current owner has breathed new life into it. This is a distinctive expression of Brunello that lives up to the expectations of the land and people involved in making it.
Alejandro Bulgheroni, who is Uruguayan with Italian heritage, purchased the historic Podere Brizio estate in 2012 (the previous owner had kept this piece to himself when he sold the rest of his property to superstar Angelo Gaja). Having decades of winery experience under his belt (he is owner of the well-known Dievole estate in Chianti and Garzon in Uruguay, among others), Alejandro and his winemaking team dramatically changed the way things were done in the vineyard and cellar. Their vision was to make more vibrant and pure wines that reflect their little piece of Tuscany, which included transitioning to organic farming for healthier soils and reducing the oak influence to let the fruit's character show more. The changes are definitely showing in the quality and character of their 2016 Brunello.
Podere Brizio's home is another important factor here, lying in the more spacious western part of Montalcino, near the town of Tavernelle. It's considered a distinctive and exceptional growing area for Brunello, where nearby wineries Caprili and Case Basse earned their fame. The Mediterranean Sea breezes reach these parts, giving the vines some much-needed ventilation in humid periods, and makes for warmer days, but cool nights. In a 5-star vintage like 2016 the result is a full-bodied Brunello with layers of well-developed flavors in a concentrated core that maintains a character of marked freshness and delicacy that other hot areas in Montalcino don't tend to have.
Even at this young stage, this wine will already sing with dishes like rich lamb or wild boar ragu', or a thick grilled steak with rosemary and pepper. Just aerate and let it breathe for a couple hours. Alternatively, cellar a bottle for 3-5 more years to let it unwind even more (but then, you might wish you had cellared two bottles)!
WINE SPECTATOR 96 POINTS - "Rose, currant and cherry aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this pretty red. Wild herb, graphite and tobacco accents add depth, and this cruises to a lingering aftertaste of red fruit and mineral. Delicate, yet tense and structured."
Alejandro Bulgheroni, who is Uruguayan with Italian heritage, purchased the historic Podere Brizio estate in 2012 (the previous owner had kept this piece to himself when he sold the rest of his property to superstar Angelo Gaja). Having decades of winery experience under his belt (he is owner of the well-known Dievole estate in Chianti and Garzon in Uruguay, among others), Alejandro and his winemaking team dramatically changed the way things were done in the vineyard and cellar. Their vision was to make more vibrant and pure wines that reflect their little piece of Tuscany, which included transitioning to organic farming for healthier soils and reducing the oak influence to let the fruit's character show more. The changes are definitely showing in the quality and character of their 2016 Brunello.
Podere Brizio's home is another important factor here, lying in the more spacious western part of Montalcino, near the town of Tavernelle. It's considered a distinctive and exceptional growing area for Brunello, where nearby wineries Caprili and Case Basse earned their fame. The Mediterranean Sea breezes reach these parts, giving the vines some much-needed ventilation in humid periods, and makes for warmer days, but cool nights. In a 5-star vintage like 2016 the result is a full-bodied Brunello with layers of well-developed flavors in a concentrated core that maintains a character of marked freshness and delicacy that other hot areas in Montalcino don't tend to have.
Even at this young stage, this wine will already sing with dishes like rich lamb or wild boar ragu', or a thick grilled steak with rosemary and pepper. Just aerate and let it breathe for a couple hours. Alternatively, cellar a bottle for 3-5 more years to let it unwind even more (but then, you might wish you had cellared two bottles)!
WINE SPECTATOR 96 POINTS - "Rose, currant and cherry aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this pretty red. Wild herb, graphite and tobacco accents add depth, and this cruises to a lingering aftertaste of red fruit and mineral. Delicate, yet tense and structured."
Overall Rating
0 out of 5 Based on 0 Review
