Brunello Amore e Magia, Podere Le Ripi 2016

From a vineyard site not too far away from the winery near Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the eastern and cooler side of the appellation, this wine was once a Rosso di Montalcino recently upgraded to Brunello status. With vines planted in 2000, the fruit now renders the complexity and depth to represent this celebrated Tuscan appellation. This is a tight and compact wine, with a nervous quality of fruit that will unwind and settle with more bottle age. This vineyard site produces fruit poised for long-term aging, and these 2016 results follow that mandate. There is a lot of crisp fruit, sour cherry and cranberry in this tonic, lively Brunello (with 15,000 bottles hitting the market in January 2021).

Sourced from biodynamically farmed vineyards in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, the 2016 Podere le Ripi Amore e Magia Brunello di Montalcino is more assertive in its vinous rusticity, with black truffle, balsamic, dark mineral earth, and black cherry fruit. It is forward in its tannic structure without losing any of its acid drive. The wilder aromatics benefit from some air, and this would be a great match for roast lamb and grilled meats with a char. Hold for a couple of years in the cellar and open 2024-2034.Podere Le Ripi is located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate and was founded by Francesco Illy in 1997. Today its production is led by head winemaker Sebastian Nasello. They are located at approximately 200 meters elevation. Today they are practicing biodynamic viticulture. The Cielo d’Ulisse is a new addition to their portfolio with the 2016 vintage and is sourced from vines in the southwest of the region, facing the Ombrone river. (Drink between 2024-2034)