Review: Fattoi 2006 Brunello di Montalcino
- Feb 2, 2015
- 2 min read
The low-down: Brunello di Montalcino, along with Barolo and the Super Tuscans, are Italy's most celebrated wines. Brunello has experienced extraordinary growth over the last fifty years: in the 1960s there were only 11 producers, today there are over 200. Where did all these producers come from? What practices do they employ? And where did this wine growing land come from? All pertinent questions.
Fattoi has 70 ha of land in Tuscany (towards the southern end of Montalcino) of which 9 ha is under vine for Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino producing 1,600 cases of Brunello and 2,000 of Rosso. Characteristically for Tuscany they also have a 5 ha producing olive grove. Their Brunello is aged four years with two years in oak - they also have a reserve with five years. Fattoi's first vintage was in 1979 by Ofelio Fattoi and is now run by his son Leonardo.
Being a 2006 vintage this has 8+ years under its belt which should make for a nicely evolved little number, although we are told it can age for up to 20 years!
This was a gift from three years ago when I was told it retailed in Italy for ~E 50.
The take: On appearance, dark, very leggy with a distinct, white edge. On the nose, earthy, chalky, gamey, with hints of sea salt and peach. On the attack, initially light, closed, sour with some acidity and blackberry. With time, it becomes rich and earthy with notes of candied fruit.
In closing: We loved this: flawless, rich and balanced.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: Italy
Region: Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG)
Producer: Fattoi
Vintage: 2006
Grape: Sangiovese
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Serving temperature: 18-20°
Price range: Premium
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