Buon giorno Antonio,
This coming Saturday, as you probably know, the LCBO will release some Brunellos from the 2010 vintage, which is considered to be the best of the century! I would like your piece of advice on the ‘best buy’. There’s one from Casale del Bosco at $ 39.95 and there’s one from Quercecchio at the super price of $ 29.95.  I presume those bottles will sell very quickly-Suzanne

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One of the most respected Italian wine is the red Brunello di Montalcino, a distinguished, austere and elegant “SIGNOR VINO”. Brunello is the grape — local name for the Sangiovese Grosso varietal — Montalcino is the town, a must-do stop when travelling from Rome to Florence and you want to spend a few days exploring the wine country. 

Casale del Bosco and Quercecchio are both an excellent value for Brunello. Great small-size, family owned estates located on the West side of the hill of Montalcino. The wines boast excellent tannins, already mature –to my taste– and ready to drink. (Although keep in mind that I like that distinguished tannic “signature” of Brunellos). When I sampled the 2010 vintage from the barrels I experienced that incredible feeling of a wine fully developed, smooth and velvety, compared to other vintages of Brunello. Yes, with the usual “Sangiovese” plums and cherries, but a notch up this time….almost like if, for this vintage, mother nature had provided an extra pinch of minerality and sea salt to boost the flavour…  

Brunellos are always a good match with game meat stews. Lamb is also excellent. How about home made fettuccine with wild-boar or duck ragout. Remember: if a wine is high in tannins you need more “juice” in the recipe (extra-virgin olive oil, liquids, fats) to assure that perfect balance you seek. In Italian I would say “un piatto succulento”.

See you soon in Montalcino!
Antonio