Argiano : Brunello di Montalcino 2019

Characteristics and tasting tips for Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2019

Tasting

Color

The wine displays an intense, deep ruby-red hue, lifted by garnet highlights.

Nose

The nose opens on a complex, refined bouquet of ripe red fruits, notably juicy cherry and wild strawberry. These fruity notes gradually evolve to reveal delicate floral aromas, hints of sweet spices, and a distinctive minerality reminiscent of crushed stone. With aeration, more complex nuances emerge, including notes of licorice, tobacco, wild Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and sage, as well as subtle touches of bergamot.

Palate

On the palate, the wine reveals an elegant, medium-bodied structure, carried by silky, well-integrated tannins. The attack shows a fine concentration of red fruits, notably ripe cherry and raspberry, supported by a bright, energetic acidity that brings freshness and vibrancy. The velvety texture caresses the palate, while the distinctive minerality of the limestone terroir comes through with finesse. The finish stands out for its remarkable persistence, extending aromas of red fruits, licorice, and floral notes for several minutes, with a saline freshness that avoids any sense of heaviness.

Food and wine pairings

This Brunello di Montalcino pairs beautifully with traditional Tuscan dishes, notably roasted red meats and braised game such as wild boar or venison. It also elegantly accompanies fresh pasta coated in rich meat ragù sauces, pigeon risottos, as well as aged cheeses such as Pecorino di Pienza.

Service and storage

It is recommended to serve this Brunello di Montalcino 2019 at a temperature between 18 and 20°C. Decanting for at least one hour before serving will allow the wine to open fully and reveal its full aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve harmoniously until around 2045, with an optimal tasting window between 2027 and 2040.

An elegant, mineral Brunello di Montalcino from the Tuscan estate Argiano

The estate

Founded in the 9th century and located on the southwestern slope of Montalcino, the Domaine Argiano spans 125 hectares, including 60 hectares of vineyards, primarily planted with sangiovese. A founding member of the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino in 1967, the estate has enjoyed fresh momentum since its acquisition in 2014 by André Santos Esteves. Under the direction of winemaker Bernardino Sani, the estate has also embarked on an environmental approach.

The vineyard

Argiano’s Brunello di Montalcino comes from vines located in the southwestern sector of the appellation, at an average altitude of around 300 meters. The vineyard benefits from a privileged geographic position, some 50 kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea, allowing refreshing sea breezes to temper the summer heat. The soils are characterized by a rich limestone-clay composition, with a notable presence of limestone marl containing fossils. This geological feature lends the wines a distinctive minerality and remarkable freshness. The estate also has old vines, which bring concentration and complexity to the wines.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage proved particularly favorable in southern Tuscany, offering climatic conditions conducive to sangiovese ripening. The grapes benefited from a balanced ripening window, achieving optimal maturity while preserving natural acidity. The year stands out for a very fine balance between concentration, structure, and freshness, allowing the character of Brunello di Montalcino’s terroirs to be expressed with precision.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Brunello di Montalcino 2019 were vinified using a traditional approach that respects both the fruit and the terroir. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled vats to preserve the purity of the primary aromas and the finesse of the sangiovese. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally. Aging then continued for around 30 months in large oak casks, allowing slow, harmonious oxygenation without overly marking the aromatic profile with oak. The different parcels were managed separately during aging before the final blend and bottling of this Italian red wine.

Grape variety

100% sangiovese.