By Manos Angelakis
 

2011 Italian Wine Masters

Four Italian wine-producing consortia showed their new vintages at a major event that took place February 8 at the New York Hilton.

There were 38 Tuscan estates producing Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino, a few also showed some fine Moscadellos. Each producer showed between 2 to 4 different wines and some also displayed library wines dating to the 1970s.

General impressions:  The 2006 Brunello vintage showed well, though it will require considerable amount of cellaring before it becomes really enjoyable. Most wines were very rich and dark, with a firm tannic structure, integrated acidity and a long smoky finish. The Rosso di Montalcino that was shown at the same time was of course younger, smoother, and much more approachable.

I enjoyed very much the wines of the following producers.

From Banfi:
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Poggio alle Mura – will be stunning in 5 more years
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
2009 Rosso di Montalcino DOC – almost ready to drink now

From Campogiovanni:
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – needs at least 10 more years to be outstanding

From Capanna:
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
2004 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Reserva - excellent

From Castello Romitorio:
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – still in diapers, wiil age to a beauty
2008 Rosso di Montalcino DOC – nicely young

From Col d’Orcia:
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – bing cherries with tobacco and leather
2009 Rosso di Montalcino DOC – young, fresh, a bit tannic
2005 Sant’ Antimo DOC Cabernet Olmaia – mouthfilling plums and cherries
1980 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – a meat-eater’s delight

From Il Poggione:
2005 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Vigna Paganelli Reserva – beautiful but tannic

From Tenuta Greppone Mazzi:
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – will be stunning in 10 years

From Tenute Silvio Nardi:
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Manachiara – will be stunning in 5 years
2009 Rosso di Montalcino DOC – still in diapers

From Uccelliera:
2006 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – mouthfull of cherries and ripe plums

To your health!

© February 2011 The Oenophile Blog. All rights reserved.