February Wine Club - Brunello di Montalcino

Things have been a little slow on the blog recently.  Mick and Amy have been away so there hasn’t been the usual Saturday night dinners to review.  I have also been down with a head cold / sinus thing that has had me leaning more towards whine than wine.

On the upside I did have a Wine Club meeting where we looked at two Italian reds both of which were Brunello di Montalcino.

Here is the LCBO Information -

FATTOI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006

VINTAGES 33498
750 mL bottle
Price: $ 34.95
Wine, Red Wine
14.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Tuscany, Italy
By: Fattoi Ofelio & Figli
Release Date: Jan 7, 2012

Tasting Note - There's plenty of power here, with dark fruit flavors reminiscent of black currant and blackberry. Fruity in style, yet with firm, uplifting tannins. Features a long finish of sweet fruit. Best from 2012 through 2025. Score - 92. (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, July 31, 2011)

SAN GIORGIO UGOLFORTE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005

VINTAGES 212431
750 mL bottle
Price: $ 48.95
Wine, Red Wine
14.1% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Tuscany, Italy
By: Tenuta San Giorgio
Release Date: Jun 11, 2011

Tasting Note - The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte blossoms from the glass with an expressive bouquet of freshly cut roses, sweet French oak, spices and raspberries. There is a lovely up-front raciness and freshness to the fruit. The wine loses a bit of persistence on the finish, but it is nevertheless beautifully balanced, harmonious and appealing. The Ugolforte is delicious today but also seems to have enough freshness to support cellaring; still it would be a shame to miss it at this stage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2010)

My sinuses were still acting up so I’m not going to do a review of either wine as it wouldn’t be fair to do it.  I did find that both wines leaned towards a earthier/herb like flavour with some light fruit in the background which was interesting as I was expecting more fruit up front.  Not that this was a bad thing, as both wines were very tasty.

I will also add that both wines were very much enjoyed by Wine Club and was surprised at how many members were asking if the LCBO still had stock as both wines are well outside our usual $15-20 price point.  Dorie, a Wine Club member, was nice enough to make a roasted red pepper soup and sliced and toasted baguettes topped with prosciutto, basil and Bocconcini cheese both of which were really good pairings with the wine.

Mick and Amy will be away for next Saturday but will be back after that so I should have some new wine after the following Saturday.

Cheers!

Mark