Description
Petraiolo – Brunello di Montalcino 2017
This wine is a classic expression of 100% Sangiovese (specifically the Sangiovese Grosso clone), the sole varietal permitted in the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. The 2017 vintage in Tuscany was defined by significant heat and drought, often resulting in powerful, concentrated wines. However, Petraiolo benefits from a distinct terroir advantage: its sustainably farmed vineyards are situated at a lofty elevation of 1,200 to 1,300 feet. This altitude provided a crucial cooling influence during the torrid growing season, preserving vital acidity and aromatic freshness that lower-elevation sites struggled to maintain. The result is a wine that balances the solar intensity of the vintage with the elegance expected of high-altitude Sangiovese.
In the glass, the wine presents a deep ruby core transitioning to garnet at the rim, a visual cue of its maturity and time spent in wood. The nose is expressive and complex, offering a bouquet of ripe red cherries, dark plums, and crushed blackberries. As the wine opens, secondary and tertiary aromas emerge, revealing layers of worn leather, dried tobacco leaf, savory herbs, and a hint of warm baking spice. On the palate, this is a dry, full-bodied wine with a rich, velvety texture. The tannins are well-integrated and fine-grained, providing structure without aggression. Flavors of black fruit compote mingle with notes of cedar, graphite, and a whisper of vanilla, leading to a long, persistent finish that echoes the savory earthiness of the Tuscan soil.
The production philosophy at Petraiolo emphasizes traditional methods to honor the region's heritage. Following sustainable farming practices in the vineyard to ensure soil health and fruit quality, the grapes undergo fermentation before being transferred to wood. In strict adherence to DOCG regulations, the wine is aged for a minimum of 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks. This extended period of oxidative aging in neutral wood allows the harsh tannins to soften and the complex tertiary flavors to develop, resulting in a wine that is approachable upon release yet capable of further evolution.
Given its robust structure and savory depth, this Brunello requires food with equal weight and richness. For a distinctly American pairing, serve this with a dry-aged porterhouse steak grilled over charcoal; the wine's acidity will cut through the marbling while the tannins bind with the protein. Alternatively, it pairs beautifully with slow-roasted pork shoulder with a rosemary and garlic rub, highlighting the herbal undertones of the Sangiovese. While specific ratings from major critics like Robert Parker or Wine Spectator are not widely published for this specific label, the 2017 vintage is generally regarded as offering excellent early drinkability. This bottle represents a significant value in the Brunello category, delivering the complexity of the region without the premium price tag often attached to the most famous estates.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.