To learn more about Italian wines, please check out my videos on Super Tuscan wines - ua-cam.com/video/M50a0tNuRBc/v-deo.html and Barolo - ua-cam.com/video/YHc11Zxc9HQ/v-deo.html. To learn more about Biondi-Santi, please watch this video: ua-cam.com/video/sgSJzDLG0Ak/v-deo.html
Another great video John, on one of my favorite wines. Never had the pleasure of drinking a Soldera btw. (Smaller) wineries to watch as well are Romitorio and Ragnaie, both with more elevated vineyards. Salute!
As always, great information. This was my epiphany wine, I’ve been “drinking” wine since my parents opened a bottle of lancers rose way back when.. but in 2019 my wife and I went to Florence, and one night we had dinner and the somm suggested a 2009 Brunello. I had no idea wine could taste like that. The complexity, how it complemented the food….everything. When we got home I bought a case, the first case of wine I ever bought. Little did I know how that one wine would launch me into a new passion….4 years later and I’m still on an amazing learning journey….
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Such a tremendous region! Completely agree with you about the wines - such a perfect companion for food. And thanks for sharing your story! There is a moment like that for most wine enthusiasts and I always enjoy hearing it! Cheers!
How long would be the maximum for aging a brunello? i have 6 brunello's between 1998 and 2003 ! I wanted to open one tonight but unsure of how these wines age! thank you.
99 and 01 are the best vintages in that range They are all ready to drink now. 02 is past peak and an off vintage. I’d definitely open one tonight! Hope it shows well. 👍🍷
Thanks! I’m somewhat limited since Texas has laws unfavorable for shipping from out of state. Hart David Hart, KL, Benchmark & Chambers St are all good. Used to buy from Gary’s when they could ship here.
Your encyclopedic knowledge in Brunello di Montalcino is mind-blowing. This is one of my top favorite wines so I will definitely watch this video more than once. Further comments to follow!😊
@@AttorneySomm You’re welcome, John! Glad you mentioned “cellar defenders” in this video. Definitely one of the many incredibly valuable and sensible things I’ve learned from you.
After the passing of Franco Biondi Santi in 2013 and the news read around that his son Jacopo seemed to have a different concept of harvesting and winemaking compared to his father, I preferred to stop purchasing the historic Il Greppo reserve which was managed by his son until 2016 when the winery it was bought by new owners. My favs in Montalcino are Argiano, Tiezzi, Il Poggione and Costanti.
Thanks for weighing in and sharing your thoughts. You certainly buy some excellent wines. The new Biondi-Santi owners have implemented a number of initiatives that have improved quality (upgraded the winemaking equipment that was badly outdated, reinvigorated and began replanting vineyards), and are also introducing a library program for the Annata. I expect that the quality will only continue to improve for Biondi-Santi.
Great question! I certainly buy more of the white label, but in strong vintages I also enjoy getting 1-2 of the more costly wine for tastings, special occasions and such.
They have a program where those who own bottles of a certain vintage of a Riserva can send it to the winery. They will open the bottle, inspect it to ensure it is sound and then add more wine from the same vintage of riserva so that the fill level is back to where it was when the bottle left the cellar. They will also provide the wine with a certificate to confirm that this was done.
🌼🍷 would you know if there are any good elderberry wines? I wonder what would happen if they mixed elderberries with grapes 🍇 to produce a wine, maybe they already do? I'm asking because I placed a handful of dried elderberries in vodka that sat for a year, they've all dissolved, and it's fantastic! (smile) I'd also like to experiment with elderflowers and see what happens
@@AttorneySomm I had purchased a lemon cake and I bought some elderflower syrup to pour on top of it to see how that tasted. Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding cake was lemon and elderflower. Elderflower is amazing! It has almost a violets and lemon flavor, surprising nice. Then I remembered I had elderberries soaking in vodka, I found that bottle and tried it and it was wonderful. Has a strong berry taste. Both are fantastic. I'd like to mix the two and see what happens. 👨🔬🧪🧫
Brunello is an interesting region indeed. There are sooooo many small and interesting producers making tiny quantities and it’s quite a trek to get out there. Nice selection
Thanks for the video John, there is a bottle of Poggione Rosso di Montalcino 2020 for sale at my store for 27$ CAD. I think I will give it a try as a cellar defender and buy more 2016 Ugolforte before it runs out of stock, one bottle in my cellar is definitely not enough. Cheers!
It’s not easy to find really good brunello nowadays ! But when you taste a truly good one , it has the power of elevate you. That’s why I call brunello , along with barolo, a meditation wine . You definitely have to set aside some time to open a bottle . And if it is a superb one , will , like a friend said in one of the comments , be a epiphany wine . Cheers and thanks for the content again !
This BdM video has it all - history, scenery, terroir and climate discussion, farming practices, winemaking style, cellar defenders, the best of the best BdM producers, vintage recommendations, and other fascinating and relevant information. So comprehensive, informative, engaging, interesting - not a dull or unimportant moment; everything is ‘perfection’. And I love Soldera’s no spitting policy!😁 Santé, John!🍷
Nailed it John. I swear we love so many of the same wines. I am very interested in the San Giorgio as I have never seen or acquired this before, also a fan of Poggio di Sotto. Got to love some great Italian wines. I swear if I could only have wine from one country, the rest of my life, it would be Italy. But also happy that is not the case. Would love to get your take on the Gaja brunello's and Valdicava. Theses are some of my favs to add to my list. I have also recently acquired the flagship Valdicava brunello Montosoli, used to be a winery only wine. But was lucky enough to get a 2015. Let me know what u think.
Thanks very much! Completely agree with you re Italian wines! That’s partly why I’m on an Italian video tear so far this year. Think you will enjoy San Giorgio! I’m a huge Valdicava fan. I’m loving the 2010 lately. That would probably be no. 6 for me. I prefer Gaja Barbaresco, but do have some Gaja Brunello too. Cheers!
Keep on the Italian tear. Also would love to see your white wine Italian choices. I have been lucky enough to try Rondinella Bianca, and have a deep love for this white wine/albino grape. Cheers John!!
Based on my experience, i found that most high end producers in brunello produce a more aromatic and elegant brunello while on the lower end i found the producers style tend to be full bodied and oaky.
Love Brunello. I have one bottle left of the unfashionable 2011 vintage, which will be drunk soon. Also, I have half a case each of the 2015 and 2016 in the merchant's cellars. I am thinking of taking delivery of the 2015 later this year. Thanks again for an excellent video.
@@AttorneySommjust taken delivery of the Val di Suga, 2015, which I had stored in the Wine Society's cellars, having bought it en primeur. I had not heard of this producer previously. Have you tasted any of their wines? Good tip on Rosso di M, btw.
I would try to wait at least 10 years, but it will age as long as you can hold it. It will likely be extremely enjoyable before that. It just won’t show it’s potential complexity.
@@Le_Chambertin Ha! Yes, exactly. We did pop a 16 shortly after it was released and it was magnificent! Just a different experience than when it is mature. If you have 3, it may not be a bad idea to try one and then save the others.
@@AttorneySomm indeed, the more the merrier as we are able to witness the evolution within an increment of specified time gap. Thanks for the insight, love to learn from someone like you.
As a huge Brunello fan this video got me really excited! Biondi-Santi remains one of my bucket list wines, while I completely agree with you about Il Poggione’s pedigree and value. I didn’t manage to find any Casanova di Neri 2015/16 so far, but got 2 bottles of 2017 after doing some research. It seems the winemakers were able to work their magic in a trying vintage, so I may open one out of curiosity soon! Just wondering if you’d consider 15/16 already open for business, or should I be cellaring them longer? And which vintage is in its ideal drinking window now? Thanks for your help and another great video!
Thanks very much! Yes, the 17 Casanova di Neri turned out well despite the hot vintage! The Il Poggione winemaker told me he likes Brunello on release and then again after 10 years. He believes it shuts down during the intervening time period. The 16s have been terrific so far so you could probably still try those with a meal and some air. Otherwise, I would definitely look for vintages like 2004, 2006 and 2007. Those are all showing well now. Cheers!
I tried some 2015 and 2016 normal and riserva. If its a traditional made wine, its veeery tannic and austere. I would definitely wait, im not opening any of the other bottles for atleast five more years.
@@df71091 I see, thanks for the tip! I have opened quite a few 15/16 and generally find them to be quite approachable after a generous decant, but I have a feeling they’ll get even better with age. Argiano, Ciacci and Il Poggione 15 are all drinking incredibly well now, so it’s tough!
I visited Montalcino last year and got to visit the Fuligni winery, another very old and classic Brunello producer. Their wines have increased dramatically in price but their 2007 was outstanding. Le Ragnaie is in my opinion the new hot producer in town, making amazing brunellos
To learn more about Italian wines, please check out my videos on Super Tuscan wines - ua-cam.com/video/M50a0tNuRBc/v-deo.html and Barolo - ua-cam.com/video/YHc11Zxc9HQ/v-deo.html. To learn more about Biondi-Santi, please watch this video: ua-cam.com/video/sgSJzDLG0Ak/v-deo.html
Another great video John, on one of my favorite wines. Never had the pleasure of drinking a Soldera btw. (Smaller) wineries to watch as well are Romitorio and Ragnaie, both with more elevated vineyards. Salute!
Thank you! Very worthy additions! Cheers! 👍🍷
As always, great information. This was my epiphany wine, I’ve been “drinking” wine since my parents opened a bottle of lancers rose way back when.. but in 2019 my wife and I went to Florence, and one night we had dinner and the somm suggested a 2009 Brunello. I had no idea wine could taste like that. The complexity, how it complemented the food….everything. When we got home I bought a case, the first case of wine I ever bought. Little did I know how that one wine would launch me into a new passion….4 years later and I’m still on an amazing learning journey….
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Such a tremendous region! Completely agree with you about the wines - such a perfect companion for food. And thanks for sharing your story! There is a moment like that for most wine enthusiasts and I always enjoy hearing it! Cheers!
No love for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano? It’s just as great with a little more fruitiness. It’s Rosso (r-oh-so) di Montalcino.
I do enjoy it, but was trying to keep the scope limited to Montalcino for this video.
uhm... prices for Biondi-Santi and Soldera are really cruel! I'm currentliy lookint out for some Lisini and Castelgiocondo (Frescobaldi). Cheers!🍷
Yes, unfortunately those have skyrocketed. Frescobaldi definitely does a great job too.
How long would be the maximum for aging a brunello? i have 6 brunello's between 1998 and 2003 ! I wanted to open one tonight but unsure of how these wines age! thank you.
99 and 01 are the best vintages in that range They are all ready to drink now. 02 is past peak and an off vintage. I’d definitely open one tonight! Hope it shows well. 👍🍷
Come see us in Alba and let's do a video together about Barolo and Barbaresco!
Thank you! Hope to be back in the fall! Did a video on Barolo a couple months ago, but could always do another one. 👍🍷
@@AttorneySomm video ideas: blind tasting challenge, truffle hunt, old bottle of Barolo. Let us know when you’ll be in the area and let’s set it up!
@@Oneonthehill Sounds good! Likely during truffle season.
Great video. Loved it. Have a few of your recommendations on my cart. Also, where do you shop online for wines? Thank you.
Thanks! I’m somewhat limited since Texas has laws unfavorable for shipping from out of state. Hart David Hart, KL, Benchmark & Chambers St are all good. Used to buy from Gary’s when they could ship here.
Your encyclopedic knowledge in Brunello di Montalcino is mind-blowing. This is one of my top favorite wines so I will definitely watch this video more than once. Further comments to follow!😊
Thanks very much, Margaux! Very glad it was useful! Definitely one of my favorites too. Cheers!
@@AttorneySomm You’re welcome, John! Glad you mentioned “cellar defenders” in this video. Definitely one of the many incredibly valuable and sensible things I’ve learned from you.
After the passing of Franco Biondi Santi in 2013 and the news read around that his son Jacopo seemed to have a different concept of harvesting and winemaking compared to his father, I preferred to stop purchasing the historic Il Greppo reserve which was managed by his son until 2016 when the winery it was bought by new owners. My favs in Montalcino are Argiano, Tiezzi, Il Poggione and Costanti.
Thanks for weighing in and sharing your thoughts. You certainly buy some excellent wines. The new Biondi-Santi owners have implemented a number of initiatives that have improved quality (upgraded the winemaking equipment that was badly outdated, reinvigorated and began replanting vineyards), and are also introducing a library program for the Annata. I expect that the quality will only continue to improve for Biondi-Santi.
In your opinion, is the casanova Di neri tenuta nuova worth the price premium over their white label?
Great question! I certainly buy more of the white label, but in strong vintages I also enjoy getting 1-2 of the more costly wine for tastings, special occasions and such.
I have a Il Poggioni my friend has a Brunello Canalichio. What can I do? haha
Sounds like you should schedule a Brunello tasting!
Thank you thank you. I needed some empty slots on my Italian section filled.Great video sir! As always!
Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🍷
Always a masterclass! Studying for wset 3 and your videos is always a good break on the heavy duty study for the "fun time" study.👏👏👏
Thank you! Such a fantastic program! Very glad you enjoy the videos! 👍🍷
You are a true Gem and deserving of at least 1M subscribers. Thank you for all you do 🍷
Thanks very much! Cheers!
For Biondi Santi Riserva- when you say "they'll top off your bottle" what do you mean?
They have a program where those who own bottles of a certain vintage of a Riserva can send it to the winery. They will open the bottle, inspect it to ensure it is sound and then add more wine from the same vintage of riserva so that the fill level is back to where it was when the bottle left the cellar. They will also provide the wine with a certificate to confirm that this was done.
@@AttorneySomm what about after we've pulled out 3/4 of the bottle with the coravin? Lol
@@rgiamboi Ha! That would be a great approach if it works! 😂
🌼🍷 would you know if there are any good elderberry wines? I wonder what would happen if they mixed elderberries with grapes 🍇 to produce a wine, maybe they already do?
I'm asking because I placed a handful of dried elderberries in vodka that sat for a year, they've all dissolved, and it's fantastic! (smile) I'd also like to experiment with elderflowers and see what happens
Hello: Unfortunately I have not tried any elderberry so not sure about that.
@@AttorneySomm I had purchased a lemon cake and I bought some elderflower syrup to pour on top of it to see how that tasted. Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding cake was lemon and elderflower. Elderflower is amazing! It has almost a violets and lemon flavor, surprising nice. Then I remembered I had elderberries soaking in vodka, I found that bottle and tried it and it was wonderful. Has a strong berry taste. Both are fantastic. I'd like to mix the two and see what happens. 👨🔬🧪🧫
Love Casanova di Neri, and Soldera is possibly the most special Italian wine (One has to taste it). I'd throw in Poggio di Sotto too!
Thank you! Definitely agree with your thoughts. Cheers!
Very good review! I also like and collect BDM. Thanks for sharing about knowledge and experience of your top 5 BDM recommendation.
My pleasure! Thank you for watching, and the kind feedback!
Brunello is an interesting region indeed. There are sooooo many small and interesting producers making tiny quantities and it’s quite a trek to get out there. Nice selection
Thank you! Very much agree. It was tough to keep this one at 20 minutes.
It's not a region..LOL
The region is Tuscany.
Thanks for the video John, there is a bottle of Poggione Rosso di Montalcino 2020 for sale at my store for 27$ CAD. I think I will give it a try as a cellar defender and buy more 2016 Ugolforte before it runs out of stock, one bottle in my cellar is definitely not enough. Cheers!
Thank you! That Rosso is terrific! I think you will enjoy it. And a great idea re the Ugolforte!
It’s not easy to find really good brunello nowadays ! But when you taste a truly good one , it has the power of elevate you. That’s why I call brunello , along with barolo, a meditation wine . You definitely have to set aside some time to open a bottle . And if it is a superb one , will , like a friend said in one of the comments , be a epiphany wine . Cheers and thanks for the content again !
Cheers! Completely agree with you! Thanks very much! 👍🍷
nice mike. much clearer sound 😎 ... brunello di montalcino is one of my favorites aswell 😊
Thank you! It makes a big difference! 👍🍷🎤
Such a beautiful town. We visited Padelletti winery, the oldest winery in the town!
Completely agree with you! I will have to visit that one next time!
Superb! Thank you for sharing your love and knowledge with us. Cheers!🍷
My pleasure! Thank you! Very glad you enjoyed it!
😍😍😍🍷🍷🍷
Thank you kindly! Cheers!
Very informative video, however presentation style is super monotonous.
Thanks for watching and the feedback.
This BdM video has it all - history, scenery, terroir and climate discussion, farming practices, winemaking style, cellar defenders, the best of the best BdM producers, vintage recommendations, and other fascinating and relevant information. So comprehensive, informative, engaging, interesting - not a dull or unimportant moment; everything is ‘perfection’. And I love Soldera’s no spitting policy!😁 Santé, John!🍷
Merci Margaux! So glad that you enjoyed it! Yes, I am a huge fan of that policy as well! Such a fantastic region!
@@AttorneySomm My pleasure, John!
Very good idea!
Nailed it John. I swear we love so many of the same wines. I am very interested in the San Giorgio as I have never seen or acquired this before, also a fan of Poggio di Sotto. Got to love some great Italian wines. I swear if I could only have wine from one country, the rest of my life, it would be Italy. But also happy that is not the case.
Would love to get your take on the Gaja brunello's and Valdicava. Theses are some of my favs to add to my list. I have also recently acquired the flagship Valdicava brunello Montosoli, used to be a winery only wine. But was lucky enough to get a 2015. Let me know what u think.
Thanks very much! Completely agree with you re Italian wines! That’s partly why I’m on an Italian video tear so far this year. Think you will enjoy San Giorgio! I’m a huge Valdicava fan. I’m loving the 2010 lately. That would probably be no. 6 for me. I prefer Gaja Barbaresco, but do have some Gaja Brunello too. Cheers!
Keep on the Italian tear. Also would love to see your white wine Italian choices. I have been lucky enough to try Rondinella Bianca, and have a deep love for this white wine/albino grape. Cheers John!!
@@johnoneal4711 Thank you! An excellent idea! I’ll give it some thought for sure. 👍🍷
This is some great information. Thank you!
Very glad it was useful! Thanks very much!
Based on my experience, i found that most high end producers in brunello produce a more aromatic and elegant brunello while on the lower end i found the producers style tend to be full bodied and oaky.
Thanks for weighing in. There certainly are producers that use higher percentages of new oak in their wines. It is important to be selective. Cheers!
@@AttorneySomm cheers keep up the good content as it is very informative
@@Le_Chambertin Thank you! Much appreciated. 👍🍷
Love Brunello. I have one bottle left of the unfashionable 2011 vintage, which will be drunk soon. Also, I have half a case each of the 2015 and 2016 in the merchant's cellars. I am thinking of taking delivery of the 2015 later this year.
Thanks again for an excellent video.
My pleasure! Thank you! Very glad you enjoyed it.
@@AttorneySommjust taken delivery of the Val di Suga, 2015, which I had stored in the Wine Society's cellars, having bought it en primeur. I had not heard of this producer previously. Have you tasted any of their wines? Good tip on Rosso di M, btw.
@@stevenholt4936 Thank you! Yes, I tried it at a Suckling event a few years ago. I definitely enjoyed it. Think you will be pleased.
@@AttorneySomm Wine Advocate gives it 94 points! Can't wait to give it a try.
Any insights on how long should i bottle age soldera? I recently acquired 2015 soldera
I would try to wait at least 10 years, but it will age as long as you can hold it. It will likely be extremely enjoyable before that. It just won’t show it’s potential complexity.
@@AttorneySomm thanks, the real problem is gonna be my patience 🤣
Luckily i have 3 bottles in hand.
@@Le_Chambertin Ha! Yes, exactly. We did pop a 16 shortly after it was released and it was magnificent! Just a different experience than when it is mature. If you have 3, it may not be a bad idea to try one and then save the others.
@@AttorneySomm indeed, the more the merrier as we are able to witness the evolution within an increment of specified time gap.
Thanks for the insight, love to learn from someone like you.
Wonderful information🍷
Thank you, Natasha! Much appreciated. 🍷🍷
As a huge Brunello fan this video got me really excited! Biondi-Santi remains one of my bucket list wines, while I completely agree with you about Il Poggione’s pedigree and value. I didn’t manage to find any Casanova di Neri 2015/16 so far, but got 2 bottles of 2017 after doing some research. It seems the winemakers were able to work their magic in a trying vintage, so I may open one out of curiosity soon! Just wondering if you’d consider 15/16 already open for business, or should I be cellaring them longer? And which vintage is in its ideal drinking window now? Thanks for your help and another great video!
Thanks very much! Yes, the 17 Casanova di Neri turned out well despite the hot vintage! The Il Poggione winemaker told me he likes Brunello on release and then again after 10 years. He believes it shuts down during the intervening time period. The 16s have been terrific so far so you could probably still try those with a meal and some air. Otherwise, I would definitely look for vintages like 2004, 2006 and 2007. Those are all showing well now. Cheers!
I tried some 2015 and 2016 normal and riserva.
If its a traditional made wine, its veeery tannic and austere.
I would definitely wait, im not opening any of the other bottles for atleast five more years.
@@df71091 I see, thanks for the tip! I have opened quite a few 15/16 and generally find them to be quite approachable after a generous decant, but I have a feeling they’ll get even better with age. Argiano, Ciacci and Il Poggione 15 are all drinking incredibly well now, so it’s tough!
@@df71091 Definitely no harm in saving them. The 16 Biondi-Santi showed very well the 4-5 times I tried it (but it has been 6-7 months).
I visited Montalcino last year and got to visit the Fuligni winery, another very old and classic Brunello producer. Their wines have increased dramatically in price but their 2007 was outstanding. Le Ragnaie is in my opinion the new hot producer in town, making amazing brunellos
🍇 love the history lesson
Thanks very much! Appreciate the kind feedback!