ANGELO SASSETTI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO

This wine is made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes. The long period of aging (four years, of which three and a half are in oak or chestnut casks) is one of the distinctive characteristics of this wine. A further period in the bottle completes the work of refining the wine to its optimum taste. Climate is perhaps a more significant factor than specific clones in creating the characteristics of the wine. The town of Montalcino, 70 miles south of Florence, enjoys a warmer drier climate than the various zones of Chianti, and the open countryside around it ensures both excellent ventilation and cool evenings and nights. The Sangiovese reaches its maximum ripeness here. The DOC regulation of 1960 established a minimum period of cask aging of 42 months, confirmed in 1980 by DOCG rules. A campaign to lower this period gained support in the latter half of the 1980’s when the minimum aging period was lowered to 36 months in 1990. This Brunello has a deep red color, is concentrated and initally closed before layers of rich fruit unfold. It has spicey deep flavors with medium tannin and a long finish, A delight with pasta dishes, red meats or game. Decanting is recommended. Serve at room temperature.