Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2018

Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2018

 

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Argiano
Brunello di Montalcino 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : Italy
  • Region : Tuscany
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Sangiovese

#1 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2023! Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Tuscan Sangiovese with the Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2018. This is a Brunello for discerning palates, seeking the quintessential expression of this noble grape.

Experts Score Vintage
WE Wine Enthusiast 97 2018
WS Wine Spectator 95 2018
JD Jeb Dunnuck 94 2018
JS James Suckling 94 2018
W&S Wines & Spirits 94 2018
DCT Decanter 93 2018
RP Robert Parker 93 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Brunello di Montalcino DOCG region is renowned worldwide for its exceptional wines made exclusively from Sangiovese. Argiano’s vineyards, located in Sant’Angelo in Colle, rest at altitudes between 280 and 310 meters above sea level, ensuring excellent sun exposure and ventilation for optimal ripening.

The soils are rich in marl and ancient clays with a high concentration of limestone, contributing to the wine's distinctive minerality. The vines, aged between 12 and 55 years, are cultivated organically using the spurred cordon and guyot training systems. Yields are carefully limited to preserve quality.

Winemaking

The 2018 vintage experienced varied climatic conditions, including frost in early spring, substantial rainfall in May, and cooler July temperatures that delayed the vines' phenological stages. A favorable north wind in September ensured healthy, concentrated grapes.

Harvesting took place in early October. The winemaking process began with a pre-fermentation cold maceration for four days, followed by a three-week fermentation in steel and natural cement tanks at temperatures below 26°C. Malolactic fermentation occurred in concrete tanks, enhancing the wine’s texture and balance.

The wine aged for approximately 30 months in Slavonian and French oak barrels of various capacities (10 to 50 hectoliters). After bottling in April and May under auspicious lunar phases, the wine underwent extended bottle aging to refine its character.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby with garnet reflections.
  • Aroma: Fresh and complex, featuring notes of red fruit, subtle balsamic hints, and meaty undertones that add depth.
  • Palate: Structured and vertical, with strong yet silky tannins, a vibrant acidity, and a distinctive sapidity that makes the wine highly gastronomic.

Did You Know?

The meticulous attention to the lunar calendar during bottling highlights Argiano's commitment to biodynamic practices, connecting their winemaking process with natural rhythms.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Wild boar ragu with pappardelle: The wine's structure complements the rich, gamey flavors of the dish.
  • Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano: Its saltiness enhances the wine's sapidity and fruity depth.
  • Braised lamb shank: The tannins balance the lamb's richness, while the balsamic notes harmonize with slow-cooked herbs.
  • Porcini mushroom tart: The earthy flavors pair perfectly with the wine’s complexity and minerality.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 97 Points (2018)
Like a good Valentine’s Day party, everything is shades of red on the vibrant, sanguine nose, from strawberries and cranberries to savory notes of pennies, brick and crisp leather. Citrus joins the cranberries on a bright, acidic palate, but a meaty, bitter finish creates balance. Dynamic fruit stands up to authoritative, unapologetic tannins. (DC) (11/2023)

Wine Spectator (WS) : 95 Points (2018)
Rose, strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors are the main themes in this red, along with wild herb, mineral and cut hay accents. Racy and full of energy, with a long, saturated finish. Best from 2025 through 2042.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) : 94 Points (2018)
Pure and noble, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino is compelling in its expressive layers yet remains transparent, with aromas of fresh leather, red cherry, cedar, anise, and fresh pine all intertwining. It is medium-bodied but fills out with wonderful purity in its notes of blood orange, raspberry, saline minerals, and mouthwatering acidity. It is a gorgeous wine to hold another couple of years and best after 2025.

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2018)
A bright and fresh 2018 with cherry and floral aromas and flavors. Medium body, refined tannins and a linear finish with bright acidity. Tangy and energetic. Tight at the end. A year or two will open it, but already a beauty.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 94 Points (2018)
Scents of fresh rose petals unfurl in the glass, signaling a high-toned Brunello that is packed with tangy red cherry and berry flavors. There's plenty of power and depth here, but also a delicacy in the intense floral aromas and finely honed tannins that combine immediate appeal with excellent aging potential.

Decanter (DCT) : 93 Points (2018)
Argiano is back on track with this excellent value 2018 Brunello. Packed with flavour, it shows the vintage well: while colour is scarce - pale garnet in hue - aromas are vivacious and enticing with spiced cherry and Mediterranean flowers bursting from the glass. Midweight and fluid, it belies the vineyards’ warm southern location. Tannins are fine and layered, with a chalky texture. While the estate did come out with its Vigna del Suolo selection, there will not be a Riserva bottling of 2018.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2018)
With the black label, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino reveals dried fruit aromas with cola, grilled herb, candied orange peel and earthy clay. This is a mid-weight Brunello with silky tannins and a long finish. It displays a savory and spicy personality with hints of dried fruit and baked plum that add a fleeting point of sweetness.

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