Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2016

Fattoria dei Barbi


This Brunello Riserva is made only in the best years and is sourced from a special selection of grapes collected from the best of the estate’s 41 hectares (100 acres) in southeast Montalcino. Extended aging in oak results in a more complex wine with a longer aging potential.

Terroir: Sourced from the estate’s 41 hectares (100 acres) in the southeast area of Montalcino. Vineyards are planted at 5,200 plants per hectare with yields of 1.3kg per vine. Two types of soils prevail: gravel and clay soils produce wines with power, while more sandy soils heighten aromatics.

Vinification:
Manual harvest occurs at the end of September followed by a pre-fermentation cold maceration (“cold-soak”), which consists of cooling the grapes at a temperature of 3°-5°C (37 – 41°F) in an anaerobic environment (under a CO² blanket) to protect the must from oxidation. This non-alcoholic, aqueous extraction results in an increased color intensity and stability, softer astringency and tannins and more body and aromatics. After 48 hours, the temperature is raised and alcoholic fermentation begins, lasting 16 -17 days and temperatures reach 29°- 30°C (83 – 86°F). After racking and malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in small-medium size oak barrels (500L – 20HL) for the first months, followed by three years in 30HL Slavonian oak casks. The wine rests in bottle for six months before release.

Additional Information

Intense, vivid ruby–red color with aromas of red and black berries, maraschino cherry and eucalyptus. The aromas repeat on the palate with added hints of licorice and tobacco. Tannins are firm and tightly woven and the juicy fruit is refreshed by a lively acidity that leads to a long, persistent finish.

Technical Details

  • Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
  • Winemaker: Stefano Cinelli Colombini
  • Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
  • Soil: Stone, clay, sand
  • Alcohol: 14.5%
  • Ttl Acidity: 5.5 g/l
  • Residual Sugar: 1.6 g/l
  • Avg Production: 3,600 bottles
  • Sizes Available: 750ml, 1.5L, 3L
  • Pack Size: 6/750ml
  • Varietals: 100% Sangiovese Grosso

Recent Press

  • Score: 95 Points

    Wine Advocate Author: Monica Larner
    Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022
    Fattoria dei Barbi is one of the historic, grandfather estates of the appellation, and this important point comes to mind every time I have the honor of reviewing their new releases. The wines always show a distinctly traditional side that is just part of this estate’s DNA, and I’d like to think that this defining characteristic would not change even if a concerted effort was made to do so. Territory speaks loud in the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. The wine offers purity and deep layering with alternating tones of dried cherry, dark spice, cola, and crushed flowers. Only 4,000 bottles were made

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