Argiano: “gorgeous” Brunello di Montalcino 2019

Argiano‘s Brunello di Montalcino 2018 was number one in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines last year. The 2019 iteration comes from a vintage widely seen as the best in Brunello for many years. Described as “gorgeous”, “captivating” and rated 97 points by leading Brunello expert Kerin O’Keefe, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino from Argiano is superb value at just £210 in bond per six.

Argiano is a historic estate dating back to the sixteenth century. Owned by a Brazilian billionaire since 2013, it has benefitted from considerable investment over the last few years. After a soil mapping project, the vines are now farmed on organic lines. The winery has been remodelled, with large oak vessels replacing small barriques to allow for a more traditional style of vinification. The result is a greater precision and expression in the wines.

Like other estates in Montalcino, Argiano benefitted from a particular set of climatic conditions in 2019. The year was notable for being warm but – crucially – not too hot. Well-timed rain over summer also helped to refresh the vines, resulting in intensely fragrant, concentrated wines that are superbly balanced.

2019 has met with widespread critical acclaim. “I’ve never tasted so many drop-dead-gorgeous young Brunellos from a single vintage”, says Kerin O’Keefe.  Eric Guido of Vinous rates 2019 similarly highly, calling it “a vintage of radiance and appeal… the vintage we’ve all been waiting for”.

This is an excellent wine from a superlative vintage in Brunello. It offers outstanding value for money. Buy some now to drink over the next 10-20 years.

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