Le Potazzine 2019: 98 point Brunello

“Stunning….otherworldy….spellbinding” is how Eric Guido of Vinous describes the 2019  Brunello di Montalcino from Le Potazzine. Despite being a more conservative scorer than his peers, he gives it an impressive 98 points and rates it as one of the best wines of the vintage. This is all the more remarkable given the wine’s very reasonable price tag. At just £335 in bond per six, Le Potazzine 2019 is a steal.  

The 2019 vintage in Brunello is one of the best since the superlative 2010. Le Potazzine’s success this year is partly a result of terroir. The principal vineyard plot lies in the coolest part of the appellation, in the northwest and at high elevation. As temperatures have warmed in Brunello over the last few years, the cooler microclimate in this area has become very beneficial, giving wines of freshness and balance – like Le Potazzine.

The estate of Le Potazzine is family owned. Gigliola Gorelli set up the estate in 1993 and now manages it with her two daughters. The vines are farmed organically and the grapes are fermented with native yeast. Then, after around four weeks in tank, the wine is matured for 42 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. Fewer than 1,350 cases are made.

This is a fantastic wine at a fantastic price – from one of the best vintages in Brunello for some time. Buy some now to drink over the next 10-20 years.

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