Wines Brunello di Montalcino Lorenzo Melani - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Lorenzo Melani’s 2019 Brunello di Montalcino exemplifies the grandeur of Tuscany’s eminent Sangiovese Grosso grape. This wine, coming from the renowned Brunello di Montalcino appellation, is the product of meticulous vineyard selection and rigorous aging requirements. The 2019 vintage benefitted from a balanced, relatively cool growing season, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. In the cellar, Brunello must age for at least four years, with a minimum of two years in oak, ensuring depth, complexity, and the development of tertiary aromas that mark the finest examples of the style.

Tuscany’s Montalcino area enjoys a privileged position, with rolling hills and a patchwork of soils comprising clay, limestone, and galestro (a crumbly schist). The Mediterranean climate provides hot, dry summers and gentle breezes, while elevation tempers heat and preserves freshness in the grapes. This unique setting has fostered wine production for centuries, but it was the official recognition of the Brunello di Montalcino DOC in 1966, later elevated to DOCG, that sealed Montalcino’s reputation as one of Italy’s flagship reds.

The rich, powerful profile of this Brunello di Montalcino finds classic harmony with dishes that match its structure and aromatic complexity. Traditional Tuscan fare such as wild boar ragù with pappardelle, Florentine steak, or aged pecorino cheese will reveal the wine’s earthy and savory nuances. Its bright acidity and pronounced tannins also make it a natural partner for roasted lamb or mushroom risotto, allowing the flavors to resonate and complement each other.

To enjoy Lorenzo Melani 2019 at its pinnacle, decant the wine for at least one hour to release its bouquet of cherry, dried herbs, leather, and spice. Serve it at 16-18°C, which allows both finesse and power to shine. This is a wine to savor slowly, promising further evolution in the bottle should you decide to cellar it.