Hey just reviewing some old episodes. I really wanted to answer this QOTD even though it's not too pertinent anymore. I really really like Brunello and one that blew my face off was the 2001 Fanti Brunello di Montalcino. I had it when I was visiting a friend at college before a night of drinking crappy beer and it really amazed me. Definitely would rate it higher than Keystone Light. At least 4 points!

i couldn't agree with you more- Brunello rocks! real wine for real drinkers...

Liked the Tony Vincent thing. Very nice.

QOTD: Never had one before....sigh..

1997 Fulligui is the best brunello I have ever had, with a 99 Castelo Banfi right behind

QOTD: Never had one.... ARRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Hey guys...just a bit further information on Brunello and its bottling/naming etc from wet and rainy Toscana.

The Brunello di Montalcino "Riserva" is only produced in years when the harvest is considered to be an exceptional vintage and only then utilizing selected grapes, so some years its not produced at all. After a period of ageing for four years in oak, the "Riserva" is eventually released to the market at a date no less than six years after the harvest.

Brunello itself must spend three years in wood and are released each January, 5 years after the harvest year, meaning the 2003 is just being released in January 2008. As the Brunello Riserva must spend an extra year in wood it is released 6 years after harvest to allow the tannins to soften (the 2002 Riservas will begin to be released now, in January 2008.

Some of the newer producers are switching to small barrique for aging to appeal to new world wine lovers, though if you stick to traditional styling (in Botte) the taste of the Sangiovese, in ll her complexity, shines through.

Rosso di Montalcino has no specific aging requirements and is what we call, the "little sister", a great spaghetti red here at €9-12 a bottle, though probably a bit pricier stateside.

Ciao and happy sipping!
Lynda Albertson, Wine Journalist
In Vino Veritas

Hey Gary, I forgot to mentioned those brunellos (La Poderina & San Giorgio)were from the great vintage of 1997!

Salud,

Serggi

Hi Gary,

great show man! I think that the best brunellos I've ever had so far is La Poderina and San Giorgio with talegio (triple cream italian "stinky" cheese) that was an incredible experience.

Salud,

Serggi

Kahuna Rocks!

QOTD: Have never tasted Brunello. It's always seemed expensive and I don't know the producers so I've not taken the risk yet. Now I have a few recommendations. Thanks, GV!

Yet another stellar effort from the G-Man!

QOTD: The best Brunello I ever had was a La Gerla Reserva when I was in Frascati a few years ago. I think it was a 1997. It was excellent and we had some wonderful Asiago cheese with it as well. Nice combo for my taste.

QOTD: Never had a Brunello either.

QOTD: My CKC budget has left me deprived- I've never had a Brunello. Ever. So sad... I need a moment (sniffle).

Hello Gary, I've just returned from a trip to Mexico DF and so I'm still catching up!!! well well well, haven't you asked already this episode's QOTD???? I will not answer it since I DON'T WANT TO, but I WILL tell you, I love Brunellos, I love the sangio and I F-ING LOVE ITALIAN ALL-AROUND (THAT MEANS RED, WHITE, SWEET AND SPARK'D) WINES!!!! I am excited to finally watch you again!

dude, thanks for another brunello episode!

QOTD: my best Brunello to date, what made me love Brunello: 2001 Baricci "Colombaio di Montosoli" Brunello di Montalcino
QOTD part II: the 2001 Pinino with Robiola like you did in another Brunello episode.

-Nico

GO GRADY!!! Thanks Gary - love to see the Cleveland support!!!

Gary

Hugely dissapointed to not see my blog in the collage at the end...I did badge you up and I did send a link...

QotD : I cant remember the name...but it was good...some 2 3 years ago...

Swedish T

Also just returned from tuscany...2002 brunello, virtually across the board, was disappointing. Many producers (Poggio Di Soto, Poggio Antico to name a few), did not produce any 2002 brunello. Most seemed thin and unconcentrated to me, at least by brunello standards. Having visited at least 15 producers, I would highly recommend not paying "top dollar" for 2002 brunello.

Gary,
The law in Montalcino changed recently. Brunello by law must only be aged in oak for two years now. Many producers are keeping them in for three but the law only requires two. What is more interesting is that it seems almost everyone in intergrating more and more french oak. Also interesting is the difference in style and climate between northern and southern montalcino.

Gary.....check my blog when you get a minute...I just got back and I'm still transposing my notes and pictures.
http://lostintuscany.blogspot.com/

good to see an episode on a wine that i've just recently been delving into. very exciting! great job once again Gary.

Gary,
Love the Grady Sizemore reference. Go Tribe!

Great show, love Brunello, it is the King of Tuscany, wish it was more affordable/accessible, but it is still worth the money

Nice episode. Looking forward to trying out Brunello.

I really liked the music at the end. I know Troy Vincent was a good NFL safety, but he can sing too? :)

Best Brunello was the 1990 Altesino. This wine rewarded ageing (15 years) and was the equal of any mature Bordeaux I've tasted.

Gary,

The best Brunello i've ever tasted is the 1999 Gorelli. Wow! I tend to like them all, but that for me was a standout.

Brunello invariably turns out to be a restaurant wine for me, and my memory is challenged as to makers and vintages. I've got to snuggle up to a nice bottle at home soon.

QOTD: I've never had Brunello. But I'll be headed out to the candy store here in a few minutes. Concepción and I love you and send our warm regards. Please go to our Wine Tasting pictures in Facebook (Oops! dirty word) and comment on one of our pics when you have a chance.

QOTD: Poggio Lontano Brunello di Montalcino 2000
Sadly, I don't have much Brunello experience.

Winecritics and music don´t mix.
I´m sorry but music at the end is a 52- pts track. Actually I almost threw up my BdM La Fiorita Riserva 2001.

Red some wine magazines that tries too add som music reviews: and please, pretty please don´t destroy WLTV with music!

All you other Wainics with ringin´ ears and hurting tummies seek out some George Benson healing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Df_7IaKmfI

regards
/the music lover

QOTD: Never have tried a Brunello, but after watching this show, I want to run the my favorite wine shop and find one!

A very intriguing episode, Gary. I enjoy the Brunellos as I find them to consistently reflect the terroir , yet present so much individual personality. I visited Tuscany and was head over heels for the Brunellos. I was lucky enough to find a 97 Frescobaldi Castelgiocondi. OMG! I recently tried a 99 Argiano which was the hit of the night after several Italian varieties. And, we imbibed a ton of Peccorino Parm with it. Now, that's a meal.

I do have a question. You mentioned something about Brunellos having to be aged for at least 3 or 5 years in oak? Is 3 years the minimum? Are Rossos simply aged less time? If so, what is the minimum that they must be aged? Once again, thanks for all you do. I'm learning all the time.

Sincerely,

Billy A.

Great show. You are absolutely right. Price escalation in Cali, Oregon, Columbia River Valley, France have brought Brunello back into the fray has a very high QPR contender, especially in a strong vintage.

QOTD: 1999 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino, Birthday present from my wife. Did I ever marry the right woman!

The song is "A better way" by and with Tony Vincent

Qotd Never had a brunello will have to seek one out .

Awsome episode

I was out last night so picking this up a day late (99 a bit low on the comments compared to some recently?).

That last one sounded a lot of crap, and the best of the bunch too!

QOTD (1&2) Have not had a Brunello, but do like it's cousin, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. I'm top heavy in Italian wines at the moment (& bought an Aglianico thanks to you) so may be some time before I buy one, but I'll try and get a taste somewhere.

Liked the Tony Vincent song, definately not terrible.

Hi there. Great show -- charcoal, crap, and stawberry -- only on WLTV. We visited Montalcino as a day trip from Florence last Nov. Defnitely want to go back and spend some more time there -- so beautiful, peaceful, and brunello-y. I love Brunello with Parm and Pecc. I love Cowgirl Creamery cheese so I'd probably drink just anything with that... Have a safe trip -- thanks for recording all of these shows before you left. Take care.

Hi, Gary. I love the show and I've been watching for several months now. Would it be possible to have the name of each wine displayed in the video as you open it? For whatever reason I find it so much easier to remember the names when I see the name in addition to hearing it. I know that the names are available on the website, but that doesn't help when I'm watching without internet access. Keep up the great work!

LUV ME SOME BRUNELLO!!!!!

Just came back from 2 weeks in Italy and stayed just outside Montalcino in San Giovanni d'asso. Beautiful and some great wine. Splurged and got a case of wine from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona which is a winery just down the hill from Montalcino. THeir 2001 is out of this world and I scored 3 of their 2001 Riserva that will chill in the cellar for (hopefully) a long time.
Their Rosso is very good also and their Fabius Syrah is to DIE for. Gary, can you get their stuff in the store? I will buy bunches!!!!!

QOTD- Brunello with some Peccorino Romano from its hometown of Pienza