An Italian Brunello Blind Tasting, Brown Bags And Fun!

An Italian Brunello Blind Tasting, Brown Bags And Fun! – Episode #487

June 17, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk tries 3 Brunello wines from Italy, The Brunello Di Di Montalcino wines are some of the most Sought after in the world!

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Comments on this episode(217) Leave a comment ›

“Loved it, i am a huge fan of tuscany, brunello especially. couldn’t a…” by Andrew
“Im down with the Iron Shiek. Poor guy has gone absolutely bat— craz…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2001 Ruffino Brunello Di Montalcino Greppone MazziBrunello di Montalcino
2003 Fanti Brunello Di MontalcinoBrunello di Montalcino
2003 La Rasina Brunello Di MontalcinoBrunello di Montalcino

Links mentioned in todays episode.

217 Responses

June 17, 2008

David Troyer
Seems to work with Firefox 3…
June 17, 2008

SGoodwin
Way to go back to the blind tastings. Hopefully no controversy this time!

Scott

PS – #2?!?!
June 17, 2008

PattyO
working for me too
June 17, 2008

waibeans
Quattro!
June 17, 2008

bfrankphoto
We won’t be fooled again!
June 17, 2008

BF
Awesome idea, big G.
June 17, 2008

waibeans
hahahahahahahahaha!!! poor santy claus!

that was classic GV!
June 17, 2008

David Dickinson
Top 10
June 17, 2008

Utah
Lets see if this one has an end!
June 17, 2008

RichG
Giddyup!!…Good one GaryV
June 17, 2008

Scott EJ
Love the Brunello. Hate the price.

QOTD: It’s been too long since I’ve had one, but I can say that I’m liking what is coming out of the states as far as Sangiovese; esp. the Sierra Foothills and Paso Robles reqion.
June 17, 2008

Eli2Tyree
Awsome ! Blind Brunello
June 17, 2008

Susan
Gary-Only had one Brunello so far but it was SUPERB!!!
June 17, 2008

MagnumGourmet
Top 20…Woo Hoo!!!
June 17, 2008

PattyO
Don’t roll in the Brunello price-tag-zone.
June 17, 2008

laurie in VT
QOTD: I’ve only had one Brunello, so no story yet. I liked it, though.
June 17, 2008

asommer
Nice episode, never had a Brunello myself. Are Brunello’s around $13-$20?
June 17, 2008

C-Fiddy
No Story, Yet….
Hey GV, How about developing the WineLibrary bottle coozie to use instead of the brown bags? You know, those neopreme things that zip up?
Cut me in for 2% of the action, and we’re good!
Thanks for another fun (and educational) show.
June 17, 2008

Bob W.
Brunello is my favorite wine. Have a bunch of ’01’s in the cellar and a few older bolltles too. Favorite story…….We treated some friends (not real wine enthusiasts) to dinner at our favorite Italian BYOB restaurant for watching our house while we were away. Brought a bottle of Brunello and an inexpensive Cab. Offered the freinds to taste both wines and they both selected the Cab! They couldn’t believe we would spend $50 on a bottle that to them was not as good as the $15 Cab. Different palletes and more Brunello for us!!
June 17, 2008

AZTrojan
I got a little nervous when I saw another blind tasting episode…

QOTD: I don’t have one yet, however I just purchased my first Brunello over the weekend.
June 17, 2008

Sarah
QOTD: drinking an 01 Carpineto BdM with the owner and his wife at a work luncheon.
June 17, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Hard to have any great Brunello stories other than chasing from one winery to another to taste them while in Italy. I have about 12 Brunello’s in storage back to 1990 but am dismayed about the current goings on. If Brunello’s are banned what will I use to replace them? Tuscans don’t come close even when they are all Sangiovese. Thanks for mentioning Swe Pea. When he was on he was great. I see him at Waering’s Gym in Virginia Beach every week. By the way, you mentioned one of the wines from the Cabernet blind tasting but I didn’t think we actually knew what any of the wines were.
June 17, 2008

Derek F.
Rockin show…

QOTD: dont have one yet…sorry Gary
June 17, 2008

Tom Jones
QOTD: Brunello is is a bit out of my wine price range so I do not have a story yet either.
June 17, 2008

Neil
Haven’t had many, but recently I brought a Brunello home for dinner and I thought it was a rip-off and my wife liked it. Trust your pal…..
June 17, 2008

Danny C
QOTD: Volunteered from Vias Imports 25th Anniversary party and got to pour some serious Brunellos and drink them too! Great experience!
June 17, 2008

Top 30 Baby
Yeh.
June 17, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
No story, I just find them overprised for how much I like thm
June 17, 2008

jawsh
Lurkers of the world unite!
June 17, 2008

Brian W.
QOTD….Only had a few Brunellos and they were at tastings…so hence little food to let the wine work with…maybe some down the road….of course now prices will go up with controversy…sigh!
June 17, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Great show, love Brunello, love the blind tastings! May I suggest the next blind tasting be double blind, it is fun to see you try to pinpoint where the wine is from, what the varietal is, the pricepoint, etc. I think it’s been quite a while since the last double blind show, but I remember you pretty much nailing every wine, very impressive.

Q-The first one I tried was a few years ago and it was great. Loved them ever since, just hate the prices!
June 17, 2008

manonthemoon
Great show. Love the blinds, would like to see at least one a week.

QOTD: Don’t have one yet because the price seems steep to have such a high strike out rate, plus I hate to wait.
June 17, 2008

Eric
Uh oh a lurker is commenting…..

I have never had one!
June 17, 2008

Harley Stan
Gary, cool episode. I have not tried brunello yet but I am sure someday when I am feeling spendy I will splurge.
QOTD- After watching one of the earlier Brunello episodes I went to the local warehouse liquor store. I was excited to find a bottle of Brunello, I looked at the price tag and put it back on the shelf. The end.
June 17, 2008

boegemann
QOTD: I can’t recall the last one, but I have a ‘99 Pertimali at home waiting for the perfect opportunity.

I love the “3 blind wines” reference, so in lieu of a story, here’s a Vayniak-inspired poem:

Three blind wines
Three blind wines
See how they smell
See how they taste
They all smell like an old carving knife
They taste like cherries and warm brown spice
Do you ever drink something new in your life
Like three blind wines
June 17, 2008

John Farrin
Yeah, like the blind.

QOTD: Ashamed to say I’ve never had one.
June 17, 2008

Karl Laczko
Definately a good episode, blind is interesting.

SOTD – I’m sad to say I don’t have one….yet
June 17, 2008

VinoVixen
Love the blind tastings!
QOTD: best brunello…..visiting Tuscany last Thanksgiving…going to Montalcino and visiting a very small organic/biodynamic called SanPolino and drinking some kiss — wine
June 17, 2008

purplejuicebruce
Have only had two Brunello’s and while I liked them I also would rather spend 1/2 or 1/3 less on a good Cali Sangiovese like a Chatom or a Noceto and call it good.
QOTD…no story but keep on with the blind tasting also after almost 500 episodes how about a double blind tasting I think it would be FUN!
June 17, 2008

Brian
No Brunello story YET!!!

I wish i even knew where my old wrestlers were..esp the old finger/thumb wrestlers..those were fun..
June 17, 2008

Kreepy Freek
oh…Brian changes his name to Kreepy Freek from now on
June 17, 2008

JudeMurphy
QOTD-
One day I was watching WLTV and Gary Vaynerchuk did a blind Brunello tasting and I thought, “hmm… they look nice. Must put that on my list of Wines to look out for.” Then I wrote a comment and the next day I probably thought “what was the name of that Italian wine on WLTV yesterday?” so I had to go back the the website to remember. I wrote it down then ended up watching some back episodes of WLTV. A few weeks later I bought a bottle of Brunello, but it wasn’t one of the ones Gary tasted because I can never find them. It was very nice. Then everyone lived happily ever after and Mott married the Oak Monster and we all drank Lemonade.
The End.
June 17, 2008

Chris S
I don’t have a Brunello story yet.
June 17, 2008

Brian Vanaski
QOTD: I don’t have a Brunello story. Maybe someday.
June 17, 2008

BruceP
SOTD: Small restaurant in Rome. 1 night stopover from working in Algeria. Had the most amazing subtle lemon pasta and then some veal. All that is best about Italian food. Bring together the best possible ingredients and then get the f*$k out of the way. Wish I could remember the name of the wine, but I do remember it being a Brunello.
June 17, 2008

BF
QOTD: Mine is a bad brunello story, unfortunately. Our local fancy restaurant has “Half-Price Wine Night” on Mondays. We decided to go, and I got all excited because I was going to be a baller and order Brunello. So I scoured their wine list online beforehand and picked out exactly the one I wanted. It was listed at $180, but at half-price I figured what the hell.

We got there and I ordered, and they said “oh, the half-price special doesn’t apply to wines over $100.” D’oh! What’s the point, then??
June 17, 2008

AJ
Yo!!! I can’t believe you called Popeye a “Jerkoff”!!!!! How rude!!!!!
June 17, 2008

Achilles Mike
Never had one yet…and wondering what will happen next week if the Feds turn a thumbs down on them.
June 17, 2008

GrapeStuff
Love the blind tastings, keep ‘em coming.

QOTD: Dont have one yet
June 17, 2008

Zinny
Hey Gary – thanks for the show. I noticed you didn’t talk about aging Brunellos? Are the wines you tasted today ready to drink – or how long should we cellar them if we were to buy any?

QOTD – no brunello story yet. I had one – it was good. Is that a story?
June 17, 2008

Claes
QOTD: I don’t have one… yet
June 17, 2008

nbaisley
QOTD: Don’t have one yet boss! Feel free to drop one at my doorstep though..lol
June 17, 2008

TommyBoBo of WI
QOTD: Best story thus far with Brunello.,,,, bought heavy into the 1997s and have been enjoying their development all these years. Off to Tuscany in October for more local experience,,, maybe with the stalled shipping it will be running in the streets???
June 17, 2008

Deano
Gary great episode i like the blind method as well.

QOTD:
-Dont have one yet
June 17, 2008

Harry
I’ve had a couple, but no good story comes to mind yet. But I’m glad Hacksaw Jim is coming to the game – just need a little Junkyard Dog in there for a good throwdown…
June 17, 2008

Adam J
Qotd: Not too many to choose from, but Banfi came to the CIA (culinary school) and did a huge tasting for us. We got to taste a few different Brunello vintages, it is a nice memory of the CIA. Any CIA vayniacs? If so hit me up!!!ajaxjenes@hotmail.com
June 17, 2008

Nico
dude, love the brunello episodes… “yoda in my mouth” = hilarious. Best Brunello story? 1999 La Colombina Brunello di Montalcino for Valentine’s this year… best wine of my life.

My notes (on corkd of course):
“This is old world goodness!!! I love Brunello! The color was “aging”… lighter and amber/brown edging. The nose is deep and hard to pick, but if I must, licorice, tobacco, soil, sweet oak. On the palate, the acidity and fruit is upfront and LUCID (if that makes sense), but it is so balanced and lasting! …+ or – evals… Distinct varietal character: +, Integration: +, Expressiveness: +, Complexity: +, Connectedness: +”
June 17, 2008

Shawn A
I smell a double blind tasting! Make it hot GV!
June 17, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: I have actually never had a Brunello…yet. Ive got a bunch of 2001 Brunellos from different producers but just haven’t opened any of them yet. I will be soon though.

–RH
June 17, 2008

sharon
Out of my range. Alas!
June 17, 2008

BiggRigg
Don’t have a story, yet. Going sailing in the Mediterranean off the coast of Sicily later this summer, so I am sure I will have one then.
June 17, 2008

Edward Colcord
QOTD: Not . . .yet.
June 17, 2008

Kevin K
SOTD: Not yet.
June 17, 2008

Rick D
I’m with the majority of those that love the blind tastings. Keep ‘em coming.

SOTD: Brunello has a very soft place in my heart since it launched my wife and I into the wine world. It started on our trip to Italy last year. We spent over a week in Tuscany and, of course, visited both Montalcino and Montepulchiano. The very best time, though, was sitting on the patio of a cafe on the wonderful central piazza, Il Campo, in Sienna sipping Brunello to our heart’s content. There is nothing finer in the world. I also sent a case of Brunello home from Italy and that started my wine collection which now numbers over 150 bottles. If you can still find (and afford them) the 97s are to die for.
June 17, 2008

Dr. Dan
After the last few Brunellos that I had, I finally verbalized why I like them so much. To me, they are very reminiscent of Pinot Noirs. This is precisely what GV described today. Brunello is light to medium bodied, with good acidity and fruit, but is also elegant, rather than over powering. This is exactly what I like about Pinot.
June 17, 2008

Malphas
I do not have a Brunello story… yet.
June 17, 2008

Exgrap
My wife and I will never forget our first Brunello. We were beginning wine drinkers back in the mid nineties, With three young kids we could hardly afford a Brunello much less even know what one was. A client gave me a bottle as a gift. When we traveled we always brought our cooler. This time we threw in the Brunello(’89, I believe) having no idea about cost or pedigree. After we dropped off our oldest child at camp we settled in at a nearby motel with the two little ones. It was a hot summer late afternoon so we camped out by the pool. After ordering a pizza, I brought it down by the pool with our Brunello and a few Dixie cups. I waded into the pool with a cup for my wife and one for myself. We both tasted at the same time and broke out in big smiles. We were blown away.We had never tasted anything so elegant and here we were drinking out of paper cups and eating cheap pizza. I’ll never forget that it was the night of the opening ceremonies for the “96 Olympics. By the time the fireworks were exploding our Brunello was also reaching its crescendo. We still talk about that crazy experience and always celebrate special occassions with a Brunello
June 17, 2008

Dominus
This show depicts the essence of why I love you and you are my hero. I’m a huuuuge fan of Brunello though the cheaper varieties but a brown bag blind tasting makes it that much more exciting.

QOTD: The only story I have is the little woman and I frequent a “strip mall-type” Italian restaurant here in Rockville, MD as often as we can and each and every time I order the usual; Burnello di Montalcino. Yummy, inexpensive though can pair well with rustic Italian dishes.

Love it, love it, love it!!!!

Sante!
Dom
June 17, 2008

dAve
good show. Not sure I will find or try these. earth to Gary – $60? Gas is over $4.00 a gallon, I’m not sure I’m going for a $60 for 750ml. .. . . what is that a gallon?
QOTD: I think I answered that above. smile. Still love the show, and Mott! (oh, blush)
Hacksaw Duggan! Go Go go! USA USA USA!
June 17, 2008

dustin
gary,

thanks for the show. im a new wine drinker so ive taken your advice and havent bought the same bottle or tried too many of the same varieties twice.

the one brunello i enjoyed was a little disappointing considering i dropped 5000 yen (50 bucks) on it.

anyway, cool show, why not use foil to wrap the bottles next time? might be more stable on the table even though i thought it was funnny when you knocked over that paper bag bottle a couple episodes ago.

BTW, i saw a couple eat drink or die videos . . . . liked the swearing and enthusiasm. still waiting for you to drop the ”f” bomb…..

keep up the good work.
June 17, 2008

John P
QOTD: My daughter-in-law’s father gave me a bottle
of 97 CastelGiocondo Brunnello DiMontalcino. Had
Brunnello’s in the past and loved it. This guy was
an airline pilot going to Rome a couple of times a week.
What a way to pick up Italian wine!!!
June 17, 2008

Matt Dixon
I don’t have one yet. (I’m not a lurker anymore)
June 17, 2008

Nick P.
I have never tried Brunello but I will now! Off now to watch the past episodes that Mott graciously linked up.
June 17, 2008

chrisschmidt
GV- Great show! I have been watching for a long time and have learned so much from you and your website.

As for Brunello, I have never tried one.

Twitter me up! @chrisschmidt
June 17, 2008

Michael Mohammadi
QOTD: Drinking a 1997 Soldera Riserva Brunello at Osteria al Giridina (outstanding restaurant) in Montalcino for my birthday last year with my girlfriend

I could write 10 pages of Brunello stories, though that is one of the best!
June 17, 2008

naysen
Only experience is with the 2000 Poggio Lontano Brunello di Montalcino that Trader Joes sold for $20. Back then I thought I liked it (got a text message from a friend saying I should buy some…), but now I realize it was a fairly weak effort. I look forward to trying something real and strong.
June 17, 2008

Little Jonny H
I am really fond of the blind tasting. Don’t get me wrong, I trust Gary’s Pal, but I think it would be ridiculously awesome to do a couple wines gary has tasted on the show in the past, but this time bring ‘em out in the brown bags. Just some food for thought!

QOTD: Haven’t had one, and won’t until I’ve got an expense account to drill into.
June 17, 2008

BobbyTiger
The three blind bags. Nice concept, and fun to watch. QOTD. My favorite brunello story? Umm…………., well……………., ah………………., I uh……………..say what?…………….
June 17, 2008

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: I’ve only had one Brunello; it was this past september, my brother’s birthday, and his spouse treated the 3 of us to an incredible dinner and a kickass Brunello. I’ve never had a wine that blew me away like that one did.
June 17, 2008

KenP
Excellent show.
June 17, 2008

Orion S.
SotD: I don’t have one yet…

They’re still a bit out of my price range.
June 17, 2008

David Dadekian
SOTD: I wish I had one, but not yet.
June 17, 2008

Digital
Hacksaw Jim Duggan! Hooooooooooo …. from my hometown of GLENS FALLS, NY. HOOOOOOOO!!
June 17, 2008

M
I recently read about the brunello controversy in Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

QOTD: I’ve had one Brunello. On a birthday I decided to buy myself a Brunello. In prior years, I had enjoyed plenty of Chianti and a few Rosso Di Montalcino. At the wine store I felt like they were judging me. They actually tried to talk me out of buying a $50 bottle of Brunello. They didn’t know I had a big ol wine storage unit at home. I had plenty of Burgundy in it but no expensive Italian wine. I bought the $50 bottle anyway. A few months later, my husband and I enjoyed it with a nice meal. I can’t remember which Brunello I bought. It was over 5 years ago.
June 17, 2008

Hido53
SOTD: No stories about Brunello Di Montalcinos yet Gary. Looking forward to experiencing a true-to-form, genuine, non-New World, honest example in the near future!
June 17, 2008

Omallley
QOTD: I have none. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Not a single Brunello story.

I’m thinking that I need to expand my wine cellar to have a few more Sagrantinos, Brunello, Vino Nobile di Motepulciano and so on…
June 17, 2008

sam
I am an unfortunate for I have not a Brunello story to tell…one soon to come…
June 17, 2008

Justin Viger
um . . . I’ve don’t have one yet?
. . .
June 17, 2008

RonD
Sorry man, no Brunello stories yet. But did I ever tell you the one about the great Limberger wine from WA?
June 17, 2008

terroirist
My Brunello story is as follows. I got my fist retail wine job.. I was cleaning out a back office and stumbled on a half case of Il Poggione Brunello Di Montalcinos 1998. Someone had long forgotten about the dusty bottles, so I picked one up and brought it to a cashier and asked the price.. $14.99.. I had never had a bottle prior and from what I had read about them I was expecting a power house. That was not the case. I agree with Dr. Dan’s above comments. This was a ligt/medium bodied wine with very nice delicacy, nice fruit and a spicy nuance. I called up a specialty wine shop in town and ask how much they were selling the same bottle (yet later vintage) and it was like 65 bucks! I asked and explained to my “boss” that I’d found these and got the A-OK and bought all 6. It left me broke for a week, but I knew I was getting a bargain. I gave a few away to some of my wine friends and drank some with my wine friends. I still have one bottle left that I intend on drinking on my 35th B-Day in October. I plan on having it with lamb cooked in an Indian style. Not too spicy (the food..). Yum.

aka Mike in Nebraska
June 17, 2008

Wana
I bought a large bottle (magnum?) of Brunello di Montalcino by Sugarille at a charity auction. I think it was a 1998 vintage (it’s been several years ago). I took it to the lake and my wife and sister and brother-in-law and I drank it and it was absolutely the most killer Brunello I’ve ever had! During the process of consuming the bottle and yakking the wine opened up into a magnificent silky flavo-rama that completely blew us all away. I think I paid $425 for the bottle and would gladly pay that much again, if I could find it.
June 17, 2008

Palmer
I don’t have one yet GV. But I will make one happen for you!
June 17, 2008

vivaitalia
Love the blind episodes, definitely keep them coming. I’d really love to see a double blind (i’m sure many feel the same) just to see your reactions to wines with no preconceived notions at all involved. My best story involving Brunello would probably be the time I really learned how mood and environment came effect your perception of a wine. I was at this bar owned by a fellow wine lover and we were watching the Giants Super Bowl victory and we were having a great time watching the Patriots go down. He brought me a glass of wine and I didn’t even ask what it was. It tasted like the best wine i’ve ever had in my life. It was silky smooth on the palate and gobs of ripe fruit balanced nicely with earth tones and finishing with a great spiciness. I asked him what it was and was shocked to see a label reading Col d’orcia 2000 brunello di montalcino. I had bought that same wine a few months early and absolutely hated it. Half of the bottle went down the drain. The best Brunello i’ve ever had was surprisingly a 2001 Banfi Brunello. It was the first one i’d ever had and I was amazed at the full body and silky texture which i’d never experienced in an Italian wine before. The 2001 Salicutti Rosso di Montalcino is even better than any Brunello i’ve ever tried.
June 17, 2008

Fabs
I was given a ‘01 Brunelli as gift last year.
Been wondering when I should open it?
June 17, 2008

Sep
I’ve had a number of brunello wines, but there’s no real story yet.
June 17, 2008

Big Mac
No story. But, I couldn’t resist not saying something about your charred steak comment. Wow, way to KILL the meat!!! Medium rare, and medium rare only. A hot dog, maybe charred, but steak? Wow, really shocked. Can’t wait to watch you on Rev 3!
June 17, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: Had a few Brunellos–don’t remember their names, but I do know I enjoyed all of them. I’ll pay closer attention when I try some from the cellar and maybe I’ll have a story to tell.
June 17, 2008

pete c
QOTD- have ‘04 La Rasina Rosso di Montalcino. Loved the wine and rarely buy a case, but bought 2. Almost gone, but for the $16 was a very good addition to the cellar.
June 17, 2008

espressokev
i don’t have one yet
June 17, 2008

KVolk
Qotd: Don’t have one yet……….
June 17, 2008

Jesse C.
Hey Gary,

Just wanted to say congratulations on your show and bringing so much wine insight to casual wine enthusiasts like myself. It truly is appreciated and one of the highlights of my day here in Korea.

Keep up the good work!
ì•„ì‹¸ (Ah-sa; I don’t know the exact translation but it is similar to awesome)
June 17, 2008

Dave M.
Never had one..Thanks to you I will
June 17, 2008

BobMac
QotD: No story yet.
June 17, 2008

Darlene O.
Hey, Gary! Love blind tasting episodes! They’re killer! QOD: ‘Don’t have one yet’….:}
June 17, 2008

laposte
QOTD:

For my son’s 23 birthday this past May I set out a 1993 Bondi Santi to take with us to dinner. We told him he should invite a couple friends… he asked a couple that were my age rather than his own…he didn’t think any of his friends would truly appreciate a good brunello.
June 17, 2008

Michael
I have done a lot of brunello tastings when I lived in Italy from 2003-2005. My favorite producers are La Fortuna, Villa Le Prata and Banfi. My favorite experience was opening up a 1995 Banfi Brunello Poggio d’Oro when with good friends the night my daughter came home from the hospital when she was born in 2005. It was incredible. Miss buying great brunellos for 20-30 dollars.

If you have not tried them, I highly recommend Sangiovese de Emilia Romagna. THey dont get the publicity here in the US (or in Italy for that matter) but they are really good. Recommend Castellucio (Ronco di Ginestre/Ronco di Ciliegi) followed by San Valentino as producers.
June 17, 2008

Saftig
These blind tastings really put you through your paces. Well done.
QOTD: While stationed in Germany yonks ago, made side trip to Italy and walked around this small town with open bottle and big hunk of bread. Very rustic.
June 17, 2008

Kelsey
SoTD – Sorry, I don’t have one. YET.

Someone else mentioned they’re a bit out of price range for them and I’ve got to agree. A wee bit rich for my blood…
June 17, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD- 2000 cassanova di neri the cheaper one three months ago. had my good friend over for some vino after work and i told him to pick whatever(because thats what thursday nights are for) It was a little young but killing it goodness. Luckly my girlfriend and his girlfriend were drinking bubbles so we didnt have to share very much. Good Thursday
June 17, 2008

kaybee
Good show!
QoTd
No Brunello stories yet! Other stories, just not Brunello.
June 17, 2008

Grapedigger
Fun show GV..I have not had a Brunello yet, but I’ll very soon..Cheers
June 17, 2008

Rumblestrip
Greatest Iron Sheik interview EVER!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K-wEUCCvE0
June 17, 2008

Alex from LA
SOTD – 2001 Pinino Brunello, thanks to you Gary, tired it had to have more of it. 1997 Banfi poggio alla mura first one, brought it over from Italy hand held.
Because of brunellos I have the love for wine that I have today.
June 17, 2008

Jimmy T
At least the Fanti was a ‘03. I am cellaring an ‘01 that was highly rated. I hope it brings the thunder.

SOTD: Keeping it short, it was a Brunello that made me a wine enthusiast. I think everyone has that one bottle that was the tipping point for them. Brunello was that for me, I have been a fanantic since.
June 17, 2008

Roberto
Brunello story:

got my first taste of Brunello in NYC from the man himself, yes, Mr. F Biondi Santi… we had just gotten back from living in Italy and we hit it off, he opened up some of his special stash at a Wine Exp. and that set me off on the Brunello path… Franco Biondi Santi all the way!!!! his brunellos are rustic and tannic and really old world but i love them… you really have to be patient and open them when the time is right… 20 plus yrs…
June 17, 2008

Richard Ritter
Love the Duggin figure.
QOTD: It was 1997, downtown NYC in some restaurant that I’m not sure is still open, something “De La Fontana”. Anyway, I took my wife and mother-in-law there for lunch. We ate in the basement by the foutain, or what seemed to be the basement, and we were the only ones there. I ordered a 1992 Brunello and my wife and her mother were not big fans, but I was. I guess I was a little too much of a fan and couldn’t go back to work for a while because I had finished the bottle. It was my first Brunello, and I’ve loved them ever since.
June 17, 2008

Robin C
Interesting DNA video. I can see that you’ve thought about this a lot. Is that the nature vs. nurture argument? One certainly can’t underestimate the power of parents whether through nature or nurture.
QOTD: Brunello-wise: I have several Brunellos waiting for a special occasion like for example if I leave my gate open by mistake and a deer wanders in my back yard and my 9 cats bring it down and I have to stab it through the heart to put it out of it’s misery and after I wash the blood off of the hollyhocks and chitalpa and skin it and whatever else it is you do to a dead deer I could have it for dinner with the Brunello.
June 18, 2008

Brook
Gary,
Good, good episode but why do you have to crinkle up the brown paper bags?

Take good care,
Brook
June 18, 2008

Wes M
“I don’t have one yet”
June 18, 2008

John D.
QOTD: Sorry Gary, no Brunello stories here. I’ve tried and enjoyed barolo though. Looks like I have a new mission for this weekend (this message will no self-destruct in 10 seconds, thank you….)

Thanks for the great episode. Love the blind tastings!
June 18, 2008

John
Don’t have a Brunello story yet but I’m workin on it.
June 18, 2008

Pete G
Thoroughly enjoyed this episode as I have yet to venture into the Brunello end of the pool. Will BOLO the La Rasina, promise.

QOTD: see above
June 18, 2008

ARM90405
Best Brunello I’ve had was a ‘95 Castello Banfi. Some friends and I threw ourselves a nice ten course meal with wine pairings last November. I served the Brunello with a Tuscan style grilled duck breast. Magnifico!
June 18, 2008

teckdeck2008
qotd: I don’t have a story yet, but I might once I get out of college and have $50 to spend on a bottle of wine.
June 18, 2008

Robert Howells
I tasted quite a few Brunellos at a wine festival and it brought serious thunder. They can destroy your palate quickly if you are not careful.
June 18, 2008

rimarfish
Thanks Gary for another great episode. Blind tastings episodes are the best!
QOTD: Don’t have a story yet…
June 18, 2008

FMR JERZY GUY
QOTD: Several years ago, I purchased three bottles of ‘97 Castello Banfi Brunello at a supermarket in Boise, Idaho. For some reason that remains unclear, they were ON SALE(???!!) for around $35 so I bought whatever they had. I laid them down for a while, but then found myself in that old bind of never having a significant enough reason to actually DRINK them.

One night, when a winemaker friend of mine (Matt Gubitosa, ANIMALE) here in Seattle had his brother visiting from LA, I brought the last bottle of the three over to his house and he made a beautifully basic meal of pasta, bread and a salad. We opened the Brunello, let it breath for a couple of hours…..and were BLOWN away by its majesty and multi-dimensional layers of flavor. It was a wine that took your breath away. I’m so glad that I had the smarts to open it for exactly the right reason: three friends getting together to eat great food, talk endlessly about wine and share the joyful miracle of winemaking.

Matt told me later that he had the last glass in the bottle some three days after our meal, and it JUST GOT BETTER!

Wine is magic.

Thanks for a great show!
June 18, 2008

BrianSelf
Havnt had a brunello experience yet but I will try number three soon!
June 18, 2008

DT
Hey Gary! Yet again, another stellar episode. Ok, you finally called me out…this lurker finally dropped a comment! Sadly, no story with Brunello, but…a story about Hacksaw! Hacksaw’s father was the chief of police in the town that I grew up in, and my mother worked at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Obviously the police were regularly there providing security, etc. My mom and the chief became good friends, and while I’m still a bit younger than Hacksaw, I can remember him putting me in quite a good headlock in the backyard while fooling around. This was about ‘82, just before Jim’s career took off. Thanks for including his 2 x 4 in this episode! And really…if there’s one guy that can mish mash Hacksaw Duggan and Brunello…Gary Vee is that man! Oh, and J-E-T-S!!!!
June 18, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
SoTD: Well here it is…why wine storage units need a lock. I was well into the 17th bottle at a wine tasting I held in my apartment about 7 months ago when the “then” birthday boy announced that Brunello was his favorite wine. I wanted to open something special…but only had one Brunello. I KILLED a 2001 Valdicava Madonna del Piano that night…and it finally started strutting it’s stuff three days later as it was far too young to be opened.

Gary – Thank you for the great shows…we do appreciate all the hard work.
June 18, 2008

rickk
In the last month I have tried to buy a nice Brunello so I could try for the first time. I bought two $50 bottles, one was Orange and the other one was vinegar. Returned then and bought another one, again orange from a different producer.
June 18, 2008

Jared Pondelik
Fantastic show Gary.

QQTD: I really enjoy Brunellos, but I deffintely find I like they so much with food more than alone. No real impressive story, but just enjoy drinking them with a favorite dish.
June 18, 2008

Antony
I found a Banfi Brunello in my local Tesco (kinda like WalMart) going for Â£15. With UK taxes being what they are that equates to something under 25 bones… so I went for it. When I got homw I did a little research and discovered, amongst other things, that the 2002 vintage I had bought was regarded as a wash-out with may smaller producers not even bothering. So that explained the price. What did it taste like? I could have bought a much better wine for the price but learnt a little – so guess it was worth it.
June 18, 2008

Oakmon's BF
Iâ€™m glad to see you get right back on the horse with the blind tasting.

Brunello doesnâ€™t fall within my price range. I will probably buy one just so I can chalk it up, but itâ€™d really have to change my life for it to become a regular for me.
June 18, 2008

Oakmon's BF
When I was little my parents told me Santa brought the Christmas presents. He also delivered presents to all the children in the world in one night in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. But they never tried to convince me wrestling wasnâ€™t fake. They assumed I wasnâ€™t that gullible.
June 18, 2008

Kristen
SOTD: Unfortunately, I don’t have a Brunello story b/c it’s just a *bit* outta my price range. However, I do have a Barolo story and those are usually outta my price range unless a few friends and I share a bottle!
June 18, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: I have had a few but nothing that I consider best so far…….
June 18, 2008

SaraMHCRU
ummm, let’s see, the only brunello stories i have are “i was watching wltv and gary was talking about brunello” so I suppose that’s that. A tad out of my budget, I think.
June 18, 2008

Raybo
QOTD – My Brunello story is when I went out to dinner with my boss several months ago. He goes to this particular restaurant quite often so the sommelier knows him well. She suggested a Brunello and it just so happens that the daughter of the producer was there visiting. She came to our table and poured the wine for us as she told us about her winery and how they made the wine. The wine was fabulous and information insightful.
June 18, 2008

Keith
Not tried a Brunello yet…may wait for US dollar to get stronger, they sound expensive.
June 18, 2008

FredHead
There is no better Brunello story than the Cork Soakers. When was that, ‘68? I’m thinking ‘70.
June 18, 2008

Klassh
I don’t have one “Yet” *Grumbles and fades back into the shadows*
June 18, 2008

ex-lurkdawg
My favorite Brunello experience is not much of a story. It was the first time I tried Brunello and the first time I spent over $50 on a bottle of wine. I fell in love. The many earthy characteristics, the power and elegance … I’ve had a few since then and Brunello is my favorite category of wine.
June 18, 2008

Nico
Don’t drink Brunello, usually bit pricey for the quality.

Also, gee, look at the episode: one great wine, one OK, one not OK… For $50-$60 a bottle? Too much variability at that price point, it requires too much work and too much money (bit like Burgundies)…

That being said, will go get a bottle of la Rasina 2003.
June 18, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – A few years ago I was able to do some traveling in Tuscany, and some friends at a local win store hooked me up with an ‘insiders’ tour of one of the vineyards. It was a pretty awesome experience to walk through the vines and the wine making facility… good times. Getting to taste some good stuff afterwards was also nice.
June 18, 2008

pawncop
Good show.

I do not have one yet.
June 18, 2008

Alfredhayes
QOTD: I haven’t had one yet.

Great show
June 18, 2008

dafo
None yet.
June 18, 2008

Lars
Nice show !!!!

When are you going to talk about Wineinvestment in generel !!
June 18, 2008

W Miree
Man, do I agree with you that some Brunellos (and Piedmente red wines) in the last few years (5-7 years of releases)have too much oak. My rule of thumb is that if the oak is obvious, it is too much. Barolo has been doing the same thing, but in the last two vintages has noticeably pulled back to a very enticing blend of “New World” and “Traditional” vintification approaches. The 2004 Barolos are among the best I have ever tasted. The Modernists in Brunello have further to go to get to a balance I enjoy, but there are signs of progress in that direction. Fanti is definitely one that needs more progress. I just hate to see such good grapes, and otherwise such good vinification techniques, be corrupted by so much oak that the the classic characteristics of a wine are simply covered up.

QOTD: My greatest revelation is that there is a trend in Brunello and Barolo to “get the right balance” between Modernists and Traditionalists. The ones that have done this are making the best wines in the world for my tastes.
June 18, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo Gee, Fuuun Episode !! Moochoo Thanx !!

QOTD: Don’t got NO “Brunello Stories”…….. Think i’ve had maybe ONE
Brunello in me Lifetime…….. Got some catchin’ up to do……..
June 18, 2008

George
No Brunello, but I had a great 2000 Haut-Medoc last week.
June 18, 2008

LauraG
Why did you say Ian screwed you? I don’t get it…

My best Brunello story is bringing a 1995 back from my Tuscan honeymoon in 2000 and holding it almost 5 more years, only to have my then 14 year old stepdaughter break into my cellar and chug it with one of her friends about 2 months ahead of the anniversary I was saving it for. Didn’t say it was a HAPPY story… in fact, it really sucked. Bad.
June 18, 2008

M. Nurn
SOTD: Sorry to say, but I do not have a Brunello story YET. I’ll have to go out and get one, perhaps this afternoon even. And THEN I will have a story to tell.

Also, I will go garage sale shopping to look for wrestlers. I am going to my parent’s house for the 4th, and I’m pretty sure that we have some old wrestlers around the house somewhere. I’m on the lookout for ya Gary!

In the next show, could you give a suggestion(s) for wine tasting themes? I’m putting one together for my friends, and I’m not exactly sure as to what I want to do. It doesn’t have to be a intense, drawn-out explanation, but just something quick that would be fun to do. Thanks, keep bringing the thunder!
June 18, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: 50th Birthday, splurged on 97 Valdicava. Very nice, very pricey. Have had 99 Brunello from Sesti Vinyards and thought it was very good. As a general rule Brunello’s hit the wallet too hard. I go for the Rossos for Montelcino pleasure. How about a head to head from same vinyards. Brunello vs Rosso??? Would be interesting.

Thanks great show. Love the Italian wines.
June 18, 2008

James
I bought a couple brunello’s from Trader Joes cause dude-buddy-guy in the Hawaiian shirt said it was a steal… haven’t drank them yet… I feel like I should make a meal for it.
June 18, 2008

Cuse Wino
QOTD- I was in Italy last summer and I set up a winery tour at Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona near Montalcino. A friend said they made great wine and they were great people. He was right on both accounts. Their 2001 Brunello had gotten like a 95 WS and it was sold out when I got there, but their Riserva got 97 and I have three precious ones in my cellar. Have picked up a couple regulars and the five of them are waiting to be drunk- hopefully I can wait! Beautiful place and really good wines. Their Fabius Syrah is to die for and their Rosso is very good as well. Look them up if you are in the area- Ask for Angela.
June 18, 2008

Zach
It seemed like you didn’t like wine #1 very much but you gave it 89+ pts?

QOTD: Our only Brunello experience was a 10 wine tasting (mostly 2003’s) at a great local wine store. Unfortunately we were underwhelmed. The wines were quite tannic and many had strong tomato flavors, which doesn’t suit our palates. Not to mention the prices We’re looking forward to our first “ah-ha” Brunello…
June 18, 2008

Nick G
I don’t really have a Brunello Story. But I am the wine guy at the store I am working at and am very disappointed that we don’t have any Brunellos. Although I will be bringing some in very soon. Unfortunately, they tend to fall into a price point that most consumers can’t afford.
June 18, 2008

Augustus
Stumbled upon a 20 dollar Brunello, that’s right, just twenty bones that was really quite good. Four years in oak, the whole nine yards.
June 18, 2008

Edmond
Haven’t got any Brunello stories yet man… I’m taking my vacation soon, so I’ll try to get out and find a bottle or two!
June 18, 2008

Cliff Starr
I’d love to have a story, and plan you have one soon… Just one thing… Any recommendations for my first Brunello? One of my favorites right now is Greco di Tufo… Not a red, I know, but I do like a lot of earthy reds aswell… So…Any ideas?

And while I’m asking, Any recommended Greco di Tufos out there? I live in Pa and its not always easy to get a large variety of wines… So when I do get ahold of wine I’d like to know if it might be a recommended one, just to compare it to my tastes and see what I think against some others. So that I could find a person in the wine world that I might have similar tastes with to see what else I might like…any help would be awsome… I’m new to wine and well…I just wanna know more!!!
June 18, 2008

Cliff Starr
Also any recommendations for other wines that are a little harded to come by in Pa that i might enjoy?
June 18, 2008

Ariel
My sister was living in a small town in the province of Lucca. I visited and we traveled down to Montalcino. It was a cold day in March of 2003. There weren’t that many people around. Many places were closed. We ate at a small place then wandered over to a little enoteca that was open. I don’t pretend to know much about wine, but it was a unique experience. I still have a bottle of a 96 and a 94. I do not know the name only that it has a big, serif V on the label. I romance the idea of opening it with ever changing criteria.
June 18, 2008

PaVo
Not a lurker but Am still waiting for my best brunello story as I’ve never had one. Stupid weak dollar and expensive wines!
June 18, 2008

Zk
QOTD: Don’t have one yet, and I’m not rollin’ that deep so it may be awhile before I get one…
June 18, 2008

John Blue Label
Nice Episode GV,
Bye the way, the 97 point Brunello you spoke of was 2001 Pinino. It is really good, and was at a nice price point.
SOTD: I had a special guest over my house (President of my alma mater, Siena College: Go Saints) and I broke out a bottle of the WS WOTR 2006: Casanova di Neri Brunello 2001 to go with the Italian feast I had planned. It did not disappoint. What an elegant, beautiful wine. It was so smooth and well structured, and I don’t even think it is done evolving. Well, needless to say, he was impressed. Followed that up with some Masi 1999 Amarone. Wow, talk about good juice!
John Blue Label
June 18, 2008

AndrewG
No great brunello story yet, though I am going to search out the la rasina. Thanks as always for a great episode.
June 18, 2008

Newman
QOTD: I don’t have one yet. Brunello is a little pricey on a student’s budget, but soon.

On a completely different note, I noticed that the British Columbia liquor store website’s front page has a big ad saying “Rose: Try something new this summer.” Maybe someone in their marketing division is a Vayniac?
June 18, 2008

Bill
nothing yet. i’ve had a few but no good stories to go along.
June 19, 2008

glenn
what a concept, a blind tasting where the bags actually come off? j/k.

QotD: dinner @ Il Mulino years ago where we sat late, drank BdM, and remained on our best behavior as John Gotti was in the hizzy. quietest meal i ever had @ Il Mulino!
June 19, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
Great Bru show ,you got balls to do a blind on these wines !

QOTD: BRACCO Brunello SURPRISE ! it ROCKED!
June 19, 2008

David
I’m from LA. In 02′ went to visit my wife’s friend in Philadelphia. We go to this wine bar (Panorama) and we each have a glass of Pinot. Then her Dad orders a 1997 Brunello from a small producer Podere La Vigna and everyone was like “Yeah!” A year later, a friend of ours brought back a Castello Banfi Brunello “Poggio Alle Mura” from Italy that is still one of my favorites.
June 19, 2008

mjr
no brunello stories, dudes
but enjoyed the show & i like knowing the regions/places
s.w. of florence
gotcha
mjr in tokyo
June 19, 2008

ChrisV
SOTD: Was in Florence, Italy mid last year on my own, having never even heard of Brunello. I went into a side street, away from the main tourist traps, and found a little upmarket-looking place. I went in there and ordered the works – appetizer plate with local prosciutto, etc, then starter and main. The waitress asked if I wanted wine and I said that I did, but could she recommend me something other than Chianti (at that point the only Italian wine I’d had). She recommended me a half bottle of Brunello for something like 40 euro and it absolutely ripped it. Since that time, on the rare occasions I can find good Brunello in Australia, I have been a keen consumer. Have also gotten into other Italian wines, especially Dolcetto and Ripasso.

Good episode… but it makes me sad that I always watch these episodes for entertainment and not with regard to what the wines are, since I know I have nearly a zero percent chance of finding any of these wines here.
June 19, 2008

Jack2112
Enjoy your Brunello episodes, as always.

QOTD: Hosted a little Italian evening at my studio in NYC for friends and clients, and bought cheese and meats from Grand Central Market. Went to Morrell and picked up a few bottles of Brunello, specifically Mocali 2001. For the price ($35) I was SHOCKED by how good it was, and to watch the expressions of everyone drinking their first (yes all of them BDM virgins) Brunello was a trip.
June 19, 2008

Rhonda
I don’t have a Brunello story yet, but I hope to someday!
June 19, 2008

Giania
No Brunello tales yet. We’ll have to wait and see.
June 19, 2008

Kezza
Don’t have one yet.. sorry!!
June 20, 2008

Rebecca Christophersen
Probably have too many Brunello stories, but will give you the most sober. My friend got married inside the Fortress of Montalcino about two weeks ago and it was the best wedding I’ve been to by far. A big part of the community was there, and producers like Cerbaiona, Gianfranco Soldera were sitting at the table next to us. Great food prepaired by the chef at Poggio Antico.
A message to all you Brunello lovers: Search out the small producers & you’ll make sure to get the “real” stuff!
June 20, 2008

RenatoFonseca
Gary,

Wine prices in Brazil are so obnoxius, it’s just insane. As I’m travelling to Italy at the end of this year, I will be drinking my first Brunello there. Prices in Brazil are in the range of 150 bones. Bring WineLibrary to Brazil, man!!
Congratulations and best regards.
June 20, 2008

RenatoFonseca
Gary,

The price of Brunellos in Brazil is obnoxius, itÂ´s just insane. They are in the US$ 150 bones range. I intend to enjoy my first Brunello when I travel to Italy, later this year. Man, you have to bring Winelibrary to Brazil and fix the price structure for wines here. WeÂ´re the 8th largest economy in the world and itÂ´s about time our wine market gets some real improvement.

Congratulations on your work and Best Regards
June 20, 2008

pierazzo
i agree with rebecca, when a wine become too much famous, if you still want the best quality and sticking to the traditions, search the little prouders
ciao form Italy
June 20, 2008

Ryan W
QOTD – I have yet to have a Brunello, but of course will soon.

Gary I think it would be cool for you to do a blind tasting show where you don’t know the wines varitel or region and try and guess what they are. That would make for a killer show.

MOTT, where is the link to the Blind Cab show? I sent you an email and never got a link to the show.
June 20, 2008

Zack0
We were vacationing outside of Montalpulciano a few years back and drove around the area looking for places to wine taste..without a guide or intelligently gathered information (went through some cheese tasting places on accident), we ended up on a dirt road near the town of Montalcino..we stopped above a long driveway and wondered if we were going to get shot going up to this house…just when we were going to send out my step brother for reconn – this old lady with no teeth waved at us to come down to the house…then 2 men (twin brothers) came out and welcomed us in. Andreas and Marciello gave us a tremendous tour and explanation of Brunello – and gave us each a bottle after tasting some tremendous wine!! We ended up carrying 6 bottles back to the states.. The winery is called La Serena. Andreas is the producer, his brother an architect (that blows crystal glass as well!!) We tasted some ‘97, 99, and ‘01…the ‘99 was the best but muy $$..that is my brunello story and i am sticking to it..
June 21, 2008

Sharon
I don’t have a Brunello story. Frankly, I get it mixed up with Barolo, lumped together in my mind as the Italians reds that I can’t afford, heh heh.
June 21, 2008

the unknown chef
15 or 16 years ago, when San Francisco wasn’t such the restaurant scene it is today, and life was more relaxed without reservations, there was a tiny (and I mean tiny) place near the Pyramid called Cafe Macaroni. Three brothers, market Italian cuisine and the rippingest Italian wine list for that time. Too long ago to remember the maker but, I remember one of the brothers nixed my Brunello choice and brought me a Rosso that was magical and about 1/2 the price. Kisses on both cheeks all around at the end of dinner, topped by their cellar hooch limoncello and that’s what I think of Montalcino.
June 21, 2008

Ben C
Story of the day:
Celebrated my girlfriend’s and my graduation on Wednesday with a beautiful Donatella Colombini 2001 Brunello, with bison carpaccio and lamb chops and lamb tajin. YUM.
June 21, 2008

Big Bear
Brunello.. I have a bottle which I am saving for when I land my first big job. The interview was yesterday, so here is hoping that the cork will come out soon!

Great Show!
BB
June 21, 2008

Kevin
Hm. Either a vertical of Poggio Antico 1997 and 2001, or listening to stories from a Tuscan friend who lives near Montalcino talk about wealthy westerners buying posh brunello and pop-and-pouring it into plastic cups, and shooting her back. Yikes.
June 22, 2008

The Ben
Don’t have a story yet. I do have your book now though. I had it with me at a local cafe at the bar, and an old gentleman sitting next to me, saw it and asked “are you working on becoming a wine expert?” I could only tell him “I’m working on something.” Thanks for the book Gary, I’m enjoying it.
June 23, 2008

Nik
Brunello doesn’t seem to be anywhere near as popular in the UK as it is in the states.. I’ve only ever had two I think.
June 23, 2008

Jason S.
QOTD: I don’t have one yet – just starting to delve into Italian wines.

What’s up with the number of comments lately? They’ve shrunk by almost half! Come on guys, show GV some love.
June 24, 2008

Pardus
Never had one.
June 25, 2008

Arminius
What about the “fake” Brunello confiscated by Italian police few months ago at some of the biggest names?
June 25, 2008

Colin
QOTD – I don’t have one yet dude! GV – Keep it up
June 25, 2008

yowens
Awesome show. QOTD: We were at some vineyard in Montalcino and found the owner’s meat market where they brought us into the slaughterhouse to choose our sausage for lunch. Both at once disgusting and incredibly cool.
June 26, 2008

Matt the Lurker
QOTD – Once at a wine tasting event I tasted my first Brunello. (Paid the extra dough for the premium tasting) I said, “what is this?” I thought, this is the best wine I’ve ever tasted, ever.

After that I promptly forgot which Brunello it was and I’ve been searching for it ever since.
June 29, 2008

Dan-o
GV – like the blind tastings. Really like Brunellos!
I drink a lot of different Brunellos. I would have to say my favorite so far was a 1997 Campogiovanni!
June 29, 2008

melissa
qotd: i don’t have a brunello story yet, but after watching this episode i hope to have one soon!
June 29, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
QOTD: Sorry GV, no Brunello stories here.
June 30, 2008

Russ J
Good show GV, though the single blind made me want a double blind even more! I was hoping you might throw down some speculation on the vintages since you already new the wines.
Sorry but I do not have a Brunello story, per se, to share with you.
June 30, 2008

Julie & Paul Humiston
QOTD: Every year for the past several years we have spent Thanksgiving in a small cabin on the north shore of Lake Superior. We bring the proverbial boat load of wine for the weekend and the selection always includes some Brunello (usally Mocali) just because! PS. The first Brunello I ever had was a ‘97 Banfi – not one to forget…
July 3, 2008

stephanie
you always make me laugh…you are my favorite!
July 3, 2008

joe
i was shocked…i was waiting to see mott at the end of the episode…
July 4, 2008

Sassodoro
QOTD. I don’t think I have much of a Brunello story. I have had Brunello more often at tastings than at meals, given how expensive they are. I do remember the first time I had Brunello, which was at a restaurant called Volare. I think it was a Banfi. I had already had many Sangioveses in other forms than Brunello (e.g., Chianti, Morellino di Scansano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montalcino, etc.), but no Brunello. This one gave me much more leather and tobacco than the other Sangioveses had, and I thought that was fascinating.
July 4, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: my brunello story was when i tried one for the first time and was not impressed

it was hearbreaking for a developing oenophile
July 10, 2008

kjdion
never tried a brunello, looking forward to getting some.
July 10, 2008

ChiroGuyDC
I’m certainly a rookie when it comes to Italian wines, and never have tried a Brunello, but after this show, I’m sure to dive into Brunello packing some KNOWLEDGE!
July 10, 2008

JayZee
Great show, GV. Very timely with the big Brunello controversy raging in Tuscany right now. Do you think the Fanti cheated and used Cab Sauv in this Brunello? Hmmm.

SOTD: My Brunello story – My wife and I and two other couples went to a local Italian restaurant called Lago before going to the theater one night last year. While our friends very much appreciate wine, they “don’t know much” and often haven’t tried many different varietals or regions. So as the resident “wine guy” in the group, I first ordered an Aglianico, which was decent wine and went pretty well with everyone’s first courses. Then for the main course, I ordered two bottles of a 1997 Brunello (I cannot recall which one but it was one of the fairly well regarded producers). Everyone loved it. In fact, we went back to the restaurant after the play for dessert and when we discussed after dinner wines, everyone said, “Let’s get another bottle of that Brunello!” so we did – and it was the last one they had at the restaurant, which is probably a good thing, since we may have had two otherwise!
July 21, 2008

MattUD
I havn’t had a brunello yet, havn’t found one in my price range as of yet.
August 14, 2008

oculist
Brunello is difficult to find in the UK but I always try to get it for my Christmas lunch. Luckily I have just returned from Florence with a bottle of the Ruffino in my case!
September 13, 2008

Jason Perrone
Good show.
Brunello, to me and as you descibed is a romantic wine. It can certainly help define an occasion – I continue to use it to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays or whatever else we can come up with as an excuse to say salute!

Over the past couple of years I have had a few very disappointing Brunellos (Banfi is one that comes to mind) that were late 90’s wines and early 2000’s. Could the problem with improper practice and ingredients been going on back then?? were they not full Brunello wines and actually blends?? What’s your take?

Thanks, Jason Perrone (Wethersfield, CT)
September 27, 2008

kathyintex ( kathyd )
Good show! Love the blind tastings, I am always surprised at the end!

QOTD: I hadn’t tasted many Brunellos, but at a recent Italian wine event I got my fill and stayed by the Brunello table all night!
October 2, 2008

Chris
I think you need to do a blind taste-off on WLTV against that fancy lad Brian Freedman from Classic Wines!!! Take him down to China-town Gary and show him what’s what!
January 15, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Im down with the Iron Shiek. Poor guy has gone absolutely bat— crazy nowadays…. Im sure youve seen the youtube videos. I love these blind tastings. Youre getting surprised and you KNOW what kind of wines they are. How cool is that? Q…..SOTD: I dont have one yet.
April 10, 2009

Andrew
Loved it, i am a huge fan of tuscany, brunello especially. couldn’t agree more with your hating on the new worldy modern crap they are doing to what should be beautiful brunellos, had a conversation with a guy the other day about how much he loved more modern oppulent wines in tuscany (in reference to barone ricasoli’s wines) and it made me want to kick him out of the store. If i want california i can drink wine from california I want old school sangiovese all the time!