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? 🙂

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

Gary,
Love the Grady Sizemore reference. Go Tribe!

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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!

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

QOTD: Never had a Brunello either.

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: 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!

Kahuna Rocks!

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

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

Salud,

Serggi

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 â?¬9-12 a bottle, though probably a bit pricier stateside.

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

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

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

QOTD: Never had one before….sigh..

Liked the Tony Vincent thing. Very nice.

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!

Have become a big Brunello fan..have them a few times a year since they get pricey. QOTD-2003 Fattoria La Lecciaia Di Pacini Mauro which I had a couple mags of were very good. http://www.winelx.com