Brunello di Montalcino

from $118.00

Le Ragnaie

Le Ragnaie
Brunello di Montalcino 2018

Riccardo and Jennifer Campinoti purchased this Montalcino property with a mix of old vines and younger plantings and established Le Ragnaie in 2003. The organically-farmed estate is divided into three distinct parcels across 42 acres in Montalcino. These vines are the highest in Montalcino, some reaching above the DOCG mandated 1,960 feet above sea level. As one of the highest points in the region, it became famous for bird catchers, hence the traditional birdcatchers' net that graces the label (Ragnaie is Etruscan for spiderweb, reminiscent of the netting). This Sangiovese comes from vines up to 80 years in Ragnaie, Petroso, Loreto, Fornace, Cava vineyards, and was native fermented in concrete prior to spending 3 years in 25/32/37 hl Slavonian oak vats. An alluring nose of crushed cherry, black raspberry leads to an equally intoxicating palate of perfumed red fruits, crunchy plums, roasted carrots, dried red florals, savoury herbs, and sea salts, with firm, grippy tannins pinning, and lofted acidity carrying through the saline finish. Beautifully finely textured throughout, this medium+ bodied wine is imperially graceful, drinking smartly now and with time to come.

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is delicate and fine with aromas of wild cherry, licorice, grilled herb and pressed violet. It brings on more power to the palate with medium-rich concentration, pretty freshness and silky tannins. The fine tannic management stands out here, as does its contained alcohol. In a vintage that sees very high alcohol levels across the board, Le Ragnaie should be congratulated on maintaining a more moderate 13.5% alcohol content. Winemaking sees cement and large oak casks. Some 29,000 bottles were made. Date:2024 - 2038.

Riccardo Campinoti and his team at Le Ragnaie have achieved impressive results with this group of new releases, especially where alcohol management is concerned. This estate enjoys high-elevation growing conditions—in fact, they have the highest vineyards in the entire appellation. This estate has been organic since 2005.” - 94 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate, Mar 09, 2023.