Un Assaggiare

~ Azienda Talenti ~

 

Founded in 1980, by Pierluigi Talenti who decided to buy the charming property that he had fallen in love with as a youth in the 1950's,  the Talenti estate is run today by his nephew Riccardo. 

 

The farm is a small 40 hectare estate with 20 hectares under vine, devoted to Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino, overlooking the vast Orcia valley. Situated in the South central area of the zone, the estate is not far from Sant'Angelo in Colle. Riccardo Talenti is humble and passionate about retaining the traditions his uncle so dearly embraced - but these are accomplished with the assistance from modern technology.  Talenti ages his Brunello and Rosso in a combination of French Tonneaux (60%) and Slavonian Botte (40%) to wonderful results.  Today, we're focusing on his most recent release, the 2012 Rosso di Montalcino.

 

~ Tonneaux at the Talenti winery ~

 

As I wrote earlier this week,  2012 is clearly a benchmark vintage for Rosso di Montalcino and may go down as the best general vintage for these wines since perhaps 1990.  The Talenti 2012 is one of the best Rosso I've ever encountered. 

 

The wine was not decanted, but opened about 60 minutes before dinner and a small taste, or assaggio, was poured from the bottle.  The wine's color gives away it's aging regimen - as it's a medimu violet with ruby reflections. It reminded me of Poggio di Sotto's Brunello.  Aromas are pristine and unfettered and focus on bright berry notes with hints of fresh flowers, new suede, and fresh fennel.  I love the wild berry, brush like aromas that seem to harmonize from the components. 

 

On the palate this juicy ripe Rosso is the real deal.  A medium to full bodied core of ripe wild berry fruit is framed by spice, sweet pipe tobacco and newly turned earth.  It struts more complexity than some of the recent Brunello I've tasted.  A long, lively finish compels another sip.  This is just juicy and delicious.  92 points.  A steal at under $18. 

 

~ Among the best Rosso di Montalcino I've ever enjoyed  ~

Salute!