CONTI COSTANTI Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Andrea Costanti has been running his family estate for over twenty years and it has been in his family for more than 200. It is situated in Colle al Matrichese in the eastern part of the Montalcino zone, just outside the town of Montalcino. It covers 10 hectares of vineyards and benefits from the talents of consultant oenologist Vittorio Fiore. Their style is characterised by the striking elegance and intensity of the best wines from this zone, combining the power of Montalcino with the elegance that comes from vineyards situated at a high altitude in this part of the zone. The vineyards are planted on galestro soil and are situated at an altitude of over 400 metres above sea level. The Sangiovese vines are between 6 and 25 years old. 2003 was an extremely hot, dry year and picking began on 10th September which is the earliest harvest date in the history of Costanti. The must was macerated on the skins for 14 days. Fermentation took place on the skins in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature using selected yeasts. Malolactic fermentation took place in tank. The wine was matured for 18 months in 1-3 year old French oak barrels (3.5hl and 5hl capacity) and was then transferred into 5 to 10 year old 30 hl Slovenian oak casks for a further 18 months. The wine remained in bottle for a year before release. Tremendous depth of ruby red colour, this is a powerful Brunello produced in an extremely hot year. On the palate, the 2003 vintage has very ripe, spicy, plummy fruit characters, supported by tremendously powerful tannins and a relatively low level of acidity. Long, warm and spicy on the finish. Vintage 2003 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Montalcino Winemaker Andrea Costanti Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 13.5% Bottle Sizes 37.5cl, 75cl, 150cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £91.97 (Including VAT at 20%)