CONTI COSTANTI Brunello di Montalcino 2004 The 2007 Chianti Rufina, made from Sangiovese with a dash of 5% Canaiolo, has lovely perfumes of cherries and spiced plums that give way to ripe yet supple, elegant red and dark fruit flavours on the palate. The pleasingly moderated acidity serves to corset the fruit and lift the perfumes on the finish. Fermentation took place in a combination of temperature controlled stainless steel and cement tanks, at temperatures around 28 – 30°C. Maceration lasted 15 days with daily pumping over. The wine was aged for 12 months, 65% in French oak casks, and 25% in barriques, while 10% was held in stainless steel. The wine was blended in tank before bottling. The grapes were grown in various vineyards covering 40 hectares on the ancient Selvapiana estate, situated in the Chianti Rufina DOCG zone, north east of Florence. Situated at an altitude of up to 200 metres above sea level, most of the vineyards face west/north west with soils of predominantly clay and limestone. The older vines, 31 years old, are planted at a density of 3,200 per hectare and 5,200 per hectare for the younger, 7 year old vines, with an average yield of between 35 and 40 hl per hectare. Selvapiana is owned by Francesco Giuntini, descendant of the original owner, Michele Giuntini, who bought the estate in 1827. His adopted son, Federico Masetti-Giuntini, now runs the estate and makes the wines with consultant Franco Bernabei. Federico is the son of the ‘fattore’ (estate manager) who worked with the Giuntini family all his life. Federico was born on the estate, as was his sister Silvia, who is also involved in running the business. The estate covers 245 hectares of mixed vineyard and olive groves. Andrea Costanti has been running this 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. The vineyards are planted on galestro soil and at an altitude of over 400m above sea level. The vines are 6-25 years old. 2004 was a great vintage in Montalcino. The weather during the growing season and ripening period was excellent, with the right amount of rainfall and sunshine and a dry, warm autumn. Harvest took place from end September to beginning October. Fermentation took place stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature using selected yeasts for a period of 14 days, followed by 10 day maceration on the skins. The wine aged first for 18 months in 1-3 year old French oak barrels (3.5hl and 5hl capacity), followed by 18 months in 5 to 10 year old 30 hl Slovenian oak casks and a year in bottle. Lovely ruby red colour with fine, intense perfumes of raspberries and spicy cherries on the nose. On the palate it is powerful but elegant above all, with the structure of Brunello offset by fine, savoury and red fruit characters. The finish is elegant and long, with a touch of spice. "Subtle complexity on the nose with an array of berry fruit and an authentic touch of earthiness at the back. Tight, concentrated palate, with fine tannins and bags of energy. Long and savoury. Austere now but destined for greatness." 5 stars, Decanter, Richard Baudains, May-09 "A rich, broad palate of flavours here: tomato, earthy, cherry, vanilla, violets, tannin that grips the mouth with gentle force and a funky cheesiness grated on top. Excellent." 18.5 points, www.jancisrobinson.com, Richard Hemming, 26-Feb-09 Vintage 2004 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Montalcino Winemaker Vittorio Fiore Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 13.5% Acidity 6g/l Bottle Sizes 150cl, 75cl, 37.5cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £32.35 (Including VAT at 20%)