CONTI COSTANTI Brunello di Montalcino 2005 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 between 400-450m above sea level. The vines are 6-25 years old. The grapes were hand-picked at the end of September 2005. Initially underrated because of the relatively cool growing season, the 2005 vintage is emerging as one characterised by elegant wines, with excellent acidity levels and the promise of good longevity. Fermentation took place on the skins in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for 14 days. The wine aged first for 18 months in 1-3 year old Slovenian oak barrels (3.5hl and 5hl capacity), followed by 18 months in French tonneaux (3.5-6.00 hectolitres capacity). After bottling, the wine aged in bottle for a further year before release. 2005 was officially rated 4 star rather than a 5 star vintage and no Riserva was made so all the Riserva quality wine went into the regular Brunello. As a result, it is rich and intense, with a lovely spicy, concentrated perfume, good depth and tremendous structure on the palate, with a perfect balance between ripe, approachable fruit and rounded tannins. Vintage 2005 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Montalcino Winemaker Vittorio Fiore Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 13.5% Acidity 6.2g/l Bottle Sizes 37.5cl, 75cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £51.62 (Including VAT at 20%)