FOSSACOLLE Brunello di Montalcino 2005 This estate has four hectares of vineyards, 2.5 of which are destined for Brunello and the rest for Rosso di Montalcino. It is situated in the southwestern part of Montalcino. Owned by Sergio Marchetti, whose family has been there since the 1700s, the wines are now made by his son-in-law, Adriano Bambagioni, with help from his son, Stefano. Adriano learned his trade during the ten years he worked with Giacomo Tachis, and this comes across in the supple tannins of the Brunello. Fossacolle made its impressive debut with the 1997 Brunello di Montalcino, which was released in January 2002. The vineyards are located at 300m above sea level and are south facing. Soils here are firm, tending to clay. The first vines were planted in 1984 and are spur cordon trained with about 4,000 plants per hectare. They yield approximately 70 quintals per hectare or 54 hl/ha. 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. Vineyards with good exposure ripened well although slightly later than usual due to light September rains and the Fossacolle grapes were picked by hand from 28 September. Cold pre-fermentation maceration took place for the first 5-6 days in cement and temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Fermentation at between 30-32C for 20 days, with natural yeasts in the first part and selected yeasts for the second part. Malolactic fermentation for 10% of the wine took place in new barriques and the remainder in cement vats. The wine aged for one year one year old French oak barriques of 225L and a further 12 months in big oak casks. After the oak ageing, it spent a further year in cement tanks followed by 8 months in bottle. Dark ruby in colour with a powerful but restrained perfume of liquorice and plums, with earthy, leathery notes giving way to dense, dark red and plum fruit characters, firm tannins supporting the ripe fruit and a long, dark cherry finish. 92 points, Spectator Selections, Wine Spectator, James Suckling, 15 Jun 10 Shows dark berries and meat on the nose, with hints of fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied, with a complex palate of fruit and mahogany, chewy tannins and a long finish. Vintage 2005 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Montalcino Winemaker Adriano Bambacioni Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14.5% Acidity 5.5g/l Residual Sugar 1.9g/l Wine pH 3.53 Bottle Sizes 150cl, 75cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £44.39 (Including VAT at 20%)