Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (1990)

About this wine

This 1990 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from Val di Suga offers a deep garnet hue, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it presents a complex bouquet of dried cherries, leather, and earthy undertones. The palate reveals a harmonious blend of ripe red fruits, subtle spice, and well-integrated tannins, leading to a long, elegant finish. The 1990 vintage is renowned for its exceptional quality, contributing to the wine's remarkable depth and aging potential. This wine exemplifies the traditional style of Brunello, reflecting the unique terroir of Montalcino.

About the grape

Sangiovese, whose name is believed to derive from the Latin 'Sanguis Jovis' meaning 'Blood of Jupiter,' is a grape variety with deep roots in Italy, particularly in Tuscany. In the mid-19th century, a local farmer named Clemente Santi isolated certain plantings of Sangiovese vines to produce a 100% varietal wine capable of significant aging. This initiative led to the creation of Brunello di Montalcino, a wine made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes grown in the Montalcino region. The 1990 Val di Suga Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a prime example of this tradition, showcasing the unique qualities of Sangiovese cultivated in this area.

Quick facts

• 🌟 The 1990 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino was exceptional, earning a five-star rating from the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino.
• 🏞️ Val di Suga is unique in Montalcino for owning vineyards on all three key slopes, allowing them to produce Brunello wines that showcase diverse terroirs.
• 🍇 Brunello di Montalcino is made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, known locally as 'Brunello,' highlighting the region's dedication to this varietal.
• 🌑 The name 'Brunello' translates to 'little dark one,' referring to the deep color of the Sangiovese grape used in these wines.
• 🏅 Brunello di Montalcino was among the first Italian wines to receive the prestigious DOCG status in 1980, recognizing its superior quality.

Palate profile

Producer

Val di Suga, established in 1969 in Montalcino, Italy, began by converting farmland into vineyards, releasing its first wine in 1975. In the 1980s, the winery pioneered single-vineyard Brunello di Montalcino, introducing the Vigna del Lago Cru in 1983 and Vigna Spuntali in 1988. Acquired by Tenimenti Angelini in 1994, Val di Suga expanded its vineyards and modernized its facilities. By 2009, the winery had vineyards on three distinct slopes of Montalcino, each producing unique expressions of Brunello. In 2023, Val di Suga completed a corporate image modernization, reflecting its commitment to quality and tradition.