There are few more aesthetically pleasing places to visit in Tuscany than Podere Salicutti, a small 4 hectare estate just outside Montalcino. We sampled their 2012 Brunello di Montalcino last September at the winery and left very excited about this release.
For Salicutti this is a year of the highest quality, which evokes memories of their spectacular 2010. To achieve such incredible balance in a fiercely hot year required considerable work in the vineyard. The fruit is incredibly elegant and expressive from start to finish. This isn’t the powerhouse one might expect in a vintage where sugar levels spiralled upwards. The richness of fruit is underpinned by huge finesse and excellent freshness.
Of Salicutti’s three vineyards, ‘Piaggione’ is the most accessible in youth with its south easterly exposure at 420m above sea level. We anticipate that this 2012 Brunello will be at its best between 2020-2025.
Salicutti’s other release this year is the gorgeous 2014 Rosso di Montalcino. Silky and soft with delicious ripe red fruits, this isn’t one for the cellar but to be enjoyed over the next 18 months in advance of its older sibling. It is not only delicious but offers tremendous value.
There are only 50 six bottle cases of the Brunello available so we urge a speedy response if you are keen to add either of these stellar wines to your cellar.
*Available for delivery from July 2017
Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione Salicutti 2012
£265.00 per 6 bottles IB
Good deep red. Captivating aromas of red fruits, coffee, mocha, violet, minerals and sweet spices. Very rich, dense and creamy, but with excellent lift, focus and energy giving shape and grip to the raspberry, red cherry, botanical herb and mineral flavors. This is a step up in concentration and depth compared to the majority of the 2012 Brunellos. Finishes with fine tannins and superb length. An outstanding vintage in the making for Salicutti. 95+ points. Drink 2024-2036. Ian d’Agata
Aged for three years in classic Slovenian oak casks, this has a superbly scented nose of wild hedgerow fruits, with hints of mocha and vanilla pod. In the palate, this is a full and concentrated wine, with layers of plums, dark fruits and freshly ground coffee. A wine with superb levels of concentration, with real energy and drive and a lovely uplifting freshness on the finish. A wine of huge class. Drink 2019 -2030. David Roberts MW
Rosso di Montalcino Sorgente Salicutti 2014
£125.00 per 6 bottles IB
With 18 months elevage in 5 hectolitre casks, this is a beautifully open and approachable Rosso, full of vibrantly scented red fruits. In the palate it is has a lovely giving style, with its fresh plump red cherries and plum flavours. A subtle bite of freshness in the mid palate and then deliciously sweet on the finish. A gorgeous example of rosso. Drink 2017 – 2024. David Roberts MW