[2017]
Firm, somewhat almondy-nutty aroma of ripe red and black berries with a hint of tar, dry herbs, pepper and juniper. Taut, tangy fruit with cocoa spicy notes, pepper and allspice, present, ripe, still slightly sandy tannin, persistent on the palate, a lot of power but also a certain polish, salty hints, a touch of tobacco, liquorice, good depth, very good, firm, spicy and quite juicy finish with relatively much coffee, power, warmth and at the same time bite.
[2016]
Brunello di Tornesi comes to life from the south and south-west areas of the Montalcino area, characterized by a stony and galestro soil mixed with limestone, particularly rich in skeleton.
Composed exclusively of Sangiovese grapes, it is the result of spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, with a long maceration on its skins. It ages for about 30 months in Slavonian oak barrels.
Ruby red color with garnet flashes. On the nose, ethereal and wood notes of ripening, on an incessant background of red berry fruit. Tannic and structured on the palate, with a soft yet intense and decisive taste.
Appreciated to seal special occasions, or to accompany winter dishes in front of the fireplace.
Forest-floor, eucalyptus and dark-skinned berry aromas lead the way. The savory palate offers black cherry, cinnamon and white pepper alongside polished tannins and firm acidity. Drink 2023–2033.
The Tornesi family has owned their estate, known as Le Benducce, since 1750, long before Brunello di Montalcino became known as a wine, before Italy became a unified nation.
Their elevation 400 meters above sea-level has proven advantageous in terms of drainage and soil composition to grower Maurizio Tornesi and his father Gino, who works with him and consulting oenologist Paolo Vagaggini.
The estate has 7 hectares under vines, more than half of which is Sangiovese Grosso- the Brunello clone- used for Brunello di Montalcino as well as Rosso di Montalicino. Also in production are some 600 olive trees. Vineyards are worked fully by hand, and yield-reduction is a primary tenet of vineyard practice, as well as high density planting.
The winery is still family operated, with Maurizio Tornesi at the helm of both viticulture and winemaking. A true Tuscan farmer, as authentic as they come, who knows the land of Montalcino and the Sangiovese Grosso grape like the back of his hand.
Tornesi owns several vineyards, all located in and around the epicenter of the Montalcino township and appellation. Close by to the famed vineyards of Biondi-Santi, his heavily steep vineyards benefit from the higher elevation and the excellent exposure, providing fruit that not only possesses acidic backbone and intense aromatics, but also ripeness and body.
His winemaking is traditional, with no use of small oak or new oak in his Brunello and focusing on both native yeasts, minimal intervention, no corrections and a typical minimal hint of Brett to give it that rusticity traditional Brunello and Rosso Di Montalcino are famous for.