2016 Brunello di Montalcino, Argiano, Tuscany, Italy
OVERVIEW
From the vintage of the century according to Wine Spectator who gave 2016, 99 points, comes a wine from one of Brunello di Montalcino's most sought after producers; Argiano and speaking of points, this one was awarded 97 by their old editor; James Suckling.
Full of the typical Sangiovese cherries and red fruit, this Brunello di Montalcino is packed full of sweet spice and cedar. With a generous mouth feel and grippy tannins, the 2016 is starting to enter it's drinking window and will provide years of pleasure. The 2016 needs a good couple of hours in the decanter.
CRITIC REVIEWS
A very polished red with cloves and caramel, on top of black cherries, mushrooms and forest floor. Black olives, too. It's full-bodied with polished tannins and lovely depth all the way through. Lightly chewy. Juicy black-cherries and savory black-olive character. Complex. Drink after 2025. 97 Points James Sucking
The 2016 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino shows sweet herbs and tobacco with hints of mocha and cedar spice box. It’s silky in texture, coasting across a medium-bodied frame while giving way to tart red berries, with grippy tannins mounting toward the close. A cooling wave of minty herbs and licorice adds much needed freshness, bringing the 2016 into balance throughout the youthfully structured finale. While this was hard to read and quite backward upon opening, it blossomed beautifully in the glass over time.
94 Points Eric Guido (Vinous)
FOOD PAIRING INSPIRATION
This Brunello di Montalcino will pair nicely with a range of tangy cheeses like Pecorino or Parmesan, creamy risottos and classically well with steak, game and hearty meat stews.
VINTAGE AND WINEMAKING
The Brunello 2016 vintage is of supreme quality, with many suggestions that this was potentially the best vintage ever recorded in the region making it ideal for collectors and drinkers alike.
Cooler than 2015, everything seemed to go perfectly with the vintage and the grapes ripened beautifully with an effortless September harvest.
PRODUCER NOTES
The history of Argiano dates back to the Renaissance period, a testament to the estate's enduring legacy. In the 16th century, the noble Pecci family acquired the estate, and it remained in their hands for over 200 years. In 1992, the Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano took over Argiano and began a new chapter in its storied history. Her vision and dedication to preserving the estate's heritage while embracing modern winemaking techniques have transformed Argiano into a symbol of excellence.
Argiano's estate spans over 125 acres of pristine vineyards, with the iconic Argiano Castle serving as the centerpiece. The estate's vineyards are ideally located in the Montalcino region, a renowned wine-producing area in Tuscany. The unique combination of elevation, soil composition, and microclimate provides an exceptional terroir that is perfectly suited for growing Sangiovese grapes.
The Sangiovese grape variety, known locally as "Brunello," is the foundation of Argiano's wines. These vines are meticulously tended to throughout the year, ensuring the highest quality fruit for the estate's world-class wines.
Argiano's commitment to producing exceptional wines is evident in their meticulous winemaking process. The estate embraces both traditional and innovative techniques to craft wines that reflect the essence of their terroir. The aging process in large oak barrels and small French oak barrels imparts unique flavors and aromas to their wines.
Argiano produces several wine varieties, with their flagship Brunello di Montalcino being a celebrated gem. This DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wine is a testament to the estate's dedication to quality. It embodies the essence of Sangiovese, offering rich, full-bodied, and elegant characteristics that have won the hearts of wine connoisseurs worldwide.
In addition to Brunello, Argiano produces Rosso di Montalcino, a more accessible yet equally charming red wine, and Super Tuscans that showcase the estate's creativity and innovation.
Argiano takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and has implemented sustainable practices in its winemaking processes. The estate's dedication to preserving the pristine land they cultivate is seen in their environmentally friendly vineyard management and winery practices.
Argiano's commitment to tradition, quality, and sustainability is a testament to the estate's enduring legacy. Their wines, deeply rooted in the heart of Tuscany, capture the essence of this exceptional region. Whether you're enjoying a glass of their Brunello di Montalcino or exploring their beautiful estate, Argiano stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of Italian winemaking, offering a taste of Tuscany's rich heritage and natural beauty.
NEED ADVICE? ASK A SOMM LIVE
Any questions about this wine? Creating a wine list for a function or planning a special meal or gift? Use the chat facility to speak live to one of our in-house sommeliers who can assist in your wine selection.
SERVICE AND STORAGE TIPS
This wine should be decanted for at least an hour. The wine will improve over the following decade and should be cellared at 12°C.
This wine should be served between 16-18°C.
DELIVERY INFORMATION
Delivery is free when you spend over £150. For orders under this amount then a £9.99 delivery charge will be applied.
We use a tracked UPS delivery service who provide text and email tracking updates.
Every bottle sold by CoolerSomm is subject to our quality guarantee. If a wine is corked or faulty, we will replace it.
2016 Brunello di Montalcino, Argiano, Tuscany, Italy
| Wine Card | |
| Wine Producer | Argiano |
| Wine Region | Tuscany |
| Wine Classification | Brunello di Montalcino DOC |
| Wine Type | Red |
| Grape Variety | Sangiovese |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Vintage Quality | Outstanding - Parker |
| Maturity | Drinking Now - Will Improve |
| Body | Mid-Full Bodied |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Alcohol % | 14% |
| Bottle Type | Bordeaux 75cl |
| Serving Temperature | 16-18°C |
| Food Pairing | Creamy Risotto, Steak, Osso Buco |
| Awards | 97 Points - James Suckling |
| 94 Point - Eric Guido |
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.