Il Marroneto - Brunello di Montalcino 2008 (750ml)
Price: $199.99
| Producer | Il Marroneto |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Subregion | Montalcino |
| Varietal | Sangiovese Grosso |
| Vintage | 2008 |
| Sku | 8366 |
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Il Marroneto is a small, eight-hectare estate on the north side of Montalcino, just outside of the town. It was founded in 1974 by Giuseppe Mori who fell in love with the estate when he first visited from nearby Siena. In that period, there were only a couple dozen producers in Montalcino, while today there are over 200! Since the beginning, they have been a staunchly traditional producer. Traditional both in the sense that they use large oak botti, but also in the sense that their philosophy and techniques have been passed down inter-generationally, from Giuseppe to his son, Alessandro, and in turn, to Alessandro’s son, Iacopo, who has recently begun working closely with his father in the running of the estate.
Il Marroneto Description
In the beginning, Alessandro was assisted by two famous winemaking consultants, Mario Cortevesio and Giulio Gambelli (who had ties to Montevertine, Castell’in Villa, Montenidoli, and others). Starting in 1990, Alessandro felt he was ready and capable to move forward on his own, without consultants, though still, as he says, “with much to learn from his vineyards.” In addition to fermenting and aging in large, neutral oak, Il Maronneto makes the unconventional decision for wines of this caliber to not only use free-run juice but to also use press wine, not even just first but second press wine too, in both his Brunello di Montalcino annata as well as his single-vineyard bottling, “Madonna delle Grazie.”
They have always worked with complete respect for the health of the vineyards. “Every single aspect in the vineyard must be given utmost attention as those details cannot be corrected in the cellar.” Attention to detail, both in the vineyard as well as in the cellar, has always been the highest priority for the family, though they have never felt the need for any certification for their vineyard practices.
Wine Spectator: 92 Points
This red shows fine clarity to the cherry, strawberry and rose aromas and flavors, with hints of tobacco and earth. Displays a firm backbone and an elegant profile overall. Fine length.
Wine Advocate: 92 Points
Il Marroneto’s 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Marroneto is distinguished by its silky tannins. Gracious and impeccably balanced, the 2008 floats across the palate with exquisite dark fruit, licorice, tobacco, spices and new leather. This medium-bodied Brunello is pure harmony and class. In other words, it represents another terrific showing from Il Marroneto. Floral notes add lift on the finish.
Vinous: 91 Points
Good full, medium red. Clean, fresh nose offers medicinal red cherry, blueberry, camphor and violet. Dense but light on its feet, with silky flavors of red fruits, clove and minerals. Attractively sweet on the back end, finishing with fine-grained tannins, firm structure and a lingering violet element. This is outstanding for the vintage.
Wine Enthusiast: 90 Points
Brunello Il Marroneto offers a touch of ripeness in the form of cherry fruit, vanilla cream, cinnamon and caramel. Sharp acidity in the backdrop definitely puts all that soft roundness into perspective. The wine is etched, austere and firmly structured.
