ARGIANO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019
Why Buy: Argiano has undergone a renaissance since winemaker Bernardino Sani took over the estate in 2012, and last year came the crowning glory: Wine Spectator declared their 2018 Brunello di Montalcino "Wine of the Year." We're proud to have secured allocations of these four, from their current portfolio, which are a testament both to the purity and exactitude of the winemaking, and to the character of Montalcino that comes through undeniably in every gorgeous pour.
What They're Saying: "Zesty and piquant," James Suckling wrote of the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, in a 95-point rave, "with beautiful balance and finish." Reviewing the 2021 Solengo for The Wine Advocate, Monica Larner noted that the estate is "on a roll," and gushed over this 93-point bottling, an "opulent" wine with "jammy" fruit and "spicy oak tones of toasted cinnamon and clove" that delivers "so much fun."
The Story: Talk about legacy. Nearly two centuries before the U.S. existed, Argiano was launched. In 1580, the Pecci family planted their proverbial flag on a verdant patch of southwest Montalcino and built the Villa Bell’Aria (the "Good Air Villa"). At 300 meters above sea level, and with access to the cooling air flow of the nearby Tyrrhennian Sea, this is ideal land for grape-growing, even more so when you consider that the soils are abundant with calcareous limestone and clay, the very composition that gives the wines of Bordeaux such definition and elegance. When Bernardino Sani took over in 2012, he worked with his agronomist, Francesco Monari, to put greater emphasis on terroir in the winemaking, even going so far as to take a science-based approach (Sani studied oenology and viticulture in Italy and France) to mapping the vineyards. Among the changes in the cellar: only Slavonian oak is used, the better to preserve the natural character of the wine. The result has been a decided turn toward classicism, and a stunning high point in the life of an old and venerated estate.
Our Tasting Notes:
* The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a quintessential expression of southwest Montalcino: the fresh aromatics, the notes of dark cherry and mint, the concentration on the palate, and the acidity and freshness that keep everything in balance.
* Produced three years after the 2019 vintage, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino is a younger wine, but no less well-made; we loved its aromatics, its intensity, and its energy.
* The 'Solengo' is a deep and structured wine that speaks distinctly of place, calling forth Montalcino especially in its dusty tannins and freshness.
* Made with grapes both from the estate and other, local sources, the 'Non Confunditur' (Latin for "unique") is an IGT blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese that was aged for just a few months in second and third-use barriques. It's exuberant and alive, and a table wine that can partner with nearly any rich, hearty dish you could think of.
Fun Fact: Of the estimated 8,000 acres of vines in Montalcino, approximately 4,700 are devoted to Brunello.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2024. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, TN, or Store 209 (Manassas, VA). This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, February 11th, 2024.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
