RENIERI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019
Why Buy: Five exceptional wines from Marco Bacci's Renieri estate — including 96-pointers from 2016 and 2019, and a 95-pointer — that demonstrate again the man's genius for delivering both terroir-specificity and tremendous value, and at prices like this, who can resist cellar-stocking? Bacci's throwback methods — hand harvesting, separate plot vinification, and vine density limits of 6000 per hectare — and the estate's complex tapestry of soils (volcanic, with pockets of stone and clay that impart a distinctive mineral character) yield Brunellos of deep pleasure: concentrated, complex, and wonderfully drinkable.
What They're Saying: James Suckling fell hard for the 96-point 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, hailing its "cherry, berry, and cedar aromas" and "ripe fruit and creamy tannins that are impressive and structured, yet polished and long.” He was no less enamored of the 96-point 2016 Brunello, praising its "beautiful fruit and polish" and "layers of fine tannins.” In his 95-point assessment of the 2018 Brunello Riserva, he was taken by its sensuality, most notably an "intoxicating nose" and "elegant tannins, filigreed and condensed."
Our Tasting Notes: The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a showstopping red — it practically leaps from the glass with ripe cherry and berry flavors, all beautifully framed by its polished tannins. There's a streak of minerality that keeps pulling you back for another sip. The 2016 Brunello in magnum? Pure magic. It's hitting its stride now, with dark fruit notes singing in harmony with subtle hints of cedar and walnut. The 2018 Brunello Riserva is proof of what time and patience can bring. What a complex beauty! It unfolds slowly, revealing layers of red fruit and balsamic notes. And that savory finish? You’ll still be thinking about it the next day. The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020 nicely balances ripe red fruits and savory herbs, and its structure suggests that it'll age beautifully. Best of all is the finish — long, slightly spicy, and utterly moreish. The Regina di Renieri 2020 is a different animal altogether. Bold and modern, it showcases lush dark fruit flavors that coat your mouth. There's a touch of oak that adds complexity without overwhelming, and a freshness that keeps you coming back for more.
The Story: When Marco Bacci took the reins, bringing his analytical mind and passionate vision to bear on this storied corner of Tuscany, the estate’s fortunes shifted almost immediately. Recognizing the untapped potential of Montalcino's southern slopes, Bacci set out to craft wines that would rival the world's best while remaining true to their origins. His commitment to traditional methods, combined with a willingness to innovate where it matters, has elevated Renieri to the upper echelons of Brunello producers. Bacci's low-intervention approach in the vineyard and winery allows this terroir to shine through, resulting in Brunellos that are at once powerful and elegant, capable of aging gracefully for decades.
The Specs: For the Brunellos, fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by extended maceration to extract optimal color and tannin. The wines then age in a combination of French oak barriques and larger Slavonian oak casks for 24-36 months, depending on the bottling. This careful maturation allows the wines to develop complexity while retaining their vibrant fruit character.
What to Pair Them With: Think rich, aromatic preparations: an herb-crusted rack of lamb, a wild mushroom risotto, a wedge of aged Pecorino. For a classic pairing, serve them with Tuscany's famous bistecca alla fiorentina.
Fun Fact: Marco Bacci's dedication to quality extends beyond wine — he's also an accomplished olive oil producer, crafting some of Tuscany's most sought-after extra virgin oils from the estate's centuries-old olive groves.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). 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, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, October 6th, 2024.