DESCRIPTION: 
This notable Brunello di Montalcino Reserva is made from the Sangiovese Grosso varieties. The Sangiovese grape is the most widely planted grape in the Montalcino region and is the only permitted grape in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. The altitude and climate of the Montalcino region has provided an area where Sangiovese ripens more fully and consistently than anywhere else in Tuscany.
Montalcino, located at an altitude of 567 meters and 20 Kms. south of Siena has a population close to 7000. The hill town is comprised of a fortress, and has been associated with agriculture, arts, and politics ever since the 13th century. Olive groves, vineyards, and fertile lands surround the town, making it an excellent destination for Italians and Northern Europeans alike. Agritourism in Tuscany, especially around Montalcino has been growing continuously, and the town enjoys a solid, slightly somber air of medieval small hill towns of central Italy. In fact, Tuscans invented agritourism.
STORY: As a child, Simone Nannetti followed his father, who was for many years, the cellar man in a large winery in Montalcino. Then, at the age of 13, he started working. So, he began his farming experience in the vineyard, learning about the vines and growing cycle. He learned to treat them, to prune them, to do grafts. For nine years he worked in a big winery in Montalcino, supported by skilled workers, where he could improve his techniques. Thanks to his experience and hard work, he has reached certain autonomy in this field that fills him with pride. He has always lived in the countryside home.
Simone’s family is from generations, bound to this land and working in the countryside has always been part of their lives. He feels that he owes everything to his family, especially to his father, who taught him the secrets of this work, both in the vineyard and the cellar.
Despite their young age, they have constantly followed the process of Sangiovese in all its phases for several years now, from early in the vineyard, to the finished product. They have always done this work for other producers, sometimes even for friends, who have listened to their suggestions and advices.
His own winery, Cava d’Onice, is run by him and his wife. Their wines have to be the pure expression of the territory where they were born. They believe in Brunello, and they believe in the unique characteristics the Sangiovese can express in this territory. Nothing is left to chance; they care personally with every step, from the vineyard to the bottle. The result is a harmonious wine that is very appreciated by consumers.
TASTE: Brunello di Montalcinos have a more fleshy texture with common aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, black raspberry, chocolate, leather and violets. While intense, this aromatic variety has complexity, leaving space for the structure, mineral and balsamic notes. Very balanced in the mouth, with a solid and balanced body, with a well blended tannic fraction; very long finish. This Brunello wine is aged in oak for a period of 5 years according to the discipline regulations, of which 4 years in French and Slavonia oak barrels of small capacity, and 12 months in the bottle, in a temperature controlled environment. Therefore giving the Reserva the time it needs to release those tannins.
Available vintages 2006
Only 500 bottles produced, & each one of those are numbered
FOOD MATCHING: The cuisine is simple, and strongly rooted in centuries of agricultural tradition based on local, seasonal, and absolutely fresh ingredients culminating in rib-sticking soups, unsalted bread, dense green extra virgin olive oil, sausages, hams, tangy pecorino, and bitter-sweet honey. The high acidity of the wine allows it to pair well with grilled meat and game as well.