BRUNELLO
RISERVA ARGIANO 2016
ARGIANO WINERY • THE PERFECT VINTAGE • TUSCANY • ITALY
"Absolute balance: the perfect synthesis between the untamed strength of the earth and the ethereal elegance of an impeccable Tuscan sky."
The Masterpiece of the Century
Argiano's Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 is, for many critics, the pinnacle of modern winemaking on the estate. The 2016 vintage in Montalcino was blessed with a balanced spring and a summer without excessive heat, allowing the Sangiovese Grosso to develop unprecedented phenolic complexity. This Riserva combines architectural structure with astonishing fruit purity, offering a sensory experience that evolves in the glass towards notes of graphite, cool spices, and an aristocratic elegance that defines Argiano's lineage.
1. Identity Profile
Specific Origin: Argiano Estate, Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy.
Winery: Argiano.
Vintage: 2016 (Considered the best of the century by experts).
Aging: 3 years in Slavonian and French oak barrels, followed by 3 years of refinement in bottle.
Classification: Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG.
Volume: 750 ml.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red, clear, with a density that signals its great structure.
Nose: A precise profile revealing crisp red cherries, orange peel, fresh violets, and a chalky minerality. With time, black tea, cedar, and white pepper emerge.
Palate: Vertical and vibrant. The tannins are extremely fine-grained, almost granite-like. Acidity is the backbone supporting pure fruit, culminating in a saline, long, and exceptionally refined finish.
3. Architecture of the 2016 Riserva
4. Pairing and Recommendations
Gastronomy: A wine of such balance shines with high cuisine dishes that respect the product: roasted lamb with rosemary, premium cuts of beef cooked medium-rare, dishes with black truffles from Norcia, or long-aged cheeses without excessive saltiness.
Serving: A minimum of 2 to 3 hours of decanting is recommended. Serve at **18°C** in large Grand Cru type glasses to appreciate its aromatic verticality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Is 2016 the best vintage to buy today?
Undoubtedly. While other vintages are more "drinkable" in their youth, 2016 is an investment in future pleasure. It's the vintage every collector should have in their cellar for its guaranteed longevity.
What makes it different from other wineries in 2016?
Argiano has a unique location combining clay and limestone soils, which in a cool vintage like 2016 produces a Riserva with a minerality and tension that few wineries can match.
How long will this wine last?
Argiano's Brunello Riserva 2016 has an estimated lifespan of 40 to 50 years if stored under controlled humidity and temperature conditions.
