When award-winning winemaker Roberto Cipresso passionately speaks of the "magic mountain" where he grows and nurtures the grapes for La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, I wish that I had a magic carpet to whisk me to Tuscany in a heartbeat. Thank goodness Roberto came to New York with plenty of his wines for me to sample - each sip carried me a little closer to Tuscany. Like all Brunello di Montalcino, La Fiorita is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes specifically from the hill top town of Montalcino. Brunello di Montalcino also has the longest required aging times of any Italian wine - 5 years in oak & bottle (6 years for Riserva). This prestigious wine truly relies on the talent of the winemaker, combined with the power of Mother Nature, to create vintages with unique personalities.
La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2006 DOCG (about $50) is a beautiful introduction to their vinos. Aged for 24 months in wood, 6 months in steel, and 30 months in the bottle before it was released, this is a beautifully nuanced wine. Velvety and voluptuous, this complex wine wows with rich fruit, hints of spice, tobacco, and earth. La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2006 was meant for sharing with those you love (or REALLY like!) over a beautiful meal.
La Fiorita's Poggio al Sole vineyard