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Limited, Cult Brunello in a Stunning Vintage
2010 Salvioni Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello Full of Grace
"Giulio Salvioni is one of the great producers of Italy's old guard." -Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
For me, Salvioni comes amazingly close to the ideal of what Brunello should be.
You've no doubt heard that great things happened in Montalcino in 2010. The vintage is being held as the vintage of a lifetime. For us, we've only grown more humble in predicting where vintages will end up after the test of time. When it comes to 2010, it's clear that the wines have an extraordinary combination of concentration and intensity along with verve and purity.
Brunello is one of Italy's most noble and most ageworthy wines. In my mind, it's not the full-throttle intensity of Brunello that qualifies it for this status, but the range of scents and overall nuance that it can pack into its muscular framework.
Salvioni nails this understated, aromatically complex style: they are Brunello full of purity and grace. Their Brunellos offer a medley of incense, spice and roses, all beautifully integrated with red fruits and minerals. Needless to say, 2010 played right into Salvioni's hands. Everything points to a legend in the making.
Salvioni has 4ha and, depending on the vintage, produces between two and four casks of Brunello per year. There's never a lot of it to go around. And they are always on the short list of fans of traditional Brunello, who fiercely hunt for the wine. I expect the 2010 to quickly disappear from the market.
I buy Salvioni's Brunellos whenever I see them, which isn't very often. These are such pure, beautiful and classic Brunellos that once you've tasted them it's hard not to be committed to tracking them down. It's difficult to imagine higher praise.
To order, reply to offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Ian McFadden
Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits