2019 Brunello di Montalcino, Franci, Riserva, Tassi, Tuscany, Italy
Description
Planted in 1979, the Franchi vineyard covers one hectare in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, facing south-east at an altitude of 245 metres. The soils here are loam and marl. This is the first Riserva made here since 2016 and just 2,500 bottles were made using just the oldest vines. Just like its predecessor, this is a visceral, earthy wine, smoky and dark, with notes of tapenade and garrigue.
On the palate, it shifts a gear and the tannins peel away to reveal juicier but tart notes of maraschino cherry, wild strawberry and underbrush. Overall this is dense and brooding and will require time to reveal itself, but glimpses of its class are already on show.
Charlie Leech, Buying Assistant, Berry Bros. & Rudd
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Colour
Red -
Sweetness
Dry -
Vintage
2019 -
Alcohol
14% -
Grape
Sangiovese -
Body
Full Bodied -
Producer
Tassi
Critics reviews
The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is especially dark and rich in the glass, featuring a mix of plum sauce and grilled herbs lifted by hints of mint and cedar shavings. This displays textures of pure silk, coming across as cool-toned and sleek with a core of tart raspberry fruits energized by fresh acidity. The 2020 maintains fantastic balance and poise, finishing classically structured, long and fresh. This may not have the power of bigger vintages, but it impresses more for its grace and giving nature.
Drink 2026 - 2038
A multilayered, traditional Brunello with aromas of restrained smoke, wood, licorice, strawberries and red cherries enhanced by gamy depth. Full-bodied and concentrated, it shows weight and density, with firm, fine-grained tannins and long, refreshing acidity. Almost drinkable now, but will be at its best in five to ten years.
We have not seen a Riserva from Fabio Tassi since 2016. Jumping forward three years, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Franci is a very focused and ultimately extremely polished expression. It shows classic Brunello lines with a little bit more contouring created by soft oak and toasted spice. But a rich core of dark fruit remains prominent. This 2019 vintage delivers elegance and more concentration, as is characteristic of this vintage.
Drink 2025 - 2042