Mastrojanni 2018 Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Schiena d'Asino, DOCG

Mastrojanni 2018 Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Schiena d'Asino, DOCG

Item Number: 19282

UPC: None

Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Sub Region: Montalcino
Appellation/AVA: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Vigna Schiena d'Asino
Vintage: 2018
Grape(s): 100% Sangiovese
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Soil Type: Clay and stone
Case Production: 560

Tasting Notes: The Vigna Schiena d'Asino is Mastrojanni's prized vineyard. This wine is only produced in the absolute best vintages; 2018 produced an excellent Vigna Schiena d'Asino full of personality. The wine is polished and savory guided by compact and ripe tannins that bring depth and elegance. This is a Brunello that will age well and can be drunk with or without food.

Aging Notes: This wine matures for 42 months in Allier oak barrels of 16 hectoliters in size. The wine is further aged for 12 months in bottle before release.

Terroir Notes: It rains very little during the summer in central Italy. Montalcino might get two consecutive months without any rain. Therefore, the vines have to dig deep into the soil for water. Continuous sea breezes known as the Maestrale and the Libeccio keep the vines dry and the insects and plant diseases under control. In addition, Mastrojanni is located near Mount Amiata, a volcano which became extinct 700,000 years ago and which is 1,738 meters high. This mountain determines the Mastrojanni microclimate because at night cold winds come down from the mountain causing a large diurnal temperature change that refreshes the vines from the summer heat. When a storm is close by, curiously, this mountain often diverts it thanks to its rising currents. Mastrojanni is therefore better protected from hailstorms, for example, than other areas of Montalcino.

Reviews

  • The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 91 (11/30/2023)

    Supple and vibrant, this red exhibits cherry, strawberry, rose hip, sanguine and leafy flavors. Balanced overall, ending with light, chalky tannins. Ready to drink, but there's no rush. Best from 2024 through 2038.

  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 95 (12/14/2023)
    This wine is not labeled Riserva, but it could be for all practical purposes. The Mastrojanni 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Schiena d'Asino has a dry quality of fruit, more brittle, if you will, with fallen autumn leaves, wild game, underbrush, hard salami and black pepper. Like many of the Brunellos from 2018, the primary fruit is not as bright. The tannins are finely textured, but I probably wouldn't age the 2018s as long as I would the 2019s or the 2016s. The last time this wine was made was in 2016, in fact.