Le Sommelier brings in the 2011 Fanti Brunello and hosts a Fred Loimer dinner at DaiLo.

Calling all Brunello lovers… I know there are lots of you! The 2011 wasn’t flaunted by the press as the “MUST BUY” vintage, but it certainly is the “drink me now” vintage. And we all need those kind of vintages… it’s full bodied and plush, with loads of ripe fruit, soft and approachable tannins. An integrated wine that is full of harmony, indicative of having already seen six years of age (a few in barrel, a few in bottle), and is now ready to be enjoyed with a delicious dinner and some good company.

Renown producer Tenuta Fanti is a historic, family run winery based in the town of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. They farm their vineyards meticulously by hand, with the utmost care. The have considerable vineyards in both the valley floor and higher up the slopes, so their classic wine such as this one strikes the delicate balance between power and elegance. By blending the fruit harvested from different vineyard sites, they are able to create a wine that strikes all of the high notes, without being muddied by the low notes.

This is wine to be enjoyed over the medium term; I would say over the next 5-8 years, but will certainly be very very very enjoyable now, or over the next couple of years.  Try not to drink everything at once!!

Bernard Stramwasser

Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
twitter: @LeSommelierWine
Instagram: @LeSommelierWine
facebook.com/LeSommelierWine
lesommelierwine.tumblr.com

P.S. Join us for our May 2 Fred Loimer Dinner at DaiLo
Austrian superstar winemaker Fred Loimer is coming to Toronto for one night, so an Asian inspired menu was top mind! Join us for dinner at one of Canada’s top restaurants, DaiLo in Toronto. Lots of dishes, lots of wines, very few seats. Let Fred take you on a Gruner journey. $140++ pp. RSVP directly.

Fanti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011

Reviews:

“Another very generous, rich red with plum, dried fruit, spice, mushroom and chocolate. Full body with round, velvety tannins. Rich, flavorful finish. Drink or hold.” – Score: 93 (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Feb 14 2016)

“Nicely savoury and wood-tinged, Fanti’s 2011 Brunello is quick thick and richly proportioned, clearly from low-yielding vines and very ripe grapes. Yet this manages to avoid excesses of ripeness. Wood is still a significant factor, lending its sweet baking spice and chocolate notes, so put this in the modern style camp, but at a very high level. Best after 2020. Tasted March 2017. Value Rating: **” – Score: 91 (John Szabo, MS, WineAlign.com, Mar 2017)

Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Price: $62.95 (per bottle)
LCBO#: 112607

Le Sommelier is a Good Food Fighter. Please support the businesses and organizations that support Good Food Revolution.