This post has been sponsored by San Felice. All opinions expressed are my own. The following message is intended for those 21+.
Garnet red, with aromas of spice, syrupy vanilla, and mixed red and black fruit. Those are the core qualities that define Brunello di Montalcino red wines, which are among the most prestigious in the world. And today we’re reviewing a 2018 Brunello di Montalcino from San Felice’s Campogiovanni vineyard.
The Tuscan Ideal conjures images of rolling hills capped by quaint villages pulled from the turn of the 19th century, and idyllic greenery cut by winding roads, stretching into the horizon. And that more or less describes Montalcino. For the Campogiovanni vineyard, 2018 is said to have started the year with an early sprouting due to higher than normal temperatures in March and April, which was followed by a rain-drenched May, while improved conditions over the rest of the summer and September allowed for phenolic and aromatic maturation – this according to the winemakers.
Let’s pour a glass and find out for ourselves. Shall we?
Wine Overview
Quick Facts
Winery: This wine is produced by the Tuscan-based winery San Felice, which has recently announced a new strategic collaboration with the acclaimed French oenologist Thomas Duclos. Thomas Duclos will be working as a consulting winemaker across San Felice’s three Tuscan estates, in Chianti Classico, Campogiovanni in Montalcino, and Bell’Aja in Bolgheri. Campogiovanni Brunello is absolutely classic in style, averaging three years in Slavonian oak casks and 500-liter tonneaux, then another twelve months in the bottle.
Grape Varietal: Brunello di Montalcino is produced from a local variety of Sangiovese – Sangiovese Grosso.
ABV: The Campogiovanni 2018 is 14% alcohol by volume.
Price: This bottle retails for roughly $80USD (prices can and do vary by outlet, region, and availability).
Bottles Produced: 93,000
Aging Potential: About twenty years.
Region - Montalcino, Tuscany.
Montalcino is a small Tuscan village set atop a hill about twenty miles south of Siena. In 1980, Montalcino was among the very first Italian wine regions to receive DOCG status – regulated labeling assuring quality and high production standards. San Felice’s Campogiovanni is located on the southern portion of the Montalcino hill, an area that favors optimal ripening for the local Sangiovese Grosso grapes. In fact, Montalcino’s local climate is among the warmest and driest within Tuscany, making it ideal for Sangiovese. To ensure that this climate is properly distilled into the area’s wines, DOCG regulations stipulate that vineyards must be planted at elevations of less than two thousand feet, and even then only on hills with maximal sun exposure – otherwise the DOCG labeling is withheld.
Aromatic and Tasting Notes
On the Nose
The 2018 Campogiovanni introduces itself with ripe red fruit notes off the top of the glass, framed in aromas of oak, fresh tobacco leaf, and just a hint of spice. Deeper into the glass, juicy plum and ripe blackberries dominate, with background hints of cracked leather and tilled soil.
On the Palate
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, carrying a bright and refreshing acidity. The red fruits from the bouquet carry over beautifully. A very enjoyable bottle.
Finish
The wine’s finish is lasting and pleasant, leaving behind dark fruit notes and just a hint of spice.
Food Pairings
- Grilled Steak or Lamb: Think rich, heavy, and meaty entrees. A prime rib prepared with a curry and cayenne-based rub mixed with garlic, coriander, and cumin would pair excellently. You might also consider an herb-roasted rack of lamb, prepared with a mix of honey, oregano, garlic, and basil.
- Wild Game: The Brunello's robust profile would pair wonderfully with game meats such as venison, wild boar, or duck. Fatty, rich meat that’s well seasoned is what this wine loves.
- Aged Cheese: Try pairing this wine alongside a cheeseboard featuring hard, sharp cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino, preferably with cured meats, olives, and crostini.
- Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavors of a mushroom risotto would harmonize beautifully with this particular wine.
- Pasta with Tomato-based Sauce: Whether it's a classic Bolognese, a spicy marinara, or a classic lasagna, this wine pairs deliciously alongside hearty tomato and meat-based sauces.
Wine Score and Verdict
The Score
I’ll award today’s bottle a venerable 98 out of 100. This bottle is an exquisite representation of the best that Montalcino has to offer. From its layered aromatics to its traditional palate, I’ll say again that this is an excellent example of Brunello di Montalcino.
Who is this wine for?
This wine is almost tailor-made for those looking for a top-quality wine, and unafraid to spend a little extra in that pursuit. Paired with a hearty red sauce or grilled meat, you can’t possibly go wrong.
Where to Buy
Naturally, you could head right to the makers themselves- San Felice. It’s also available at most of the usual outlets such as Wine.com.
And that’s our review of the 2018 Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino. If you tried this wine, or enjoyed our review, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you.
Cheers!
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