Vigna del Fiore Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (1988)

About this wine

The 1988 Vigna del Fiore Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from Fattoria dei Barbi offers a complex bouquet featuring notes of new saddle leather, Asian spices, sweet red and black fruits, and cedar. On the palate, it presents a full-bodied experience with a velvety texture, showcasing intense fruit flavors that have mellowed into a harmonious and intricate profile. This wine has been recognized for its impressive structure and depth, making it suitable for both immediate enjoyment and further aging. The 1988 vintage is particularly notable for its balance and longevity, reflecting the exceptional quality of Brunello di Montalcino wines from that era. This wine exemplifies the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of Fattoria dei Barbi, a producer with roots dating back to the 16th century.

About the grape

Sangiovese, the sole grape in Brunello di Montalcino wines, has been cultivated in Tuscany for centuries. In the mid-19th century, Clemente Santi identified a particular clone of Sangiovese, known as Sangiovese Grosso or Brunello, which was well-suited to the Montalcino region's climate and soil. This clone's thicker skin and adaptation to the local terroir contribute to the wine's rich structure and aging potential. The Vigna del Fiore vineyard, where Fattoria dei Barbi produces this wine, has been under vine since the 16th century, making it one of the oldest in the area. Its unique position and soil composition impart distinctive qualities to the Sangiovese grapes grown there.

Quick facts

• 🏰 The Vigna del Fiore vineyard, spanning 14 acres (5.7 hectares), has been cultivated since the 16th century, making it one of the oldest vineyards in the Brunello di Montalcino region.
• 🌟 The 1988 vintage of Vigna del Fiore Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is renowned for its exceptional quality, with the 1988 vintage receiving a five-star rating from the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino.
• 🍷 Fattoria dei Barbi, the producer of this wine, has been owned by the Colombini family since 1352, showcasing a long-standing tradition in winemaking.
• ⛰️ The Vigna del Fiore vineyard is situated at an altitude of 270-294 meters above sea level, with a south to southwest orientation, providing optimal conditions for Sangiovese grapes.
• 🛢️ The 1988 Vigna del Fiore Brunello di Montalcino Riserva was aged for two years in oak barrels, followed by additional aging in the bottle, contributing to its complexity and longevity.

Palate profile

Producer

Fattoria dei Barbi, owned by the Colombini family since 1790, is located in Montalcino, Italy. The Colombinis have been present in Montalcino since 1352, and the winery has been producing Brunello di Montalcino since 1892. Notably, Fattoria dei Barbi was the first to export Brunello to America in 1962 and to Japan in 1975. The estate spans over 350 hectares, with vineyards in Montalcino, Scansano, and Chianti, and has been open to the public for over 70 years, welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors to its historic cellars.