2018 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Grape: Sangiovese
Culinary Suggestions: Bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine Steak), Lamb Chops, Rich Pasta Dishes, Charcuterie
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable
About
Founded in 1984, Castello Romitorio has been committed to the study, exploration and promotion of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. This has been possible thanks to the work of the Italian artist Sandro Chia, and his bond with Franco Martini, the first cellar master of Castello Romitorio, whose family has been producing Brunello di Montalcino for generations. Sandro Chia planted Romitorio’s first vineyards from 1984 to 1993 using ancient sangiovese varietals local to Montalcino. Today these old vines compose about 50% of Romitorio’s vineyards and serve as an immense heritage of Biodiversity. This bond now continues between Sandro’s son, Filippo Chia, and Franco’s son, Stefano Martini.
In 2006 Filippo Chia set upon the journey of building a new cellar and planting new vineyards at Castello Romitorio following in the footsteps of his father Sandro. He began by conducting careful research on the old vines and from there he decided which might be the most suitable Sangiovese varietals to plant in the new plots. With the assistance of a highly qualified team, a new web of beautiful vineyards slowly took shape. Today these vineyards span from the top of the Romitorio hill starting at altitudes of 450 metres down to 200 metres. Each plot has been carefully contemplated with a unique patchwork of different clones of sangiovese. Filippo’s goal was to initiate a process of renewal and a renaissance across all aspects of winemaking starting from the vineyards and therefore necessarily from the soil. A transition to organic farming officially began in March 2020 and vineyards will be certified by March 2023.
Tasting Notes
Darkly alluring and dusty in style, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impresses with a blend of dried citrus peels, shavings of cedar, flowery undergrowth, black cherries and Tuscan dust. It’s soft-textured, buoyant even, with depths of velvety, textural red and blue fruits and sweet liquid inner violet tones that stain the palate. The 2018 finishes fresh and long with notions of wild blueberry and hints of balsamic spice, framed by a coating of fine tannin. Romitorio used all of their fruit that is usually reserved for the Riserva to bolster their Brunello in 2018. Production was also down by 15% due to a strict selection to eliminate moldy berries. That said, this is a total success for the vintage.
94 points - Eric Guido, Vinous Media October 2022
Drink: 2025 - 2033
The Castello Romitorio 2018 Brunello di Montalcino shows crisp and tart fruit with cherry, cassis and wild plum. This mid-weight wine offers a lot of freshness and brightness in a vintage that posed challenges for many. This expression is unique thanks to the inner energy displayed here; the red fruit is front and center and the wine's balanced acidity seals the deal. It ages in oak for two years. Some 46,000 bottles were made.
94 points - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate March 2023
Drink: 2025 - 2040