Brunello di Montalcino Bramante Riserva 2016

Overview

Brunello di Montalcino Bramante Riserva 2016 is an outstanding wine made from 100% Sangiovese from a single vineyard plot at Sanlorenzo. This DOCG Riserva represents the pinnacle of Tuscan winemaking, produced only in exceptional years. The careful manual harvest and organic vineyard management ensure elegance, complexity, and aging potential. The wine is dedicated to Bramante Ferretti, Luciano Ciolfi’s grandfather and founder of Sanlorenzo.

Wine History

The Bramante Riserva honors the founder of the estate and celebrates the family’s winemaking legacy. The 2016 vintage, comparable to the renowned 2010, yielded a Brunello both powerful and harmonious, with remarkable aging potential. Produced exclusively in exceptional conditions, it is the most authentic and selective expression of Sangiovese from the Montalcino hills.

Vineyard Philosophy

The Bramante vineyard plot sits at 500 meters above sea level, with a south-western exposure. The soil is moderately clayey and rich in stones, ideal for imparting structure and minerality. Vines are 25 years old on average and cultivated according to organic principles, respecting both soil and environment. Manual harvesting on October 4–5, 2016, ensured that only the healthiest, ripest clusters were selected, forming the foundation for a superior Riserva.

Winemaking Approach

After harvest, the grapes underwent a 25-day maceration and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Aging took place in medium-sized barrels for 4 years, followed by at least 2 years in bottle. A total SO₂ addition of 80 mg/l was used to preserve quality and longevity. This method produces a Brunello that is complex, structured, and elegant, capable of evolving gracefully over time.

Tasting Notes & Pairings

Color: deep ruby red with garnet reflections.
Nose: broad and profound bouquet with ripe cherry, sweet spices, tobacco, and subtle balsamic hints.
Palate: full and enveloping, with elegant tannins, balanced acidity, and a persistent finish.
Pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, game, elaborate roasts, and aged cheeses.

Technical Sheet

• Denomination: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva

• Vintage: 2016

• Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese from single plot

• Vine Age: 25 years

• Exposure: south-west, altitude 500 m a.s.l.

• Soil: moderately clayey, rich in stones

• Viticulture: organic

• Harvest: October 4–5, 2016

• Vinification: 25-day maceration, fermentation in temperature-controlled steel

• Aging: 4 years in medium barrels, at least 2 years in bottle

• SO₂ addition: 80 mg/l total

• Production: 2,606 bottles + 30 magnums

• Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C

• Extra Info: produced only in exceptional vintages, organic certified, dedicated to Bramante Ferretti

Sanlorenzo Winery

History of the Winery

The dream of Sanlorenzo began with a gesture of generosity: Renzo, on the night of falling stars, after making a wish, gifted his land to his nephew Bramante. Bramante gave it the name “San Lorenzo”, planted the first vineyards, and gradually expanded the estate. Management later passed to Paolo, father of Luciano and son-in-law of Bramante. In 1999, the winery came under the care of Luciano Ciolfi, who, with humility and passion for wine, transformed the destiny of the estate after years of learning the craft at other local wineries.

Territory and Vineyards

Sanlorenzo is located on the south-western slopes of Montalcino, at about 500 meters above sea level. The soils, rich in galestro and stones, are generally lean and arid, spreading across the two slopes of the hills: the forest to the north and the Val d’Arbia, while the vineyards face south-west towards the Maremma. The vineyards are divided into four main plots, all south- or west-facing depending on the natural terrain, covering a total of 5 hectares planted with Sangiovese, with vines aged between 10 and 40 years. The training system is spur-pruned cordon.

Philosophy and Viticulture

Since 2012, the estate has adopted organic cultivation, aiming to respect biodiversity and maintain soil balance. Harvesting is carried out manually in early October, selecting the best clusters. The vineyard approach focuses on respecting the land and obtaining healthy, ripe grapes that fully express the authentic character of Montalcino Sangiovese.

Winemaking

After harvest, the grapes are immediately transported to the cellar and destemmed. The berries are pressed and transferred to steel tanks for fermentation and maceration. At the end of vinification, the wine is left in tanks to allow solid residues to settle before aging. This method ensures clear, elegant wines that reflect the varietal’s characteristics and the terroir, delivering minerality, structure, and territorial identity.