Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2018 La Palazzetta

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2018 – La Palazzetta

Tradition, depth, and terroir from the southeastern slope of Montalcino

Produced only in the finest vintages, the Brunello Riserva 2018 comes from 100% Sangiovese grapes grown between 330 and 380 meters above sea level on the southeastern slopes of Montalcino, overlooking the stunning Abbey of Sant’Antimo. The soils are remarkably diverse—ranging from alluvial pebbles to calcareous sands, tuff, and the only kaolin-rich plot in the entire appellation—giving the wine finesse, structure, and impressive aging potential.

Certified organic since 2018, La Palazzetta adopts a low-impact, sustainable viticulture using minimal copper and sulfur, replaced by natural resistance inducers like seaweed extract, orange juice, and Cuban zeolite.

In the cellar

Fermentation is spontaneous in stainless steel with extended skin maceration, followed by over 36 months of aging in large Slavonian oak casks and further refinement in bottle. The aim is to respect the character of the grape and vintage without masking the territory.

Tasting notes

Color: deep garnet red with brilliant ruby reflections.
Aroma & palate: complex and multilayered bouquet of marasca cherry, dried plum, violet, leather, sweet tobacco, and fine spices, with hints of balsamic herbs and iron-rich earth. The palate is powerful yet balanced, with polished tannins, lively acidity, and a long, mineral finish of wild herbs, graphite, and volcanic soil.

Recommended pairings

Game dishes, slow-cooked meats, Tuscan classics like “peposo” or wild boar, and aged sheep cheeses.

📋 Technical Sheet

🟣 Name: Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
🍇 Producer: La Palazzetta
🌍 Region: Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Montalcino – Tuscany, Italy
🍷 Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese
🪨 Soils: Alluvial pebbles, calcareous sand, tuff, kaolin
🌱 Farming: Certified organic
🕰️ Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, long maceration
🛢️ Aging: 36 months in Slavonian oak + bottle
🧪 Alcohol: 14.5% vol
🌡️ Serving temperature: 18–20°C
🍽️ Pairings: Game, stews, aged cheeses, Tuscan dishes

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La Palazzetta – Montalcino

Family tradition and territorial identity in the heart of Brunello

At La Palazzetta, time flows slowly, in sync with the rhythm of the land and memory. The farm’s story dates back to the early 20th century, when great-grandparents already worked the land around Castelnuovo dell’Abate, in the southeastern area of Montalcino, using oxen and wooden carts. The current winemaking project began in 1988, when Carla and Flavio Fanti decided to vinify their Sangiovese grapes, starting with just one hectare.

Today, the estate is run by their son Luca Fanti, supported in the vineyard by his father Flavio and in the commercial side by his sister Tea. A true family winery where place and passion are inseparably intertwined.

The estate’s 16 hectares of vineyards lie between 330 and 380 meters above sea level, with stunning views of the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. The southeast-facing slope provides an ideal microclimate: mild winters, warm but breezy summers, and rainy springs and autumns — all contributing to perfect phenolic ripening.

The soils are remarkably diverse, divided into four main microzones:

• Alluvial pebbles for fresh, younger wines;

• Sandstone and quartz-calcareous rocks for structure and verticality;

• Tuffaceous soils giving elegance;

• And a rare kaolin-rich soil, unique in Montalcino, high in iron oxides and minerals, contributing depth and longevity.

Certified organic since 2018, La Palazzetta practices low-impact viticulture, using minimal copper and sulfur, and relies on natural resistance inducers such as seaweed, orange juice, and Cuban zeolite. The approach reflects the family’s deep care for biodiversity and terroir expression.

Vinifications are spontaneous, extractions gentle, and aging is done in traditional large oak casks — all in the name of a pure, essential, and soulful Sangiovese.