Herbert Furrer,

a from Switzerland traded loyal customer of the Enoteca la Fortezza di Montalcino and a great Winelover since about 30 Jears now, and also a friend of Fabio Tassi, was so friendly to make a quick review of this year´s Benvenuto Brunello event as follows:

These are my remarks and assessments of this year´s event Benvenuto Brunello 2010

On the Benvenuto Brunello from the 19 – 22 February 2010, 134 Producers presented the new vintages of the Brunello di Montalcino (Vintage 2005 and Riserva 2004) as well as the Rosso di Montalcino (2008).

Unfortunately this year some producers were missing, which produced good wines in the past years. (Case Basse/Soldera, Costanti, Cerbaiola/Salvioni, Cerbaiona, Le Presi, Pian dell´Orino, Pogiolo, Salicutti).

This reduces the value of the event as worldwide showcase for Montalcino as excellent winegrowing region. Never the less most of the good producers came back this year and used this occasion for the direct comparison of their wines for the journalists, retailers and philhellene´s.

 

In the first three days I´ve tasted the Brunello di Montalcino 2005, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2004 and Rosso di Montalcino 2008. On the fourth day, I did a second tasting of my favorites.

These are the results in alphabetical order:

Brunello di Montalcino 2005 (83 Wines tasted)

2005 was a difficult vintage. They have generally a lighter body and are less harmoniously than the 2004 vintage wines.The wines will surely improve Nevertheless, I found about 20 very good wines and other 20 very good Brunello, last year at the same time.

This year, there are only 6 respectively 10.

The best:

• Canalicchio (Franco Pacenti)
• Fuligni
• Il Marroneto Madonna delle Grazie
• Le Potazzine
• Mocali Vigna Raunate
• Oliveto

Also well:

• Caparzo
• Castella di Velona
• Fornacina
• La Manella
• La Togata
• Le Chiuse
• Paradiso Manfredi
• Podere Brizio
• Siro Pacenti
• Tassi

Brunello di Montalcino 2004 Riserva (53 Wines tasted)

Actually, I´ve expected more from these wines. But some were made to concentrated and already some were tired, as from others I have had the impression that the Vintage 2004 was oversight with a new etiquette. But the top, was clearly above the Riserve 2003 of last year.

 

The best:

• Banfi Poggio all'oro
• Canalicchio (Franco Pacenti)
• Le Potazzine
• Sesta di Sopra
• Val di Suga Spuntali

Also well :

• La Fiorita
• Fornacina
• Sesti

Rosso di Montalcino 2008 (tasted 51 Wines)

The wines are generally good, even if they do not reach the level of the excellent vintage of 2007. Some have not yet presented the Rosso 2008. So the Rossi 2007 or 2006, that I have tasted, are not considered. From a certain point of view, the years have been differently and on the other hand, the Rossi 2007 have already more years maturity behind.

The best :

• Fornacina
• Lisini
• Paradiso Manfredi
• Sestadisopra
• Sesti
• Siro Pacenti

Also well :

• Canalicchio (Franco Pacenti)
• Capanna
• Casisano-Colombaia (kein typischer Rosso)
• Collemattoni
• Ferrero
• Fossacolle
• Terre nere di Campigli
• Verbena