Situated an hour south of Florence, the sun-drenched, arid landscape of Brunello di Montalcino is home to one of the most highly allocated appellations in all of Italy. Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is strictly regulated by the Italian government in an effort to maintain the highest standards of quality. By law, the wine must be composed of 100% Sangiovese, known locally as Brunello, and undergo a minimum of two years aging in oak barrels. After an additional four months in the bottle, the wine is aged for a minimum of fifty months in total following the harvest before it can be released. This Sassetti Livio, Pertimali, Brunello pushes the envelope even further and ages in the wine for thirty-six months in large, traditional Botte, which allows for the integration of terroir-driven flavors and the purest characteristics of Sangiovese without the overt influence of oak.

 

The Sassetti family has been crafting world-class Brunello in the northeastern corner of Montalcino for over a century. Perched on the hill known as Montosoli, the vines enjoy ideal southeastern exposure, resulting in the weight and concentration of southern Montalcino with the finesse and perfume of the north. Livio Sassetti has passed the family’s time-honored traditions on to his son, Lorenzo, who continues to farm with certified organic practices while incorporating biodynamic principles as well. The pure, unadulterated fruit is hand-harvested then allowed to undergo fermentation naturally without the addition of any artificial yeasts. Fermentation takes place in giant oak Botte where the wine ages for an impressive 36 months. The wine then ages in bottle for an additional six months before release. The final result is a wine of amazing balance, which captures the essence of the Montalcino countryside with the texture, richness, and freshness that we all crave in the greatest examples of Brunello.  

 

The wine displays a concentrated garnet core with slight orange reflections on the rim. The highly floral and perfumed nose capture the essence of classic, fine Brunello with aromas of wet rose petals, fennel, red and black plum, and dried orange peel infused with tobacco, leather, dried clay, dusty leaves, a touch of tomato leaf, and exotic spices. On the palate, the wine is near full-bodied without being over the top and offers the perfect balance of fruit to earth with flavors of plum, black cherry, orange peel, leather, tobacco, and a touch of exotic spices all wrapped inside incredibly soft tannins. Although still young, this wine is currently at a stunning point in its evolution. If you have a cold, dark cellar, this wine will easily keep for the ensuing decade and beyond. To enjoy now, simply decant for 30-45 minutes and serve at 60 degrees in large Bordeaux stems. The beauty of this wine demands a classic and this recipe for Bistecca Fiorentina is as classic as it gets. Try to find a porterhouse that’s at least 3 inches thick and prepare this quintessential dish for a night of pure culinary magic.