Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Giuseppe Tassi 2019

Fabio Tassi is one of our favorite characters in the wine industry, and this “unofficial mayor of Montalcino” just so happens to craft some of the region’s very best. This single vineyard plot thrived in the spectacular 2019 vintage – crafting one of the finest Brunellos we’ve tasted in some time!

Fabio Tassi has a passionate love for Montalcino and the history of winemaking in the region, exhibited by his collection of highly-rated and fervorously collected wines. He owns several wine shops and restaurants in the village, including a wine shop inside the namesake fortress of Montalcino, herself! Fabio Tassi runs these businesses on top of his vintner duties – and I imagine, he also sleeps, from time to time.

This exceptional wine hails from some 25+ year-old vines in the Castelnuovo dell’Abate, on a vineyard named for Fabio's father, Giuseppe Tassi. It was Giuseppe that transitioned the family from grape growers to winemakers, back in 1965, and this hearty, spicy, and rich Brunello is certainly one for the ages. Aromas and flavors of deep kirsch, and roasted wild herbs, with accents of fennel, wet stone, and citrusy pine needles linger in the glass, transforming into a vibrant core of red berry and cherry fruits as time and oxygen work their considerable magic. This is youthful but with a long and sure-to-be illustrious future ahead of it. In 20 years, when critics the world over still muse poetically about the cherished 2019 Tuscan vintage – this is one of the wines they’ll be talking about. To grab a bottle or two for yourself, at the best price in the country – that is what is on the table today. Only 10 cases to share, so speak up, and speak quickly!

PAIRING IDEAS: Fabio loves his Tuscan truffles. You can go spendy and get some fresh black ones or do it even more simply with good bread, excellent Italian melty truffle cheese (easily found), toasted or broiled, with a side of salty, cured meat. Perfection.