Burnello di Montalcino producer Il Marroneto got onto my radar screen when their special Cuvée Madonna delle Grazie got 100 points from Wine Advocat’s Italy reviewer, Monica Larner. I bought a few bottles of their entire range and was really impressed. Angra wine in Singapore brought the owner Alessandro Mori to Singapore for a dinner with their clients. Alessandro is a fun character, jovial, charming, Italian in the best way. He invited me to visit his property which I did during a summer break when I was in Italy. If you like Brunello, this is a wine that really belongs to your cellar. Madonna delle Grazie has, no surprise, become expensive after the three digit score (and its continued high scores) but their normal Brunello di Montalcino is not far off and still sells at an attractive price. Below are my scores from this visit and other tastings as well as impressions from the beautiful property in the Tuscan hills. Alessandro’s son, Iacopo, generously hosted us during the visit.
Tasting Notes – Brunello di Montalcino Madonne delle Grazie
2010 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie, 97 points
Medium-dark garnet, very shiny color pointing to lively acidity. Expressive nose of red sour cherries, spices, mint, minerals and even tropical fruits. Enters the palate with Burgundian elegance and freshness, light and pleasant, lots of fruit, then the structure and sappiness of the Sangiovese takes over. This is all about elegance, high aromatic intensity and long finish. I personally like this style of Brunello so much more than the modern, dense ones. As Giulio Gambelli said, Sangiovese should whisper, not shout – proven by this wine. I now can see how Monica Larner gives this 100 Points.
2011 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie, 96 points
Lighter than the 2010 but also very impressive. Highly perfumed nose of flowers, tobacco, forest notes. Light on the palate despite the 15% Alc. with soft tannins. Can be approached young while you wait for the outer-worldly 2010 or the more restraint 2012.
2012 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie, 94 points
This feels softer and riper than the 2011, strangely. Here we also have more dark fruit, a touch of warmth too. My preference is with the 2011 for now.
2019 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie, 95+ points
Wonderful showing. Nose of cut hay, wild flowers, tobacco, and a touch of underbrush, well-judged tannins. I liked both the deep aromas and the polished palate here, not your rough Sangiovese.
Tasting Notes – Brunello di Montalcino
2010 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino 94 points
Medium garnet. Expressive nose of tobacco, red and dark fruit, earth, spices. Tannins still pronounced, a touch rustic, good freshness, typicity and balance. Needs some time but will be a winner.
2017 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino 94+ points
The 2017 base Cuvee really delivered today, elegant and delicate with a translucent color. Rose petals, spice box, clay, some light tobacco notes. The tannins are well integrated.
2012 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino, 93+ points
Light garnet. Much more aromatic than the rosso. Nose of red fruit, spices, roses, tobacco. Light and astringent on the palate, young, demanding but fine tannins, on the elegant side. Give it time till 2020 and you will have a winner.
2019 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino, 94 points
During a MOT dinner tasting, no detailed notes. Also very good, aromatic and silky palate. It does not need to hide next to the Madonna Grazie at the table. A no brainer for the price
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master
July 2022
