Photo courtesy of Val di Suga

98pt Collectible Brunello
A New Era at Val di Suga

Val di Suga is one of the most important collections of vineyards in Montalcino today, and an estate that everyone needs to collect and follow.

Val di Suga has gone from obscurity to noted status to impeccable strength and quality. With the leadership of Andrea Lonardi, who was recently awarded the title of Master of Wine after years of rigorous studies and exams, Val di Suga has turned out their finest wines ever. The 2016 vintage saw Val di Suga turn heads and garner exceptional praise and attention. However, the 2019 vintage is destined to be the vintage that ultimately puts Val di Suga on a completely different level.

Lonardi and the team at Val di Suga have produced a collection of 2019 Brunello di Montalcino that have evolved with the warmer weathers in the region and the changing consumer preference. The 2019s are Brunello that feel classic, structured and mineral driven with perfectly balanced fruit that is restrained just enough to be juicy but not rich, heady or opulent. The single vineyard Vigna del Lago and Poggio al Granchio are two stunning expressions of Brunello that highlight the micro-climate differences within Montalcino. 

The Vigna del Lago is that more Pinot-like expression of Sangiovese that is aromatic, medium bodied with great acidity and a prolonged mineral character that extends from the tip of your tongue through the finish.

Poggio al Granchio shows more of the well known herbal, sage character of Brunello with a deep graphite intensity akin to that of Latour or Haut-Brion. The fruit is deeper and richer and the tannins are equally refined for such a young and structured Brunello that is full of phenomenal earthy characteristics. A powerful and impactful wine that will easily last 30 or more years.

Cheers,
Jeremy