Le Ragnaie, Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne 2012

Organic viticulture is employed, grapes are hand picked, de-stemmed, fermented and then aged in large 25 hl slavonian oak casks for 36 months. The high vineyards of Ragnaie that form the basis of the blend plus the long, gentle macerations result in enormously charming, aromatic and really quite high toned wines that still manage to retain the requisite power. A unique, extremely drinkable style of Brunello that will sweep you off your feet.

Le Ragnaie was a rookie estate established by the young Riccardo and Jennifer Campinoti when they bought the farmhouse and some well-placed old vines back in 2003. Since then they have gone on to become one of the region’s brightest new stars. The estate spreads accross15ha, five of which are in the zone where the cellars are based, Le Ragnaie itself. These vines are the highest of any in Montalcino, at 550 metres above sea level, south facing in the central zone above Soldera di Case Basse. As one of the highest points in the region it became famous for bird catchers, in fact the traditional birdcatchers' net features on the label as part of the winery's logo. The estate takes its name from the fact that this net looked rather like a spider's web (Ragna, in Italian.)