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THE MONTALCINO TIMES presented by Winebow Imports

JANUARY 1, 2021

SINCE 1945

BACK TO BACK 5 STAR VINTAGES! 2016 has been rated as another exceptional year for Brunello di Montalcino,

a designation given by the Consorzio to less than 20 of the past 75 vintages. The climatic characteristics of the growing season in 2016 once again included the right amounts of rain and sun that led to a great balance between technical and phenolic maturation of the grapes at harvest. The weather conditions were different than in 2015, perhaps even more difficult, but Sangiovese shows patience in Montalcino, it’s in no rush to become the star it was destined to be. By the time September arrived in the vineyards, that moment had come.

Significant swings in temperature between day and night at the end of the season allowed the grapes longer hang time to reach their potential and thrive during this period. 2016 was one of those years where our supplier partners all reported harvesting healthy fruit with ideal structure and balance. Four years later, those raw materials have transformed into wines that will wow the world for decades to come.

the results are exponential. Winebow-Imports is privileged to represent four historic properties in Montalcino. Altesino, Il Marroneto, Poggio di Sotto and Tenuta San Giorgio have all experienced more than 30 vintages and all agree that the world is about to receive another vintage of the best Brunello di Montalcino they have ever produced.

Combine these conditions with generations of experience and exceptional vineyard sites and

The Official Vintage Ratings of the CONSORZIO del VINO BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO ★ – Insufficient Vintage | ★★ – Fair Vintage | ★★★ – Good Vintage ★★★★ – Excellent Vintage | ★★★★★ – Exceptional Vintage

Exceptional Vintage ★★★★★ 2019 2016 2015 2012 2010 2007 2006 2004 1997 1995

1990 1988 1985 1975 1970 1964 1961 1955 1945

Excellent Vintage ★★★★ 2018 2017 2013 2011 2008 2005 2003 2001 1999 1998

1994 1993 1991 1983 1982 1980 1979 1978 1977 1967

1966 1965 1962 1958 1957 1951 1950 1947 1946

Good Vintage ★★★ 2014 2000 1996 1987 1986 1981 1973 1971 1968 1963

1953 1952 1949

Fair Vintage ★★

Insufficient Vintage ★

2002 1992 1989 1974 1969 1960 1959 1956 1954 1948

1984 1976 1972

Real Estate OF MONTALCINO In central Tuscany, just south of Siena lies Montalcino, a medieval hilltop walled city, world famous for its wines. Lying between the cooler Chianti Classico to its north and the dry and warmer areas of Tuscany to its south, many consider Montalcino to be home to some of the ultimate sites for Sangiovese. The challenge in enjoying the best wines that the denomination has to offer is that unlike Barolo or Barbaresco; Montalcino has never been divided into subzones based on geography. Sangiovese is an adaptable grape, but thrives in poor soils and shows its best when there are big temperature swings between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Not all areas of Montalcino vineyards are similar, in fact, the area is a complex mix of materials deposited by retreating and returning seas and much of the area was once underwater. There are variable elevations and aspects that come into play as well. The city of Montalcino is the center and highest point in the denomination that is home to the oldest soils and generally produces the most structured, yet elegant wines. In the northern and northeastern

reaches of Montalcino, the wines tend towards the elegant and racy side, while in the southern areas, warmer and sunnier conditions often translate to riper, more opulent wines. In general, the northwest is not ideal for Sangiovese. In summary, not all Brunello di Montalcino is born from the exact same place, like with any real estate proposition, the return on your investment is all about location, location, location.

Producer Spotlight | ALTESINO

Founded: 1970 Area Under Vine: 45 hectares Vineyard Elevation: 200 – 450m Soil Composition: Calcareous Sandy-Loam (Limestone in Montosoli) Owner: Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini

Near the end of 2002, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, owner of nearby Tenuta Caparzo, purchased the Altesino winery with its old cellars situated within the historic walls of Palazzo Altesi in the northern reaches of Montalcino. Today, Altesino is firmly committed to maintaining its hard-earned reputation as a Montalcino institution and

a global leader in innovative winemaking. Since 1970, the company has been a leader in innovation. The introduction of the “Cru” (Montosoli) concept in 1975, the first experiments with barriques in ‘79, and the first Futures (purchasing wine before its release) printed for Brunello 1985 are some of the positive contributions putting Montalcino on

FOR SALE

Quantities extremely limited.

the world map. An intense relationship has built up over forty years with the land full of history, with its almost sensual beauty that is physically perceived and its subtle charm that reaches the body and soul. This is the philosophy that inspires Altesino to produce wine and maintain its culture.

Formati Importanti (Large Formats) and bottlings of 2016 vintage Brunello di Montalcino.

Toscana

Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli 2016

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015

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2016 Weather OF MONTALCINO IL MARRONETO ( Just N of City Center) 2015 was perfect, while 2016 was a vintage with some difficulties. But it is in imperfect vintages that wines that have something more to show you. We had rain in August and a great amount of sun in September which led to a perfect ripening of the grapes, a week earlier than in 2015. Moreover, the lack of rain in September meant that there was no disease and therefore we brought very healthy grapes to the cellar with a forecast of great evolution of the wines in the barrels.

ALTESINO (North of Montalcino) The good weather and the consequent rebalancing of the grapes after August rains, and a further maturation in September, allowed us to bring high-level grapes in the cellar, both from a technological and phenolic point of view. Product characteristics: The wines obtained, of excellent alcohol content, have a great structure, excellent extracts and a good balance. This is an excellent expression of Sangiovese, thanks to the strong temperature range between day and night during the month of September.

POGGIO DI SOTTO (Castelnuovo dell’ Abate) In both 2015 and 2016, we had the right quantity of rain and heat during the growing season. The main climatic difference in 2016 was a milder and more frequent alternation of rain and sun, while in 2015 we had straight periods of heavy rains alternated with longer intervals of hot sunny days. 2015 was more concentrated and less productive compared to 2016 where we achieved 15% more in production. Both vintages have best of the classic elegance and complexity of our Brunellos. 2015 has produced immediately rich and opulent wines, while 2016 will have the same integrity and richness, but is built for longevity.

TENUTA SAN GIORGIO (Castelnuovo dell’ Abate) In 2016 we had alternate weather conditions from the beginning of the spring to late August with weekly swings between rainy days and dry hot sunny periods. However, we came out with an unscathed and rich production. In July and August, we had a quite balanced summer with less rain but high temperatures which led to a slightly earlier harvest. Through the 2 weeks between August and September, we were blessed by a wide range of temperatures between days and nights with mild sunny days that created the perfect condition for an excellent ripeness.

Producer Spotlight | IL MARRONETO

Founded: 1974 Area Under Vine: 5.8 hectares Vineyard Elevation: 400m Soil Composition: Sand, Large Limestone Rocks, and Galestro Owner: Alessandro Mori

Il Marroneto is one of the few older estates in Montalcino. Purchased in 1974 by Giuseppe Mori, Il Marroneto takes its name from an old tower dating back to the 13th century where the nuns (that lived in the Madonna delle Grazie convent) kept the chestnuts used to

make flour for bread. Alessandro Mori has been at the helm since 1980 and believes in minimal intervention in the vineyards and the cellar that underscore his mission to create wines “derived strictly from nature.” The estate’s 5.8 hectares are planted with ample spacing in mind so that

Sangiovese thrives in nutrient-rich topsoil that encourages good rooting. Here in the north, near the city center, cooler weather turns out more distinctive Brunellos of great structure, precision, elegance and aromatics.

PERSONALS

Rich, opulent and structured 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from just north of city center looking for a long-term relationship with a loyal collector. Serious inquirers only, I have been waiting 4+ years to meet the right person.

Toscana

Il Marroneto

Brunello di Montalcino Madonna Delle Grazie 2016

Brunello di Montalcino 2016

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Investing IN MONTALCINO Italian wines have increasingly been making news as collectors worldwide are purchasing and trading more Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello, Amarone, and “Super Tuscan” wines than ever before. LIV-EX, or the London International Vintners Exchange who provides data and trading prices of fine wine, said that one of the categories leading the way is Brunello di Montalcino with growth in demand up over 300% in 2020. Winebow Imports is proud to feature several excellent investment opportunities in Montalcino.

ALTESINO: Often described as the “grand cru” of Montalcino, wines from the Montosoli hill have been sought after by collectors worldwide, and Altesino was the first winery to separately bottle this vineyard. Larger format bottles are known to age more slowly and gracefully. Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is only made in the finest years.

IL MARRONETO: With a reputation for producing some of the finest wines from the denomination, Il Marroneto bottlings consistently receive high praise from the critics. Coming off the heels of a perfect 100-point score for the special selection Madonna delle Grazie, demand for these bottlings is sure to surge. TENUTA SAN GIORGIO: Along with its close neighbor, Poggio di Sotto, San Giorgio is part of the ColleMassari group who has significantly invested in all aspects of the winery and vineyards. The 2015 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte received two 94-point scores and interest in this wine is quickly mounting. POGGIO DI SOTTO: Famous for the high quality of the Sangiovese they cultivate, Poggio di Sotto has quickly achieved the status of a Cult winery in every corner of the world. Incredibly small yields along with a rigorous selection process in the cellar has cemented this winery’s place as one of the very best in Montalcino, if not the world.

Producer Spotlight | POGGIO DI SOTTO

Founded: 1989 Area Under Vine: 16 hectares Vineyard Elevation: 250 – 400m Soil Composition: Sandy clay at higher elevations, rocky gravel and clay at lower elevations Owner: Tipa-Bertarelli Family

Established in 1989, Poggio di Sotto is known in Montalcino for its unique ecological niche of old Sangiovese vineyards (more than 50 years old). Together, with the University of Florence, 120 unique biotypes of Sangiovese were discovered. This biodiversity is the cornerstone of the unique brightness and

complexity that is found in Poggio di Sotto wines and the leader of its distinctive style. Since its foundation, the estate has become famous for the high quality of the Sangiovese that it cultivates and has quickly achieved cult status. Poggio di Sotto is located on a hill to the southeast of Montalcino. Located in

Castelnuovo dell’Abate at the foot of Monte Amiata, the steep vineyards on the southfacing slopes are at altitudes of between 650 and 1,300 feet abovce sea level. The stony soils are composed of gravel and clay in the lower sections, as well as sandy loam in the higher elevation vineyards.

OPPORTUNITY

Cult wine from Montalcino interested in a financial relationship with a serious investor. Able to offer significant return on investment in 15 years. Open relationship with other wines possible.

Toscana

Poggio di Sotto

Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015

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2016 vintages of Brunello

5-STAR VINTAGES of Brunello di Montalcino. Incredible

Producer Spotlight | TENUTA SAN GIORGIO

Founded: 1982 Area Under Vine: 24 hectares Vineyard Elevation: 400m Soil Composition: Sandy clay at higher elevations, rocky gravel and clay at lower elevations Owner: Tipa-Bertarelli Family

Tenuta San Giorgio was founded in 1982 and purchased by the Tipa Bertarelli Family in 2016. It covers 360 acres with the recent addition of a new cellar and 62 acres under vine with 10 – 20+ year-old vines. Production yields are maintained extremely low to ensure the highest quality wines at just 4 – 5

tons per hectare. All vineyard management and production is carried out by hand and adheres to principles that respect nature and the land. Located in Castelnuovo dell’Abate at the top of a ridge at 1,300 feet above sea level, San Giorgio is uniquely positioned in the southeastern part of Montalcino.

NOTICE

Toscana

San Giorgio

Brunello di Montalcino 2016 LEARN MORE

The soil is rich with fossils and there is also a major presence of clay with big portion of tufaceus outcrops. The climate is mild and Mediterranean with nearly constant winds.

In 2014, Tenuta San Giorgio along with Poggio di Sotto were voted as Winery of the Year in Gambero Rosso’s Vini di Italia Guide as part of the ColleMassari group which also includes Grattamacco, Castello ColleMassari and Poggio di Sotto.