ARGIANO Brunello di Montalcino - Tuscany 2019 MAGNUM

Description

IN BRIEF
Argiano is a respected winery situated on a south-facing limestone plateau in Montalcino, Tuscany. Managed by Sebastiano Rosa, who has experience at esteemed estates like Lafite Rothschild and Sassicaia, Argiano produces structured wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The 2019 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino exemplifies this dedication, crafted from selected grapes and aged for three years in traditional Slavonian oak barrels. It has garnered impressive accolades, including 96 points from Wine Enthusiast for its rich, savory nose and tart berry aromas. James Suckling also awarded it 95 points for its vibrant structure, while both The Wine Advocate and Decanter rated it 94 points, praising its complexity and elegance, making it a remarkable choice for wine enthusiasts.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Argiano is a respected winery located on a south-facing limestone plateau high on the famed Montalcino hill in Tuscany. Managed by Sebastiano Rosa—who honed his craft in California and has experience at prestigious estates like Lafite Rothschild and Sassicaia—Argiano produces structured and sophisticated wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The vineyard benefits from extensive crop-thinning in the summer and meticulous fruit selection during harvest, ensuring only the best grapes are used. With a careful winemaking process that includes three years of aging in traditional Slavonian oak barrels, the wines develop both body and finesse, sourced from vineyards with vines aged between 15 and 60 years on clay-limestone soils.

The 2019 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino is an outstanding expression of this dedication to quality. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 96 points, noting its rich, savory nose with earthy notes reminiscent of an herb garden, complemented by tart berry aromas. On the palate, it presents sweet cherries and strawberries that balance beautifully with vibrant acidity and salty, herbaceous undertones, creating an energetic tension.

James Suckling rated it 95 points, praising its delightful aromas of juicy red cherries, strawberries, and rose petals. He highlighted the medium-bodied structure, firm tannins, and crisp acidity, calling it zesty and suggesting that it will benefit from further bottle aging, recommending enjoyment after 2027.

The Wine Advocate awarded it 94 points, describing the 2019 vintage as stronger than the preceding years due to its precision and focus. It presents sweet cherry and blackberry flavors interwoven with softly toasted spice and floral hints, backed by velvety tannins and a nicely concentrated mid-weight palate.

Decanter also rated it 94 points, with Michaela Morris noting the wine's evocative character—exuding salt-tinged sweet herbs, rose, and bergamot. Generously weighted with succulent strawberries and cherries, it flows across the palate with tangy tangerine freshness and long chalky tannins that add a poised finish.

Vinous rated it 94 points as well, highlighting the complex aromas of crushed stones, cloves, and dried black cherries, along with its surprisingly fresh and energetic character. This Brunello finishes long and spicy, with grippy tannins that enhance its impressive depth and structure.

Overall, the 2019 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino is a testament to the legacy of the estate, showcasing the elegance and complexity that define the rich traditions of winemaking in Montalcino. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, it promises to be a remarkable experience for any wine enthusiast.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 96 points
The rich, savory nose has the tang and earthy depth of an herb garden with top soil, thyme, sage and pepper, then the pop of tart berries. Cherries and strawberries are sweet and bouncy on the palate but the vibrant acid and salty, herbaceous undertones create an optimistic, energetic tension. — Danielle Callegari

JAMES SUCKLING 95 points
"Delightful aromas of juicy red cherries, strawberries, rose petals and wild bush, together with hints of juniper and ground herbs. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and crisp acidity. Zesty and piquant with beautiful balance and finish. Plenty of fruit at the end. Give it more time to come around. Try after 2027."

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 points
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Drink Date: 2025 - 2040
The Argiano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino comes out stronger than the previous 2018 and 2017 vintages, thanks to the precision and focus of its fruit flavors in this balanced vintage. It shows ample depth and volume, with sweet cherry and blackberry that fold into softly toasted spice and earth. Floral hints of lilac and iris make brief but poignant appearances. Velvety tannins and a nicely concentrated mid-weight palate give good staying power. This is a 120,000-bottle release.

DECANTER 94 points
Tasted by: Michaela Morris
(at Chiostro Museo Montalcino, 14 Nov 2023)
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2035
At an average altitude of 300 metres, Argiano stretches out over 120 hectares (58 of which are planted to vines) in the southwestern sector of Montalcino. Looking towards the Mediterranean, the vineyards are bathed in breezes from the sea. The 2019 is poignantly evocative of place exuding salt-tinged sweet herbs, rose and bergamot. Generously weighted with succulent strawberries and cherries, this fills the mouth without feeling heavy. Tangy tangerine instils freshness. Long chalky tannins caress with increasing firmness as it flows confidently across the palate. Rosemary and sage echo on the finish.

VINOUS 94 points
Crushed ashen stones, cloves, dried black cherries, rosemary and balsam herbs create a spice box display as the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. This is surprisingly fresh and energetic, nearly juicy in character, yet refined and focused, with silken textures ushering in crisp wild berry fruits and orange tones that slowly saturate the palate. It finishes spicy and long, yet its energy never wavers, with grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks as licorice and cranberry notes fade. - Eric Guido

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ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Argiano is a prestigious winery located in the heart of the Brunello di Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy. With a history that dates back to the 16th century, Argiano has established itself as one of the leading producers of high-quality wines, especially renowned for its exceptional Brunello di Montalcino. The estate is celebrated for its commitment to tradition, quality, and a deep respect for the unique terroir of the region.

The vineyards of Argiano are situated on the rolling hills surrounding Montalcino, benefitting from a diverse range of soils and microclimates that contribute to the complexity of the wines. The estate primarily cultivates Sangiovese, the indigenous grape variety that epitomizes the region and is used to produce their flagship Brunello di Montalcino. The meticulous vineyard practices prioritize low yields and careful selection, ensuring that only the best grapes are harvested.

Argiano's Brunello di Montalcino is characterized by its elegance, depth, and aging potential. With its rich aromas of dark fruit, spices, and subtle earthy notes, the wine showcases the distinctive qualities of Sangiovese and the terroir of Montalcino. The aging process takes place in a combination of French oak barrels and large botti, allowing the wine to develop complexity and refinement while maintaining its true varietal character.

In addition to Brunello, Argiano produces a range of other wines, including Rosso di Montalcino, a younger expression of Sangiovese that offers immediate accessibility, and Super Tuscan blends that highlight the estate's innovative spirit. Each bottle is crafted with the utmost care, reflecting the artistry and commitment of the winemaking team.

Sustainability is also a core focus at Argiano, with eco-friendly practices integrated into every aspect of vineyard management and winemaking. This dedication to sustainable viticulture not only enhances the quality of the wines but also protects the beautiful landscape of Tuscany for future generations.

As Argiano continues to garner acclaim both nationally and internationally, it remains dedicated to its heritage and the pursuit of excellence. Each bottle tells a story of Tuscan tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique characteristics of Montalcino, inviting wine lovers to experience the beauty and artistry of Italian winemaking. Whether savoured during special occasions or enjoyed with a meal, Argiano wines are a true celebration of the rich culture and history of Tuscany.