Casa Raia Brunello di Montalcino 2009 Library Release

805329 

$495.00 price per bottle

Casa Raia Brunello di Montalcino 2009 Library Release Introduction This wine is a Brunello di Montalcino DOCG from Tuscany, Italy. The estate, Casa Raia, sits on a promontory beneath the famed medieval town of Montalcino. The land once belonged to the patriarchal Biondi Santi family, and this soil saw the first roots of the Sangiovese vine over a century ago. In 2006, Frenchman Pierre Jean Monnoyer purchased the estate and began producing 'natural wines'. The winery's philosophy is encapsulated as "the vine determines the wine," reflecting a deep commitment to the uncompromising production of authentic, quality wines. Casa Raia is also one of the few vineyards in Montalcino making "natural" Brunello, being part of VinNatur and avoiding the use of industrial herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Wine Description Varietal Composition: The Casa Raia Brunello di Montalcino 2009 is made entirely from $100%$ Sangiovese Grosso, as required by law for Brunello. Sensory Profile: The wine is described as a 'living wine' that is powerful, structured, and built to last. It presents an elegant and subtle character, having been made without sulphur dioxide, and is silky and judiciously oaked. Aroma: The nose is complex and highly aromatic, with notes of ripe cherries, Asian spices, leather, earth, and crushed red berries. Further aeration may reveal eucalyptus, plum, dried cherry, vanilla, clove, old balsamic, and cigar. Palate: It features a deep palate of fruit, spice, leather, and earth. It is full-bodied with a plump core of juicy, sweet fruit balanced by a fresh acid backbone. Tannins are substantial ("huge but beautifully ripened") but balanced. Stylistic Notes: The wine is classical and harmonious, grounded on the same traditions that made Brunello one of the first DOCGs. It has been noted as a "very natural and unpolished feeling" wine that is fresh, light, and juicy, with a high drinkability factor. It is aged for 48 months in traditional 3000-litre French oak botte (large barrels). Optimal Drinking Window: Although described as drinking wonderfully now due to its ripe fruit, it has the architecture to cellar mid-term, with some suggestions of a decade or more of ageing potential. It is recommended to decant for at least two hours. Accolades Wine Enthusiast - 95 points CellarTracker - 93 points Food Pairing This bold, red Brunello wine is a "match made in heaven" with specific dishes, particularly those involving rich, red meats. Suggested Pairings: Due to its structure and power, it pairs exceptionally well with Italian Brunello wine dishes. It is a good match for beef, veal, and lamb. Given the wine's depth and complexity, this pairing highlights the wine's depth and character.