Salvioni

Wow. It is very rare to find so focussed a family operation, especially when that focus is so determinedly on absolute quality. Their winegrowing regime points two ways. They are very modern in the vineyard, reducing yield to very low levels by harsh pruning and manicuring the few remaing bunches so that the grapes at harvest are perfect. Then again in the cellar they are ultra traditional with extended barrel aging and relaxed wine making so they make tiny quantities of intense, elegant wine with layers of flavour but no sign of extraction. Both Brunello and Rosso are pure and complete and amazingly drinkable young. Only 800 cases of the Brunello in most years at Salvioni. I have to say that the value for money of these wines is terrific. They ain`t cheap, but over deliver. (CW27/02/14)