2020 Argiano Brunello: reinventing a classic

2020 Argiano Brunello: reinventing a classic

And Solengo, the Montalcino SuperTuscan

'A remarkable evolution has taken place at Argiano… Their focus on the vineyards, soils and vines has paved the way for a very bright future.'
Eric Guido, vinous.com

It's hard to reinvent a classic — and they've been making wine at the hilltop site of Argiano for centuries. But Bernardino Sani has been receiving plaudits on all sides for returning Argiano to a more classical style of Brunello, one focussed on purity and energy. He has overseen a decade-long programme of investment in the vineyards and the cellar. He has transitioned the vineyards to organic viticulture. He has totally overhauled the barrel cellar, replacing barriques with Montalcino's traditional larger-format barrels (which stamp a less overt wood character on the wine). All this change at Argiano, as the Wine Spectator recently noted, 'has paid off in spades'. 

Argiano has excelled in 2020. The season was hot, but with good water reserves in the soil, the vines bore the weather very comfortably. The grapes concentrated acidity as much as fruit, lending the wine a lovely balance. 

And Argiano has an alter ego. While the northern estate vineyards are planted to Sangiovese, the slightly warmer southern vineyards are planted to international varieties. Solengo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese; the name means 'solitary wild boar' in local dialect (wild boar sometimes terrorise vineyard workers). The very dry 2022 Tuscan vintage has led to a concentrated and compelling Solengo. It's a wine that perfectly epitomises the marriage of French varietals and Tuscan terroir that we think of as SuperTuscan. /NT

Offered subject to remaining unsold. Wines expected to arrive Autumn 2025. To place an order, click on the wines below, or call 020 7638 5998