Costanti 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
"Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva remains primary, enshrouded in cedar shavings and exotic spice, allowing hints of dried black cherry, lavender and blood orange to emerge with time. This displays remarkable balance, silken in feel, nearly creamy, with fresh acidity to balance its notes of ripe plum and mineral-laced wild berries. It finishes spicy and structured, begging for more time in the cellar. A balsamic tinge lingers, leaving a bitter sensation that puckers the cheeks with tension. Bury your bottles deep. (Drink between 2028-2044) " -Vinous, 98VM
The noble Costanti family goes back to at least to Renaissance times. One of several famous counts, Costanti – Tito – was both a lawyer and a winemaker, and anticipated the present DOCG and DOC denominations. Not only was he one of the very first to use the name Brunello for Montalcino red wines, but the methods he employed were strikingly similar to those used for Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino today! Costanti Brunellos, however, were jealously guarded wines until the early 1960s, circulating solely among the owners’ friends and family. This changed with Count Emilio Costanti, who first put the family name on the wine map. Dr. Costanti was dedicated to maximizing the winery’s potential and was the first to release Brunello vintages to the public. Having no children, Emilio Costanti traced the sole living descendant of the ancient Sienese family and found Andrea Costanti, a fresh graduate in geology from the University of Siena.
Andrea has been making highly-rated Montalcino classics ever since then, even receiving a perfect 100 points from Kerin O’Keefe for his Brunello di Montalcino 2019. His main goal is to craft exquisite wines, with full respect for the tradition and terroir of Colle Matrichese. “This is what I was taught and what I put into practice, and what I want to pass down to those who will continue after me.”
