Il Marroneto Brunello Madonna delle Grazie DOCG 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 99] [WA 98] [VM 98] [DM 98] [JD 95-98]

About the Winery:
Il Marroneto was founded in 1974 by Giuseppe Mori. Son Alessandro Mori joined the estate immediately, creating the first vintage in 1980. The estate is located in the higher elevations of the cooler northern zone of Montalcino, and is one of the older estates in the appellation. Traditional in style and adhering to a philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and cellar, Il Marroneto foregoes conventional methods. Focusing on the health of the vine through spacing and nutrient-rich topsoil, Mori eschews the use of chemicals, allows only native ferments and ages in large oak cask.

Tasting Notes:
The northern zone of Montalcino is characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and cool temperatures. These conditions are idea for creating Brunellos of significant ageing potential, showing complexity, increased aromatics, classic tannic structure and nervy acidity. Madonna delle Grazie displays elaborate florality interplayed with aromas of earth underfoot. Bright cherry, leathery-tones, and pulsating acidity offer the backbeat to the complex perfumes. Expect a precise and pure example of Sangiovese.

Food Pairing:
Sangiovese's high natural acidity and complex tannic structure make it an admirable ally to a range of hearty meat or game dishes. Go the traditional route with braised short ribs or Osso Bucco, but don't be hesitant. Brunello benefits from a straightforward pairing, no artifice as the Tuscans prefer. Bean and kale soup, papparedelle, or an aged pecorino, are resoundingly local choices.

99 Points, James Suckling:
“An exquisite mix of elegant aromas dominates the nose, with notes of Parma violets, orange peel, Earl Grey tea, dried cherries, smoky woodland and earthy minerality. Full-bodied, it shows significant tannins, but it’s velvety, sweet and full of aging potential. The flavors are enhanced by energetic, slightly lifted acidity and a super-long, austere finish. It will last for decades. Try after 2025." (Nov 2024)

98 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The Il Marroneto 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie (tasted once in the winery and again in my office) is another classical expression of Sangiovese from vintner Alessandro Mori and his son Iacopo. This vintage is best described as more charming compared to the stacked 2019 vintage or the powerful 2016 edition. This is a very pretty wine, elegant and finessed, with pretty floral highlights of rose and violet that lean into a subtle menthol note. There is caramelized sugar and candied orange. The wine lives in oak for 46 months with just a brief time in steel before going into bottle (at the end of July 2024). This vintage is a little closed or tight in terms of mouthfeel, which suggests it needs more time in bottle to spread its wings." - Monica Larner (Nov 2024)

98 Points - Vinous Media:
"The undeniably elegant 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie is amazingly fresh and vibrant on the nose, cascading from the glass with a burst of crushed cherries, rose petals, blood oranges and cloves. This displays exceptional elegance and grace, soothing the palate with its silken feel and ripe red and blue fruits. Hints of sour citrus add contrast, a mix of iron-borne minerals and fine tannins that mount toward the close. A saturation of primary concentration remains, offset by residual acidity as this finishes structured and impossibly long, leaving a sour cherry tinge and masses of violet pastille. The 2020 is a showboat yet complex and harmonious from start to finish. It's easily one of the absolute top wines of the vintage." – Eric Guido (Nov 2024)

98 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"This soars out of the glass with heady scents of violet, rose and lilac, eventually joined by flecks of pepper, potting soil and roasted chestnuts, yet the palate is almost stubbornly closed as the tannins clutch assertively to a brooding core of dark cherry. Acidity is just as concentrated as the fruit, and next to the estate’s classic Brunello, the single-vineyard Madonna delle Grazie bottling demonstrates more density and volume, and it will need even longer in the cellar. Next year, Il Marroneto will come out with a 2020 Riserva, only the estate’s second ever (2013 being the first). Based on the performance of these two wines, the decision seems highly justified." – Michaela Morris (Nov 2024)

95-98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The first of three vineyard selections, the 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino Madonna Delle Grazie is long and expansive through the palate. It offers ample structure and energy through an exquisitely concentrated and long finish. At this stage, there is notable reduction, and the wine is still working nearly three years later." – Audrey Frick (Mar 2023)