2020PodereLeRipi‘Cielod’Ulisse’,BrunellodiMontalcinoDOCG,Italy

<p>This Brunello comes from Podere Le Ripi’s western-slope vineyards in the Galàmpio area, a secluded zone overlooking the Ombrone River and surrounded by forest. Soils here are alluvial, well-draining clays and sands with fragments of galestro and alberese, giving a cooler, more delicate fruit profile; the estate’s Castelnuovo dell’Abate vineyards on the opposite (southeast) side feed other Brunelli such as Lupi e Sirene and Amore e Magia. </p><p>Fermentation is in large open-top casks with open pump overs for the first ~80% of the ferment, finishing Piedmont-style (infusion); élevage is 36 months in large oak then 2 months in cement. The 2020 is taut and savory—red cherry and blood orange with wild herb and a stony, saline line—its fine, polished tannins and mineral drive reflecting the western slope’s cooler imprint.</p>