What kind of wine is Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Ugolforte” 2018 - Tenuta San Giorgio

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Ugolforte” 2018 - Tenuta San Giorgio is an elegant and highly distinctive Tuscan red wine, produced entirely from Sangiovese grapes grown in the vineyards of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, one of the most renowned areas in the Montalcino region. It presents itself as a full-bodied wine, yet always balanced and refined, capable of combining power and finesse in every sip.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage was characterized by balanced weather, with a mild spring and a warm but not extreme summer. These conditions allowed for optimal grape ripening, ensuring intense aromas and a perfectly harmonious structure. The harvest, meticulously carried out by hand between late September and early October, selected only the healthiest and ripest bunches, a testament to quality and territorial authenticity.

Vinification and aging

The vinification of Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Ugolforte” 2018 - Tenuta San Giorgio takes place in concrete and wooden vats, where alcoholic fermentation develops naturally through indigenous yeasts. Maceration on the skins, i.e., the contact of the must with the solid parts of the grape, allows for the balanced extraction of color, aromas, and tannins. This is followed by a long aging period of approximately 30 months in Slavonian oak barrels, essential for imparting complexity, roundness, and longevity to the wine before resting in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

A Brunello that fully expresses the character of the denomination, interpreted in a contemporary key, where territoriality and finesse blend impeccably.

Color

Visually, the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Ugolforte” 2018 - Tenuta San Giorgio presents itself with an intense ruby red tending towards garnet, bright and vivid, a sign of elegant and controlled aging.

Nose

The bouquet is deep and complex, with hints of ripe dark fruits – such as cherry, blackberry, and plum – accompanied by elegant notes of sweet spices, cocoa, and tobacco. Subtle balsamic and undergrowth nuances also emerge, speaking to the richness of the Montalcino terroir.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, enveloping, and remarkably balanced. The fine and well-polished tannins support a full-bodied yet harmonious structure. The freshness balances the alcoholic intensity, ensuring a long gustatory persistence and a clean, mineral finish that invites another sip.

What dishes to pair with Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Ugolforte” 2018 - Tenuta San Giorgio

This Brunello is a meditation wine, but also an ideal companion for rich and structured dishes. Perfect with:

• Grilled or braised red meats
• Baked game and wildfowl
• Aged cheeses, such as Tuscan pecorino and parmesan
• Traditional Tuscan dishes, such as pappardelle with wild boar ragù

Its depth and complexity also make it suitable for slow tasting moments, where every nuance can be fully appreciated.

Storage and aging: how to store Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Ugolforte” 2018 - Tenuta San Giorgio

To preserve the character of this wine, it is important to store it in an environment with a constant temperature, ideally between 14 and 16°C, away from direct light sources and vibrations. The bottle should preferably be kept horizontally, to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal over time.

Thanks to its structure and the quality of its aging, the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG “Ugolforte” 2018 - Tenuta San Giorgio has an excellent aging potential: it can evolve for over 15-20 years, developing even more complex and refined aromas over time.