There is a famous quote from Robert Parker that has followed this estate for decades. He famously declared that if he were forced to drink only one Brunello di Montalcino for the rest of his... Read More

There is a famous quote from Robert Parker that has followed this estate for decades. He famously declared that if he were forced to drink only one Brunello di Montalcino for the rest of his life, it would be Pertimali. This was always a somewhat shocking admission, because Parker built his reputation on loving massive, modern, oak-driven wines. Pertimali, run by the Sassetti family, is none of those things. It is a staunch, unwavering traditionalist.

The reason Pertimali unites lovers of all styles—from the die-hard traditionalists to the modernists—is its unique geography. The estate sits on the Montosoli Hill, a specific ridge north of Montalcino that is widely considered the region's unofficial "Grand Cru." This location is the magic trick. Because it is north of the town, it is cooler, preserving the violet aromatics and high acidity that Sangiovese needs. But because the vineyard is a natural amphitheater facing south, it captures the sun, giving the wine a richness and velvet texture that the austere wines of the north usually lack.

It is the goldilocks of Brunello: it has the structure of the old school and the flesh of the new school.