Fire up the Pasta Pot for this Kirkland Signature BdM!

Fast facts:

• 2018 Kirkland Signature Brunello di Montalcino, Italy $19.99 (@Costco, California, Item# 1472194)

From the picturesque hilltop town of Montalcino in Tuscany, Brunello is one of Italy’s best red wines. Brunello is made from Sangiovese, Tuscany’s flagship grape that is prized for its ability to reflect where it’s grown. It is typically bolder than Chianti, Tuscany’s other famous Sangiovese wine.

Italy has more indigenous grape varieties (which number in the hundreds) than an other country of origin.  Leading the pack is Sangiovese.  Unlike Chianti, which is from Tuscany, location, climate and elevation inform renditions of this region which is some 70 miles to the south. As a result, the vineyards enjoy a warmer, drier climate than in Chianti. In fact, it is the most arid of all the Tuscan areas.

Maybe have some fun by by trying Brunello and Chianti side-by-side?

It is significant that this wine carries the DOCG designation, which requires three years of aging in barrel before a wine can be released. (Lesser DOC renditions are bottled after just one year in barrique and named Rosso di Montalcino, be forewarned.)

So all the preamble just goes to prove that this Kirkland Signature bottling is the “good juice”.  Critic James Suckling agrees, having awarded this wine 91 points.  Although as a general rule, we lop 2 points off of his scores. File under: rounding errors.

Tasting Notes:

A light ruby color in the glass. Lovely notes of plum and red hooded berries along with hints of spice and chocolate. rose petal and strawberry. Herbs, orange zest and leather on the finish. Tannins (softened given its age) and acidity are in nice balance.  nice long acidity as typical. Would pair well with roasted meats, hard cheeses, vegetarian fare and all things Italian – duh.  ABV 14%.

Need More Wine Picks from Costco – or Trader Joe’s Even?

If your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.

And if your shopping finds you at Trader Joe’s, you can find our Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.

Happy hunting.

Cheers!