Fast Facts:
- 2019 Poggio Lontano Brunello di Montalcino, Italy ($21.99 @ Trader Joes, California)
So fellow Costco wine bloggers on the east coast have been lighting up about the new 2019 Kirkland Signature Brunello di Montalcino but it has yet to land in our stores here on the West Coast. Maybe we are premature in our expectations since it has only been 9 months since we featured the prior vintage as our Wine of the Week. But a funny thing happened on a recent trip to Trader Joe’s – we found a 2019 BdM for pretty much the same price point. It was begging to be put to the test. It did not disappoint!
From the picturesque hilltop town of Montalcino in Tuscany, Brunello is one of Italy’s best red wines. It is made totally 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. Why not find out for yourself 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.)
Tasting Notes:
Pours a nice rusty red color. Aromas of cherry, tobacco and oak. In the mouth, flavors of cherries, black raspberry and leather. In a word, its flavor profile is one of typcity. Hints of forest floor and anise on the finish. Mild tannins, nicely balanced and food friendly. Would pair well with a wide range of Italian fare as well as grilled meats, hard, salty cheeses and tomato based vegetarian dishes. ABV – 14%.
Need More Wine Picks from Trader Joe’s – or Costco?
If your search for this wine lands you in Trader Joe’s, take along our handy Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.
And 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.
Cheers!
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