Nestled on a hilly ridge almost on the western border of the Montalcino area, the Pian delle Vigne estate is of historical importance in the Antinori panorama and in the heterogeneous macrocosm of wine-making realities that have made and continue to make Montalcino great thanks to the parcel called Vignaferrovia from which the Brunello Riserva comes.

Just 4.5 hectares planted with vines in front of the old railway station of Pian delle Vigne and insisting on a soil mixed between clay and limestone, with a lot of skeleton made of rocks and small stones and a southwest exposure, guarding the valley furrowed by the Ombrone River that divides two agricultural areas but also two vast green lungs very important for the local microclimate.

Produced only in the exceptional vintages, only seven starting with the first bottle dating back to 2004, Brunello Riserva Vignaferrovia is a very elegant interpreter of Montalcino tradition and faithfully reflects the weather patterns of the seasons that anticipated the individual harvests.

In fact, the 2009 vintage was characterized by climatic stability in the early months of the year, which saw intense winter rains followed by an alternating spring and a dry and hot summer, during which the vines benefited from the water reserves accumulated in the previous months in order to properly complete ripening and arrive at harvest around mid-September.

Once the best grapes from the vineyard of the same name were selected and harvested, a maceration process of about three weeks with frequent pumping over and delestage was initiated, before aging in wood for 30 months. Interesting is the progressive decanting from smaller (starting with 500 liters) to larger (3000 liters) woods so as to accommodate aging by reducing the contribution of wood so as to preserve the identity of the individual grapes and vintage.

The Vignaferrovia Reserve presents itself to the taster with a deep ruby color that veers slightly to garnet. On olfactory examination, clear hints of red forest fruits, notes of shredded tobacco, leather, dark chocolate, licorice root and a balsamic note emerge. In the mouth it reveals a great balance, made of a full and soft sip, well balanced by a perfectly integrated tannin and a lively freshness that introduces a decidedly persistent closure.

A certainty for those who know the Montalcino area well, a pleasant discovery for those who, among the countless quality wineries, have never had the opportunity to taste this wine: here is Brunello Riserva Vignaferrovia, yet another masterpiece signed by Antinori.