At a glance

Producer

Baricci

Region

Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese Grosso

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$250-350 USD per 750ml (global auction and retail median)

Tasting profile

Aromas of dried cherry, sweet tobacco, balsamic, and forest floor. Palate shows spice, earthy red fruit, supple tannins, lingering finish with savory herbs and leather.

Evolution: From youthful dark cherry, rose petal and vanilla to developing notes of fig, teakwood, truffle, and incense.

At peak: At peak, this wine displays full integration of fruit, oak, and savory tertiary nuance, gaining silky smoothness and nuance through 2028-2029.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, vibrant and sustained

Tannins

Firm, integrated, finely grained

Alcohol

14.5% ABV (typical for vintage and region)

Aging potential

Excellent; structure supports further cellaring up to 10-12 more years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2029

Optimal window

2022 to 2032

Current status

Optimal drinking window approaching peak

Current condition

The wine is entering maturity with tertiary development while retaining fruit vibrancy; well-stored bottles are at their finest now through the next several years.

Sangiovese Grosso from a strong vintage like 2012 is structured for extended aging. Baricci's Riserva 'Nello' sees traditional long cask aging and minimal intervention, which promotes slow development. Wine is entering its prime now and will hold several more years at peak if properly stored.

Food pairing

Braised lamb shank, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, mushroom risotto, or rosemary-infused roast pheasant.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has firm, integrated tannins and is 13 years old, which suggests it could benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and soften the tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Hand-harvesting, low chemical input, organic fertilizer, cover cropping, traditional farming with minimal irrigation; solar panels for winery use; recyclable packaging.

Baricci is a family estate on Montosoli and one of Brunello's founders. While not officially certified organic or biodynamic, they employ 'lotta integrata' (integrated pest management), eschew herbicides/pesticides, and use organic fertilizers. Energy use is conservative (some use of solar), water conservation practiced due to dry-farming. Packaging is classic and recyclable. Small scale minimizes energy intensity, but lack of certification limits score. Overall, their traditional, low-impact approach rates as above average for sustainability in the region, with some room for formal certification improvement.