At a glance

Producer

Fattoria dei Barbi

Region

Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$45-$65

Tasting profile

Intense aromas of blackberry, cherry, spice, and earth; palate shows firm tannins and fresh acidity with flavors of plum, tobacco, and leather.

Evolution: Over the next 5-10 years, tannins will soften, tertiary aromas of forest floor, dried herbs, and truffle will develop.

At peak: Complex, balanced with silky tannins, profound depth of flavor and great length.

Structure

Acidity

High, bright

Tannins

Firm, structured, ripe

Alcohol

14.0%

Aging potential

20+ years from vintage given producer reputation and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2043

Optimal window

2026 to 2046

Current status

Developing, not yet optimal

Current condition

Youthful tannic structure with fresh acidity

2018 is a strong vintage in Montalcino with ripe phenolic maturity balanced by freshness. The wine's firm tannic backbone and high acidity enable long aging. Traditional Brunello di Montalcino structure supports 20+ years of cellaring with evolution into complex tertiary notes.

Food pairing

Pairs well with rich Tuscan dishes like roasted lamb, beef stew, wild game, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

18-20°C / 64-68°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic complexity to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Water conservation through drip irrigation, integrated pest management, energy-efficient cellar operations, use of natural cover crops, limited chemical treatments

Fattoria dei Barbi participates in sustainability initiatives focusing on reducing chemical inputs and preserving soil health. While not fully organic certified, they demonstrate environmental stewardship with controlled resource use, contributing to a moderate sustainability footprint.