At a glance

Producer

Máté

Region

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese (locally: Sangiovese Grosso)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$70-$100

Tasting profile

Deep ruby; aromas of black cherry, plum, wild herbs, dried rose petal, sandalwood, and earthy Tuscan spice; assertive tannins and vibrant acidity on the palate with dense, dark fruit and a long, savory finish.

Evolution: Over the next decade, tannins will soften, tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, balsamic, and dried porcini will emerge, with fruit evolving towards dried and stewed character. Acidity will maintain freshness and lift.

At peak: At peak, will offer harmonious fruit, tertiary complexity (forest floor, dried herbs, sweet spice), velvety texture, and lingering, savory finish characteristic of classic Brunello.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, supporting long-term aging

Tannins

Firm and abundant, typical of classically-styled Brunello

Alcohol

14.5% (typical for modern Brunello)

Aging potential

15-20+ years from vintage, especially from reputable producers in a strong vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2037

Optimal window

2025 to 2040

Current status

Young and cellar-worthy

Current condition

Structured, primary fruit, tannins prominent; suitable for extended aging

2019 is recognized as an excellent vintage for Brunello, characterized by ideal ripening conditions and balance. Top estates like Máté can reliably produce wines that evolve over 15-20+ years. Structure, acidity, and tannin density support this extended window. Early drinking will showcase power and fruit, while patience will reward with Brunello's hallmark complexity.

Food pairing

Best with grilled or roasted lamb, rare Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina), aged pecorino, wild boar ragù, or earthy mushroom risotto. Pairs well with rich, savory Tuscan cuisine and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (2 hours (if drunk young); 1 hour (from 2028+)) — Decanting opens up the wine's aromatics and softens tannins, helping to reveal deeper layers of flavor, especially in the first 10 years after harvest.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Organic viticulture (no synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers); hand-harvesting; careful water management using Tuscan sustainable protocols; natural cover crops for soil health; solar panel use for partial energy needs; recycled and lightweight glass in packaging.

Máté operates as a certified organic Brunello producer, with a strong commitment to biodiversity, minimal intervention, and carbon reduction. Vineyard and winery practices are environmentally focused, with energy conservation (solar), water-saving, low-impact farming, and ongoing improvements in packaging and materials. Close proximity to European markets moderates footprint, but global shipping (especially by air) increases carbon intensity. No chemical residuals or toxic run-off into land. Dedication to sustainable growth, ongoing transparency, and environmental improvement elevates overall sustainability rating.