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Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Mercatale wine — Ridolfi winery — Dionysus
RedBrunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Mercatale

by Ridolfi · Tuscany, Italy

Awards & scores
  • Tre Bicchieri 2026Gambero Rosso, Vini d’Italia · 2019 vintage
  • 96pointsDWWA Gold 2025Decanter World Wine Awards · 2019 vintage
  • Tre Bicchieri 2024Gambero Rosso, Vini d’Italia · 2017 vintage
  • Tre Bicchieri 2023Gambero Rosso, Vini d’Italia · 2016 vintage
TypeRed
AppellationBrunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG
Grapes100% Sangiovese
VineyardSelected grapes from the estate’s best parcels on the north-east slope of Montalcino Hill
LineI Vini
Vintages2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012
RidolfiTuscany, Italy

About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

Riserva Mercatale is made only in the best vintages from selected estate fruit, resulting in limited production. The vineyards occupy the north-east slope of Montalcino Hill at 300 m above sea level. Their medium-textured soils are rich in clay and marine fossils, with alberese in the highest areas. Older vines are spur-cordon trained and newer parcels use double Guyot. Organic management includes mating disruption against grapevine moth, organic humus, cover crops and green manure.

Grapes

The 2019 release is 100% Sangiovese. The fruit was picked manually into 8 kg crates during the last week of September, then held overnight at 5°C for cold maceration.

Vinification

Alcoholic fermentation lasts 14 days. During its first 10 days, the wine receives four pump-overs per day at six-hour intervals. Skin maceration continues for 50 days.

Ageing

The wine matures for 55 months in a large 33 hl oak cask, followed by at least 12 months in bottle.

Technical data

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG. Alcohol: 14.5%.

Tasting profile

Dark berries and cherries lead the aroma, joined by violet, sweet spices and a balsamic finish. The palate is elegant, rich and balanced, with savoury tannins and a long finish.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 17–18°C in large Burgundy- or Bordeaux-style glasses. Pair with juicy red meat, game or mature Italian and international cheeses, including Pecorino di Pienza, Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano.