January 29,2014

The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino wines can be officially released in accordance with the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di  Montalcino regulations on January 1,2014. So this is a good time to reflect back on the weather of 2009 to give us a glimpse of what we may expect in the final bottled wines being currently released.

The Spring season had more rain than usual and the rain lasted through the middle of July. The balance of the summer was dry and hot. Keep in mind that warm temperatures are much better for the vines than hot temperatures.

In the southern portion of Montalcino, where clay soil is predominant, the heat gave the excess water in the ground some positive purpose. In these areas with the water retentive clay soil, the vines were les stressed.

The heat created an accelerated ripening process and grapes with higher sugar levels resulting in a higher alcohol level vintage of 14.5%.

Overall Vintage Rating

The Consorzio del Vino Brunello di  Montalcino rates each vintage using a scale of five stars. With this weather, the Consorzio have declared that the 2009 vintage is a Four star vintage.

The proof of this will show in our glasses.