Mastrojanni 2016 Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Schiena d'Asino, DOCG

Mastrojanni 2016 Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Schiena d'Asino, DOCG

Item Number: 16565

UPC: None

Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Sub Region: Montalcino
Appellation/AVA: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Vigna Schiena d'Asino
Vintage: 2016
Grape(s): 100% Sangiovese
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Soil Type: Clay and stone

Tasting Notes: The Vigna Schiena d'Asino is Mastrojanni's prized vineyard. This wine is only produced in the absolute best vintages; 2016 produced an excellent Vigna Schiena d'Asino full of personality. The wine is polished and savory guided by compact and ripe tannins that bring depth and elegance. This is a Brunello that will age well and can be drunk with or without food.

Aging Notes: This wine matures for 42 months in Allier oak barrels of 16 hectoliters in size. The wine is further aged for 12 months in bottle before release.

Terroir Notes: It rains very little during the summer in central Italy. Montalcino might get two consecutive months without any rain. Therefore, the vines have to dig deep into the soil for water. Continuous sea breezes known as the Maestrale and the Libeccio keep the vines dry and the insects and plant diseases under control. In addition, Mastrojanni is located near Mount Amiata, a volcano which became extinct 700,000 years ago and which is 1,738 meters high. This mountain determines the Mastrojanni microclimate because at night cold winds come down from the mountain causing a large diurnal temperature change that refreshes the vines from the summer heat. When a storm is close by, curiously, this mountain often diverts it thanks to its rising currents. Mastrojanni is therefore better protected from hailstorms, for example, than other areas of Montalcino.

Reviews

  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 97 (2/17/2022)
    The Mastrojanni 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Schiena d'Asino (with only 6,000 bottles made) is a joy. This classic 2016 vintage was extremely kind to Sangiovese, but not all producers were able to harness this level of varietal purity, elegance and sheer energy. This soulful wine is indeed best characterized by its inner electricity. The "donkey's back," or Schiena d'Asino, is a special vineyard site where grapes enjoy long sun hours and cool nighttime temperatures.
  • Wine Enthusiast
    Rating: 95 (4/10/2022)
    (Cellar Selection.) Forest floor, violet and camphor aromas come to the forefront along with whiffs of toasted nut on this full-bodied red. It's elegant and structured, featuring dried cherry, tobacco and licorice framed in tightly knit, fine-grained tannins, while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Give it time to fully develop. Drink 2028-2036.
  • The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 95 (3/23/2022)
    A lithe, focused red, evoking strawberry, cherry, currant, spice and tobacco flavors. Shows intensity and grip, with accents of leather and licorice chiming in on the finish. Well-structured and lingers on the chalky, mineral aftertaste. Best from 2025 through 2040.