ABOUT: Sesti is one of only a few producers using organic and biodynamic practices among the 200-ish makers of Brunello di Montalcino. Since 1991, when their first Nebbiolo vines went into the ground, Guiseppe Sesti has been focused on sustainable practices and low intervention wine making. Those vines drilled down into the soil around the families sprawling estate in Tuscany, built on the site of an ancient ruin. It looks like an incredible place to work and live. In 1999 daughter Elisa joined the family in running the business and maintaining the high standards set by her father. The whole line up of wines is fantastic, from the exceptionally affordable Monteleccio, Rosato, Rosso, and onto the glorious Brunello’s. There are no lower quality grapes here, all wines are made with the very best Sesti has to offer with just slightly different yields in the vineyard and vinified in different ways. In our opinion Sesti wines regularly outperform most others and provide outstanding value. Not a bad one in the lot. TASTE: 2013 was a highly rated vintage, the growing season got a late start but ended on a fine note and this Sesti Brunello di Montalcino is an exceptional example. 100% Sangiovese loaded with cherry and plum fruit flavor with a complex amalgam of classic tertiary notes common in good Brunello; mint, fennel, tobacco, mushroom, soy sauce, and rose petal. A calling card for good Brunello is the quality of the tannins, and the 2013 tannins are very fine and just ripe, integrated and balanced within the mix of all the other components. The acidity and tannin levels are totally pro, this wine will develop gracefully until and past 2041. There is a brilliant life ahead for this elegant Brunello. PAIR: Grilled portobello mushroom, polenta, Requeson croquettes, smoked paprika roasted potatoes, and aged pecorino.
