Give the gift of Pietranera Brunello di Montalcino this Christmas

2004 Pietranera

On December 5, The Globe and Mail's wine critic Beppi Crosariol recommended the 2007 vintage of Pietranera Brunello di Montalcino which currently retails for $37.95 at the LCBO. 

Notwithstanding the fact that wines in Ontario are generally more expensive than other places on planet earth, save the province of Quebec, this 100% Sangiovese based beauty from Tuscany remains a bargain for a Brunello. 

SukasaStyle readers may recall that in August we recommended the 2006 Pietranera Brunello di Montalcino and recently had the good fortune of drinking the 2004 vintage, a gift from a friend who had traveled to Tuscany. 

While the 2006 vintage received 4.5 / 5 Sukasa Stars the firm tannins, muscular style, and complexity of the 2004, which has had some more time to age, made it a better wine (for our palate). It was an excellent wine and further proof that the Peluso Centolani family remains dedicated to their craft. The 2004 Pietranera scored 4.65 / 5 Sukasa Stars and would retail for much more than the current retail price point for the 2007 vintage were it available.

2007 Pietranera

Here is Beppi Crosariol's review for the 2007:

Pietranera Brunello di Montalcino 2007 (Italy)SCORE: 93 PRICE: $37.95
Relatively fresh and vibrant for a six-year-old Brunello, this regal Tuscan sangiovese offers penetrating, liqueur-like plum and cherry fruit mixed with an earthy, forest-floor quality and sweet tobacco. For Brunello it’s a bargain, full-bodied but hardly heavy, a red that should cellar well for another decade. Available in Ontario.

The holiday's are often a time to spend extra on life's epicurean pleasures. 

To this end the LCBO promotes a number of wines at significantly higher price points than this but our recommendation this #WineWednesday is to give the gift of Pietrenera Brunello di Montalcino this Christmas, whether it is for friends or a treat for your own cellar. 

If you can't resist the temptation of opening up a bottle for yourself over the holidays remember to decant for at least an hour before serving. 

It remains the perfect accompaniment for game meats, strong flavoured cheeses and rich dishes -- in other words holiday fare.