The Vigna del Fiore is an unique vineyard: its 14 acres (5.7 hectares) are situated in an area where the vine is cultivated by our family since the XVI century. It is one of the southernmost and oldest vineyard in the whole area of the Brunello di Montalcino. The particular exposition and the composition of the soil give to this Brunello special qualities, with a very elegant bouquet and an harmonic and complex taste.
The Brunello Vigna del Fiore has been produced since 1981; for its harmony and charm it can be drunk and appreciated from the earlier years in bottle, despite being a wine with an excellent capacity of ageing.
Grapes Sangiovese 100%.Vineyards Property of Fattoria dei Barbi, located in the district of Montalcino and registered for Brunello di Montalcino production. Soil: marl and alberese in the highest part of the vineyard. Altitude: 270-294 mt slm. Average age: grape vines planted in 1991. Orientation: South – South West. Vine Training System: Cortina semplice. Vine Stock per hectar: 4.130. Yeld per hectar: 55 ql.
The Year 2012 The climatic development of 2012 was very unusual. The beginning of the Winter was dry and mild, until the end of January when the weather changed drastically with snow storms and temperatures below zero. In the Spring the climate was dry with warmth above the average, without the regular rains of the period. The Summer was hot for many weeks, keeping the humidity high, until September, when few rainy spells brought back the weather to a more sympathetic level for a balanced maturation of the grapes.
The harvest started on September 18th and finished on October 3th.
Vinification Before the fermentation the grapes were subjected to a cold pre-fermentative maceration which consists in cooling the grapes at a temperature of 16°C in an environment protected by CO2. This process increases the extraction of polyphenols and aroma compounds. The regular alcoholic fermentation followed and lasted 16/17 days at a controlled temperature of 27°-28°C. After the racking and the malolactic fermentation the wine aged in small-medium size oak barrels (2,25 – 15 hl) for the first months. Later it completed the aging in larger oak barrels, for a total period of two years and then is bottled at least 4 months before the release.
Chemical Analysis Alcohol 14,5 % – Tot. Ac. 5.5 g/l – Vol. Ac. 0.39 g/l – Residual sugars (glucose + fructose) 0.8 g/l – Dry extract 33 g/l.
Sensory Analysis Colour: brilliant and intense ruby red. Bouquet: cherry, plum and blackberry. Hints of cinnamon, white pepper and nutmeg. Taste: round, smooth and balanced. Fleshy structure well supported by silky tannins. Long lasting finish.
Food Combinations Perfect for important dishes, roasted or grilled red meats, game, venison, stewed wild boar. Excellent with mature cheeses.
Serving Temperature Serve at a temperature of 18°C.
Capacity of ageing 20-60 years.
Conservation and storage Keep the bottle horizontally in a dark place at a temperature of 12°-14°C.
90 punti – James Suckling
Aromas of plums and dried berries with hints of flowers and sweet tobacco. Medium body, redcurrant and berry flavors and a medium finish. Drink now.
93 punti – Intravino | Andrea Gori
Barbi: ampiezza e tocchi femminili graziosi, cipria, mughetto, viola e lavanda, poi in bocca il frutto è convincente, con centro bocca preciso e finale in crescendo. 93
91 punti – Vinous | Ian D’Agata
Brunello di Bright red. Sour red cherry, violet and licorice on the subtle, complex nose. Suave and fine-grained, with pure red berry flavors communicating a restrained sweetness and an underlying mineral bent. Finishes perfumed and long, with smooth, tannins and lovely lift and length. A classy Brunello of sneaky concentration and outstanding balance. Well done in such a difficult year, Drinking window: 2020-2029
Antonio Di Spirito | Luciano Pignataro
E’ pigro e ritroso a manifestarsi, almeno al naso; in bocca, però, ritrovi tutti gli elementi del grande vino complesso, profondo ed equilibrato; è fresco, concentrato ed intenso; interminabile la sua persistenza.
92+ punti – Monica Larner | Robert Parker – Wine Advocate
Fattoria dei Barbi’s 2014 Brunello di Montalcino marks an impressive effort in what was undoubtedly a difficult vintage. The experienced winemaking team at this historic estate has evidently made specific choices to uphold the quality of their Brunelllo despite the challenges of this wet and cold growing season. For example, careful green harvesting proved essential for even ripening of the clusters. The fruit here does appear evenly mature and there is enough succulent flavor intensity (with dark fruit, tobacco and cured spice) and texture to count on a healthy aging trajectory as we move forward in time. However, this vintage is fundamentally near and medium term, so I would recommend a 10- or 15-year drinking window. It also tastes great straight out of the gate.
