2015 Brunello di Montalcino, Argiano, Tuscany, Italy

A black grape widely grown in Central Italy and the main component of Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as well as being the sole permitted grape for the famed Brunello di Montalcino.

Along with Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino is Tuscany's most famous DOCG and its boldest expression of the Sangiovese grape. Located 30 miles south of Siena, its 2,000 hectares of vines are hemmed in by the Orcia, Asso and Ombrone valleys. Brunello is the local name for the Sangiovese Grosso clone from which Brunello di Montalcino should be made in its entirety. The wine cannot be released for sale until five years after the harvest.

Tenuta di Argiano was established in 1879 and since 1992 has been owned by Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano. The estate is now managed by Sebastiano Rosa, who learnt his trade in California, followed by stints at Lafite-Rothschild and Sassicaia. Winemaking guru Giacomo Tachis acts as a consultant.