Tasting notes:

Villa al Cortile, the Piccini-owned estate in Montalcino, is located on the southern slopes of the Brunello di Montalcino production area: eight hectares at Montesoli and 4ha at Lavacchio. The northern vineyards face north and north-east, giving zippier acidity, essential for long-ageing Brunello. Medium garnet in colour, with aromas of strawberry, cranberry and pomegranate, accented by toasty wood, the wine is delicately perfumed by orange zest and crushed red roses too. The mid-weight palate has racy acidity and grainy textured tannins, intense and well-defined, leading to a lingering finish. Perfect with beef roulades with pecorino. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)