Red wine | Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
The Máté Famiglia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019 is a masterful expression of Sangiovese, hailing from the prestigious Santa Restituta area of Montalcino. This boutique, family-run estate—owned by Ferenc Máté and his artist wife, Candace—is deeply rooted in history, with vineyards planted on land that served as Roman vineyards 2,000 years ago.
This Riserva is a rare gem, crafted in extremely limited quantities—only about 3,000 bottles are produced. The grapes are hand-selected with meticulous care and undergo an extensive aging process, spending nearly four years in French oak before being refined in the bottle for at least six months prior to release. The result is a wine of profound structure, elegance, and harmony.
On the nose, it offers a sophisticated, layered bouquet of baked cherries, cedar, spicy box notes, dark chocolate, and a refreshing hint of mint. On the palate, the wine is seamlessly silky, showcasing a perfect balance between ripe red and black fruit profiles, accentuated by subtle undertones of clove and cocoa. The finish is remarkably long, guided by polished, fine-grained tannins that provide a powerful yet elegant structural backbone.
This wine is a superb choice for collectors and enthusiasts of classic, high-quality Brunello. Its structure and depth make it an ideal companion for refined, hearty dishes, such as slow-roasted game (venison or deer), rich beef preparations, or even traditional Tuscan wild boar ragù. It is a wine that rewards patience, beautifully bridging the gap between historical tradition and modern, organic viticulture. Whether you choose to enjoy it now after a brief decant or cellar it for the coming years, this Riserva stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of the Máté family.