Sangiovese grapes in the vineyard at Le Chiuse
The focus of my recent trip of Italy was exploring Tuscany while getting to know more about the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino “vintage of the century.” While editing my photos I realized I should devote a post to images of grapes and vineyards, separate from the one where I get to know the differences in my Brunello di Montacino vintages.
Morning skies and tractor at Le Chiuse
Le Chiuse di Montalcino is a small wine producer in the north of Montalcino where Sangiovese Grosso grapes are grown on seven acres to make Brunello, Riserva, and Rosso di Montalcino wines.
Lines of grapevines
Brunello di Montacino is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes. What makes for a notable vintage? The weather during peak growing season has a major impact.
These 100% Sangiovese grapes are future Brunello
2010’s growing season was marked by hot days and cool evenings– a winning combination if you’re a winemaker. Weather like that makes for a vintage that has both bright acidity and lush fruit forwardness. The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is described as “best of the new millennium,” a merit I am a tad dubious to declare after only a decade.
The Vineyard, pool and cypress trees at Le Chiuse di Montalcino
I came away from the trip with the feeling that you’re going to be hearing about the 2010 Brunello for a long time.
Stairs to the cellar at Le Chiuse
Bucolic view overlooking the Le Chiuse Vineyard
While it’s been released, it’s not yet ready for prime time– the 2010 Brunello di Montacino is expected to be approachable “in a few years” and at peak during the next decade.
Otto, Le Chiuse’s resident vineyard dog
The setting of Le Chiuse is pure bucolic Tuscan dream. Even teetotalers would enjoy the gorgeous hillside scenery.
Otto, the vineyard dog GIF
Le Chiuse tastes as good as it looks. In my next post I’ll explain what I learned about 2010 and other Brunello di Montalcino vintages in their cellar.
The picnic table at Le Chiuse di Montalcino
Azienda Agrituristica “LE CHIUSE”
Via delle Fonti, Località Le Chiuse
58014 Manciano (GR)
Telefono +39 0564/625060
Fax +39 0564/620928
Cellulare +39 335/6920736
Email le_chiuse@yahoo.it