Located on the northeast quadrant of Montalcino, facing Mt. Amiata we find Tenuta Renieri. This is a stunning and beautiful winery owned by the Bacci Family. It is well-known by wine lovers that the best vineyards in Montalcino are located here. Renieri’s vineyards neighbor those of Biondi Santi, Cantina La Serena, Casanova di Neri and Azienda La Rasina;all located within a 2 mile radius. The estate comprises 128 acres of which only 30 are under vine at an elevation between 350 – 420 meters above sea level. The Renieri dates back to the 1700s, while the winery, which extends over about 1000 square metres is almost entirely below ground. The single fallen tree on the label serves as a reminder of a tornado that ripped through Montalcino in 2002.

The wines from this house receive every vintage HUGE scores from the world’s most famous wine critics (2010 Renieri Brunello di Montalcino scored 100 pts., was named #3 Top 100 Wines in the World and was featured in the Top 100 List from Wine Spectator, additionally their 2012 scored 95 pts. and was featured in the Top 25 Brunellos of 2012 by James Suckling)

Marco Bacci (Owner & Winemaker) focuses on quality rather than quantity. His vineyards’ yields are dangerously low, producing a mere 1 kg per vine, which is equivalent to 1 bottle of wine . The vines were planted in the 1990’s and have a south/southeast exposure. Soils at Renieri estate are predominately volcanic, with calcareous soils and red clay and tuffs.

Today’s wine is sourced from a 7 hectare single vineyard by the name of Regina. Proprietor Marco Bacci crafts only about 1,000 cases of this Super Tuscan that is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels with a further 12 months in bottle.

TASTING NOTES:

94 pts. James Suckling: This is a luxurious red with dark berry, plum and peach aromas and flavors. Full body, velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Juicy and savory. Always a top Super Tuscan from Montalcino. Better in 2016 but so delicious now.

93 pts. Wine Spectator: This is pure, delivering black cherry, blackberry, spice and mineral notes, showing beautiful harmony and structure. Offers a long, tobacco-, herb- and mineral-tinged finish. Syrah. Drink now through 2023. 2,500 cases made.