"99 Points, Eric Guido, Vinous.com
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie tempts the imagination with a dark veil of exotic florals and spices that slowly lifts to reveal dried blackberries and cherries enlivened by hints of mint and a dusting of clove. This soothes with its silken textures and ripe red berry fruits as a blend of saline minerals and fine tannins slowly collect toward the close. Structured yet incredibly long and deep, it tapers off like a black hole, inward and youthfully tense, blending sweet tannins with steeped plums and balsam herbs. The 2019 is one of the most energetic yet complex renditions of Madonna delle Grazie I have yet tasted. I could get lost for days in this wine. Drink 2026 to 2044, Reviewed November 2023
99 Points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
This is a racy wine with deep layers, infinite complexity and a wild, almost mischievous personality. I have noticed that other Brunellos imitate this style, but none come close to the one and only. The Il Marroneto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie exudes immediate aromas that are vibrant, elegant and full of energy. This is a wine of light and power, and I am reminded of Spain's Comando G, especially considering its uniquely punchy quality. Sweet cranberry, coriander seed, cola, licorice and white pepper emerge with purpose. There is a hint of sweetness that feels like summer singing from the glass. The mouthfeel is very much alive with terrific freshness and fine, dusty tannins that coat the entire mouth. Drink 2026 to 2055 Reviewed December 2023"
Stretching over a tiny 9 hectares, Il Marroneto is owned by the charismatic Alessandro Mori. Son of lawyer Giuseppe Mori, Alessandro gave up his law career to make Brunello full time in 1994. A self-proclaimed traditionalist, he believes Brunello should always be age-worthy and full of energy, supported by a hallmark vein of acidity. In this context, it is then not surprising that the wines of Il Marroneto are some of the most elegant and age-worthy Brunello in Montalcino, demonstrating extraordinary breeding and grace.
The estate takes its name from a medieval tower dating back to the 13th century where the nuns (that lived in the Madonna delle Grazie convent) stored chestnuts used to make flour for bread. The vineyard lies at 400 meters above sea level, and the soils are an intricate mix of mostly sand large stone of limestone and Galestro.
