"98/100 Eric Guido, Vinous
The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie dazzles with a beguiling display of dried strawberries, spiced blood orange, cinnamon, mint and crushed stones. It is harmonious throughout, with textures of pure silk, a subtle inner sweetness and tantalizing acidity that offsets its penetrating core of tart cherry and blackberry. The 2021 leaves a chewy sensation and an array of sweet tannins that pinch at the cheeks as an air of rosy inner florals mixes with hints of Earl Grey and spice. In 2021, Madonna delle Grazie has taken on a whole new identity, relying more on beauty than power. Drink 2030-2046."
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.
