Quickie: Brunello di Montalcino Enzo Tiezzi Podere Soccorso 2000

Went upstate for the weekend for two days of sybaritic lolling in the country, thank God with air conditioning, guests of old friends Peter and George. 

The wine highlight was a Brunello di Montalcino Enzo Tiezzi Podere Soccorso 2000, “bottled at the source by Enzo Tiezzi” a well-known scientist who is as an advocate of sustainable agriculture.  He is also, as I saw, smelled and tasted, a very good winemaker.   

The wine was initially rich and rather fat, reminding me very much of the 2003 Vito Arturo. After decanting and a bit of time in the glass during dinner last night, the wine seemed to refine itself, becoming more classically Sangiovese, with an excellent balance of acidity, tannin and fruit. Since I had a huge thick cut of steak, cooked on an Argentine-style grill, this Brunello di Montalcino made an ideal accompaniment to the meal.

I left the wine in decanter over night, uncovered, and 18 hours later its elegance is unimpaired. The finish is even longer than last evening, with almond and autumn-leaf notes predominating in a delicate way. Very pleasing and evocative. To persist with my infamous wine-and-music pairings, both “Autumn Leaves” and “It’s Raining” by Irma Thomas -- featured in Down by Law -- come right to mind.

This wine doesn't seem like it's 14% alcohol, because it isn't hot or bossy in the mouth.  It is unfiltered, so the decanting had another practical purpose, straining off a decent sediment.  Expect this pleasing bottle to cost about $45 retail.

Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines of Syosset, Long Island.

Comments

[Gabrio Tosti]

Terry why you call it Prugnolo?
Prugnolo Gentile is from Montepulciano...

[Terry Hughes]

Gabrio, is my face red? I added that reference as an afterthought, and clearly I had not had enough wine when I was writing it!

I feel a little distracted to be honest. Make that a lot distracted. Dealing with the educational bureaucracy, doctors' offices, running around getting things ready for a long time away from home, producing a powerpoint presentation, getting suitcase zippers repaired, lining up lodgings (2 nights likely to be spent sotto siepe -- under a hedge), etc., etc.

But, amico mio, it's a GOOD kind of distracted.

[Gabrio Tosti]

You sound very busy good luck with everything.
Buon Viaggio if I don't see you before then
Ciao

[Terry Hughes]

Ciao amico ci sentiremo. Buona bevuta!