Argiano may be one of the most picturesque estates in Montalcino beginning with a lane lined with beautiful cypress trees. The 17th century villa on the property is now available to guests, allowing Brunello enthusiasts the opportunity for an unforgettable Tuscan experience. Daily wine and olive oil tastings are offered - and who would turn either down? - and the property also features gorgeous, lush gardens and a petite, enchanting chapel. The staff there promises memories to last a lifetime...
If traveling to Tuscany is not an immediate possibility, a bottle of their 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is! I opened a bottle recently on a quiet weeknight when my husband and I were both in the mood for Italian. Handmade semolina gnocci and a hearty meat sauce were pulled from the freezer and while those began to bubble in the oven, we talked over the day's events and assembled a simple salad of romaine and baby portabellas. All of this gave the wine plenty of time to open up before we sat down to dinner.
This is a very traditional Brunello delivering incredible aromatics - I might have been content to just smell it if my mouth hadn't already begun to water! On the nose, the 2010 Argiano Brunello was lush, plump, ripe fruits with a very appealing leathery edge. At first sip, the fruits are even bolder, really luscious plum and dark fresh berries. The depth and richness held up well with the rich entrée and enhanced the earthiness of the mushrooms in the salad. If we had saved any room for biscotti and chocolates, I think this Brunello would go just as well with them!
James Suckling gave the 2010 Argiano 98 points, making this their highest rated Brunello di Montalcino to date. He said, this wine “gets the juices going. Best ever from here. Reminds me of the great Argianos of the 1970s but now!"
If you have been wondering whether this vintage is truly the best of our lifetime, this might be the wine to sway you to our side - I definitely think that it is. Plus this amazing wine is just $49.99 - where else but Tuscany can deliver that kind of points to price ratio? We have it in stock, ready for the next time you are in the mood for Italian, though I can also imagine the way it would enhance a hearty roast chicken and root vegetables. And who doesn't need an under $50 gift? Grab a few extras for hostess gifts and the holidays - it's never too early to start planning!