Il Marroneto is regarded as one of ten historic companies of Montalcino. Purchased in 1974 by Giuseppe Mori, a lawyer and father of the current owner of the company, Alessandro Mori, he decided to make Brunello, “a little for fun and a bit for passion”. Together with his two sons, they began their wine adventure using two small rooms in one of the estate’s historic buildings dating to 1246, previously used for drying chestnuts.

The vineyards of Il Marroneto extend on the north slope of the hill, about 350m high, in the immediate vicinity of the walls of the town of Montalcino. The first 3,000 meters of vineyard were planted in 1975, the rest in 1979 and finally 9,000 meters were planted in 1984.

Vineyard management is based on a traditional and minimalist philosophy, treating the vines as little as possible, avoiding excessive production, and following the practice of using natural grasses between vine rows. Great attention has been paid to the vineyard’s ecosystem, allowing the Sangiovese to have space to develop excellent roots. The result is a very elegant wine, rich in aromas, classic, and worthy of contemplation.

The 2015 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie is a remarkable wine that embodies the essence of Sangiovese Grosso. With its deep and intense red color, this wine is a true beauty to behold. The nose immediately captivates with its beautiful purity and complexity. Aromas of cherry, grenadine, and cassis dance elegantly with notes of jasmine and a touch of exotic fruit. As the wine opens up, hints of mesquite or hickory smoke add another layer of intrigue.

On the palate, the Madonna delle Grazie reveals a different character than the classic Brunello from Il Marroneto. It offers a more structured mouthfeel, with firm tannins that add depth and complexity. The integration of flavors is exceptional, showcasing the wine's richness and overall density. The fruit from the 1.6-hectare parcel, situated 420 meters above sea level, contributes to the wine's unique character. The sandy mineral-rich soils of this site add a distinct element to the wine.

This wine has received high praise from critics, with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarding it an impressive 98+ points. They recommend giving this wine ample time to open and develop, or better yet, cellaring it for a few more years. Decanter also gives it a score of 98, describing it as more brooding and sinewy, with a firm backbone and a core of pristine fruit. Wine Enthusiast goes a step further and awards it a perfect score of 100, praising its tantalizing fragrance, linear and elegant palate, and tightly wound, polished tannins. Wine Spectator gives it a respectable score of 93, noting the dominance of balsamic aromas and flavors, along with a lightness and freshness that balance the rugged tannins.

Overall, the 2015 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie is a wine that demands attention and admiration. It is a true expression of the terroir and the skill of its producer, Il Marroneto. This wine is a testament to the potential of Sangiovese Grosso in the Brunello di Montalcino region, and it promises to age gracefully for many years to come.