One of the oldest estates producing Brunello di Montalcino, Valdicava is located in the Montosoli area, famous in Montalcino for wines with great balance of body and aroma. Vincenzo Abbruzzese, owner and winemaker, has been making wine at Valdicava for more than 30 years. He and his family have long-crafted Sangiovese masterpieces, and their Brunellos are considered a benchmark - among the finest in the region. Vincenzo is known to be one of the masters of Brunello due to his passion and intense dedication to the vineyard, and clinical attention to detail at each step of the wine-making process.

Nearly 67 of the 333 acres of the property are dedicated to vines, all strictly Sangiovese. Martini Bramante, Vincenzo Abbruzzese’s grandfather, bought the property in 1953 and began bottling “Brunello Valdicava” in 1968. Today, with the help of Valdicava’s agronomist, Andrea Paoletti, and oenologist Attillio Paglio, Vincenzo has succeeded in bringing his wines to the next level and in establishing a stellar reputation.

Riserva Madonna del Piano, hails from one of the first and best single-vineyard sites in Montalcino, with production dating back to 1977. Made only in the best vintages and from the oldest vines on the property, in 1994 Valdicava was granted the right to list the Madonna del Piano vineyard designation on the label. The 19.5 hectare single vineyard is divided into four parts: old vines, Pievecchina, Pratea and Sferracavallo. Owner Vincenzo Abbruzzese harvests the vines from each part of the vineyard at different times and makes the wines separately before blending them together. The wine is then aged about two years in large old casks and another two years in bottle.

The 2016 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is a truly exceptional wine that embodies the essence of Tuscany. Crafted from the Sangiovese Grosso grape variety, this red wine showcases the elegance and power that the region is renowned for.

In the glass, this wine presents a deep, ruby-red color that is both captivating and enticing. It exudes an aura of sophistication and refinement that immediately draws you in. On the nose, the aromas are heavenly, with notes of fresh flowers such as violets and cherries mingling seamlessly with undertones of freshly shaved sandalwood. This bouquet is a symphony of scents that is both complex and alluring.

On the palate, the 2016 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano reveals its true potential. It is full-bodied, with very fine tannins that are focused and intense, yet possess a polished nature. This wine impresses at every level, showcasing a perfect balance between fruit weight and acidity. The flavors of cherries and plums are complemented by hints of black tea, balsam herbs, and ashen stone. With each sip, the wine seems to expand further, adding nuances of smoke and animal musk.

This vintage is packed full of energy and youthful tension, demonstrating the radiance of the 2016 vintage. The acidity maintains harmony, while the fine tannins slowly saturate the palate, resulting in a long and satisfying finish. The wine lingers on the palate, leaving impressions of licorice and purple-tinged inner florals.

Renowned wine critics have recognized the exceptional quality of the 2016 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano. James Suckling awards it an impressive 99 points, describing it as a complete wine that impresses at every level. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gives it 96+ points, noting its intensity, balance, and freshness. Vinous rates it 96 points, calling it totally captivating and one of the most balanced expressions they have witnessed from Valdicava. Wine Spectator awards it 98 points, highlighting its expressive yet complex nature. Jeb Dunnuck gives it 99 points, describing it as rich, velveteen, and elegantly rounded.

In conclusion, the 2016 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is a wine that truly stands out. It is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of Valdicava and the unique terroir of Tuscany. This wine is a must-have for any wine enthusiast and will undoubtedly reward those who have the patience to wait for it to reach its full potential.