Welcome to the 2012 vintage of  Brunello di Montalcino.

The 2017 Benvenuto Brunello was held February 17th – February 20th, in Montalcino, Italy.

The event included 134 of the top Brunello producers, showcasing 2012 Brunello di Montalcino, 2015 Rosso di Montalcino, 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riseva, as well as the  appellations of Moscadello and Sant’Antimo.

The consensus of the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino vintage is that it is a excellent, if not great vintage.  The growing season was characterized by a very hot and dry summer, at times scorching heat.  Due to this, overall production is estimated to be about 15% less than 2011, but for the most part, quality did not suffer. The best will come from the higher altitudes of the northern part of Montalcino, which dealt with the heat better than those in the south.   Some of the ones I tasted in the southern part of Montalcino were noticeably higher alcohol and less acidity.

Overall, a solid vintage.