Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 97] [WE 97] [OC 97] [DM 97] [WA 96] [VM 96] [KO 96] [FS 95]

About this Winery:
Il Marroneto was founded in 1974 by Giuseppe Mori. Son Alessandro Mori joined the estate immediately, creating the first vintage in 1980. The estate is located in the higher elevations of the cooler northern zone of Montalcino, and is one of the older estates in the appellation. Traditional in style and adhering to a philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and cellar, Il Marroneto foregoes conventional methods. Focusing on the health of the vine through spacing and nutrient-rich topsoil, Mori eschews the use of chemicals, allows only native ferments and ages in large oak cask.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Our classical Brunello, 100% Sangiovese, is made absolutely following the traditional style. This is the historical wine of the farm elegant and at the same time structured.

97 Points - James Suckling:
“A restrained wine that’s complex and deep, with aromas of cherry stones, butter, fresh violets, orange peel and prunes. Firm tannins with a grainy texture, yet it has a sweet finish, super-energetic acidity and a full body. Flavors of blood oranges and violets. Perfect balance and incredible aging potential. A super classic. Drink or hold." (Nov 2024)

97 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"An utterly unique, deeply personality driven Brunello. I highly recommend an experience with Marroneto, if not to explore its stunning depth and breadth, then at least to taste a wine that confirms Brunello can still deliver unexpected joys."

97 Points - Orazio Campoli:
"It's so easy to review wines that you love, this Brunello producer is definitely one of the few producers close to my heart. Marroneto is a masterclass producer known for producing wine of extreme balance and elegance. A true terroir driven Brunello that rivals some of the biggest names out there. Alessandro Mori, the visionary behind Il Marroneto, has developed a Brunello that wanted to display the purest and classical expression of this grape; producing Brunellos which can be refined, age-worthy, and deeply linked to their terroir. Situated at the northern slopes of Montalcino, here the north facing slope has the widest change in temperature and limestone soil known as crete. The wines made here are robust and packed with aroma, in the mouth they have noticeable minerality and acidity. We are lucky enough to say that 2020 continues along with 2019 to be some of the best Brunello ever made. You rarely see such nice vintages next to each other. This 2020 is a wine of grace and precision rather than sheer energy. The nose is airy and alluring, with aromas of crimson cherries, wild strawberries, and pomegranate, layered with rose petals, dried herbs, and suggestions of citrus zest. On the palate, it's medium-bodied yet structured, with amazingly silky tannins and mellow acidity that elevate the purity of fruit. Classic notes of tobacco, crushed stone, and a touch of spice add intensity. Il Marroneto is known for its minimal intervention method, in fact, they only use neutral Slavonian oak, it is usually aged for 39 months. This results in a wine this is each age-worthy and approachable in its youngsters, with a cellaring potential of 20+ years, if you can't wait! I can't, this wine is too good!" -Orazio Campoli (Feb 2025)

97 Points - Decanter:
"Brunello has enjoyed a run of successful vintages, culminating in the beautiful generosity and succulence of the 2019s, however Il Marroneto is one of the few estates to improve on that with their 2020. Cherries infused with florals accompany succulent plummy fruits with an undercurrent of youthful creaminess. Fine-grained tannins lurk in the background, refusing to steal the thunder from a biting, zesty blood orange finish. Wonderful stuff. Drinking Window: 2026-2042." -James Button (Nov 2025)

96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The Il Marroneto 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of special depth and elegance. Alessandro Mori tells me that fermentation in 2020 proceeded nicely with what he describes as a "primordial stew" of grape must, resulting in high pressure "geysers" or "liquid bombs" that rip right through the cap because of pressure build-up. Someone is having tons of fun in the winery. High temperatures (between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius) serve to fix the wine's ruby color and the elegance of its perfumes, which are more floral than fruity. At the end of fermentation, he manages the skins with light wetting by hand with a tube. This vintage offers softness and a silky texture that feels glossy to the palate." - Monica Larner (Nov 2024)

96 Points - Vinous Media:
“The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is an understated beauty, slowly emerging with a delicate blend of rose petals, fresh mint, crushed rocks and vividly ripe black cherries. It hovers across the palate, lifted and finessed yet spry, with ripe red berry fruits and hints of lavender, taking on a liquid floral concentration toward the close. Pleasantly chewy and long, the 2020 leaves the senses stained in primary concentration, with a tinge of bitter cranberry and pretty inner florals that resonate over a bed of classically dry tannins. This is a more concentrated and intense yet wonderfully balanced rendition of Il Marroneto's Brunello." – Eric Guido (Nov 2024)

96 Points - Kerin O'Keefe:
Showing structure and finesse, the Il Marroneto 2020 Brunello is a wonderful expression of the vintage and shows the estate’s hallmark elegance and class. It opens with aromas of violet, ripe forest berry, camphor and pine forest that on the focused, savory palate segue into wild strawberry, ripe Marasca cherry, cake spice and crushed mint. It’s balanced, with fine-grained tannins and a core of tangy acidity.

95 Points - Falstaff:
"Bright, elegant ruby red. On the nose, subtle hints of candle wax, with fine meaty notes, mint, sea salt, red berries, nuances of plums and truffles. Initially on the palate, youthful tannins and a nice juiciness, becoming somewhat coarser and more savoury on the finish."

17/20 Points - Jancis Robinson:
"Deep ruby. Deep, rich and concentrated on the nose. Supple, suave and with the perfect dose of acidity and fine tannins. Youthful yet so beguiling I would drink this now even if this has a future. Great balance. Drinking Window: 2025-2040." -Walter Speller (May 2025)