About the Wine

2019 in Brunello di Montalcino is looking to be one of the greatest vintages of recent years. Decanter says: ‘The strength of the vintage is that the wines will be enjoyable at any stage along the way, given the quality in 2019, Brunello enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice.”and referred to it as “A Superb Vintage!” Stock up on this amazing vintage today!  

The Máté family wine estate nestles on two private hills on the sea-breeze ventilated side of Montalcino. A Roman vineyard 2,000 years ago, the seven campi of marvelously varied terroir totaling 7 hectares are surrounded by Mediterranean woods, herbs, and wild fruit. The vineyards were designed by Fabrizio Moltard, Angelo Gaja’s agronomist, and the clones chosen by France’s Pierre Guillaume.

The grapes: Sangiovese (in fossil-filled tufo), Merlot (in sandy clay), Cabernet Sauvignon (in marl), and Syrah ( mineral-rich southern terraces like Cote Roti) are planted to a high density of 6,200 vines per hectare, (3,000 per acre). The yields are kept extremely low by three annual green prunings to concentrate flavors and profumes.

Selected, hand-picked at fullest maturity, and fermented in small temperature-controlled stainless steel vats or new wooden barrels, the grapes are punched down by hand to extract colors and tannins, while the must is kept cool to maintain the  rich aromas of fruits and spices. The wines are aged for up to two years and a half in Allier French oak barriques and tonneaux.

In the Máté vineyards and winery, no effort is spared to yield wines of great refinement, replete with unforgettable flavors.

Aging: The wine matures for up to 3 years in 500 and 4,000 liter French oak, and ages in bottles for a minumum of 6 months.

Tasting Notes: 100% Sangiovese. On the nose, complex and fresh, with inviting fruit aromas balanced by oak-imparted spices. Well-structured and full-bodied on the palate, with fine tannins that promise great aging capacity; long and impressive finish. An ideal companion to red meat entrées, hearty stews, and assorted cheeses.

Reviews

Clear and perfumed with black-cherry and slate aromas that carry through to a medium body with fine, polished tannins and a beautiful finish. Racy and refined all around. Shows focus, finesse and structure. Same excellence as the 2015, but with more clarity. From organically grown grapes. Best after 2026. ~95 James Suckling

Bright ruby red with brightening edges. Reminiscent of ripe cherries and blackberries on the nose, some leather and vanilla, then liquorice. On the palate fine-grained tannins and juicy fruit, light-footed and polished, with firm drive, lacks some sprint in the finish. ~95 Falstaff

Plum, loam, leather and mineral flavors are framed by a hint of vanilla in this gentle expression of Brunello, which is balanced and focused on the finish, where refined tannins linger. Best from 2026 through 2042. 1,082 cases made, 300 cases imported. ~93 Wine Spectator

Located in the area of Tavernelle, near Gaja’s Pieve Santa Restituta estate, Máté was established by husband-and-wife team author Ferenc and painter Candace in the mid-1990s. High density plantings of various clones yield a richly fruited, concentrated Brunello that absorbs its oak overcoat with ease. Coffee, vanilla and mint lend a sweet glossiness to red cherry. Racy acidity keeps it vibrant. The tannins are mature and well-formed giving frame to this stylishly rendered picture. ~93 Decanter

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is extroverted in the glass. Exotic spices and cedar shavings complement medicinal cherry and sweet rose. This is soft and round on the palate, with a polished wave of ripe red and hints of blue fruit. Its tannins come forward through the finish, combined with a pleasantly bitter tinge as a tart cranberry tension lingers. ~91 Vinous Media

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