Cellar for up to 9 years. Decant for one hour before serving. Madonna Nera is named after the ancient name for the land where the estate’s prime vineyard plots lie close to the classic Tuscan hilltop town of Montalcino. The grapes for this stunning Brunello are sourced from 2 hectares of vines near the evocative 12th century Abbey of Sant'Antimo where the region’s tradition of winemaking thrived under the Benedictine monks. Today the land is under the watchful eye of enologist Carlo Ferrini who is one of Italy’s best known winemakers. His Madonna Nera Brunello is produced in very limited quantities each year from carefully selected Sangiovese grapes which are typically harvested in mid-October when they reach optimum maturity. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and the young wine is then transferred to large oak casks for 30 months followed by another 10 months of ageing in the bottle. The result is a powerful yet well-balanced red with rich dark fruit flavours matched by a bright freshness. On the nose there are intense plum, red cherry, leather and dried herb notes which deepen on the palate into crushed wild berries, cigar box spice and heady tobacco. The firm structure makes this a great addition to any cellar or it can be enjoyed now alongside hearty tomato-based pasta dishes, red meat or game.