Ruffino Greppone Mazzi Brunello Di Montalcino 2017 750ml
DescriptionRuffino shocked Montalcino when they purchased Greppone Mazzi, bringing corporate resources to Brunello's artisanal heartland. This 2017 vintage proves that money well spent can elevate rather than homogenize. Sometimes big companies do small things beautifully.
The 2017 vintage in Montalcino was marked by heat and drought, creating concentrated wines that required careful handling. At Greppone Mazzi, Ruffino's investment in technology and expertise paid dividends, allowing them to moderate the vintage's extremes while capturing its intensity.
The nose shows 2017's warmth without excess. Ripe cherry and plum notes dominate, but there's freshness too - rose petals, herbs, and a mineral streak that speaks to careful vineyard management. The oak is present but restrained, adding spice without overwhelming the fruit.
On the palate, Greppone Mazzi achieves impressive balance for the vintage. The tannins are firm but not aggressive, providing structure while allowing the concentrated fruit to shine. There's a richness here that speaks to 2017, but also elegance that shows thoughtful winemaking.
Ruffino's 2017 Greppone Mazzi demonstrates that corporate ownership need not mean corporate wine. While purists may grumble, the quality in the glass speaks louder than any philosophy. For those seeking well-made Brunello that doesn't require decades of patience, this delivers handsomely.
