2021 Cerbaiano Brunello di Montalcino

Cerbaiona Winery

Cerbaiona is one of Montalcino's most respected small estates. The winery rose to prominence in the 1970s under the leadership of Diego Molinari, who produced Brunellos in the 1980s and 1990s that have since achieved cult status. In 2015, the estate was acquired by an investor group led by Matthew Fioretti, the driving force behind the new vision. Since then, the estate has undergone a complete renovation, including replanting vineyards, modernizing the cellar, and an even stricter focus on terroir and precision.

The vineyards are now organically certified and largely replanted at a high density, partly using the traditional Alberello system. The cellar uses a combination of stainless steel tanks, cement vats, and oak barrels of various sizes. The goal is maximum purity and transparency of the terroir, with less emphasis on long oak aging than was once common in Brunello.

2021 Cerbaiona Brunello di Montalcino

The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino marks an important new chapter for Cerbaiona. This is the first Brunello to be entirely created under the direction of Matthew Fioretti, and also the first vintage to fully utilize the renovated vineyards and the new, technologically advanced winery. The grapes are harvested plot by plot to achieve maximum precision in the final blend.

Production is very limited, with just 9,484 bottles, 300 magnums, and 20 jeroboams. This means Cerbaiona remains a true micro-producer within Montalcino, where quality and detail are more important than volume.

The 2021 vintage

The 2021 vintage is widely considered one of the best Brunello vintages in recent times. Conditions produced perfectly ripe Sangiovese with both concentration and crisp acidity. At Cerbaiona, this resulted in a wine with remarkable precision, elegance, and a distinct mineral signature that strongly emphasizes the Montalcino terroir.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby red color. The nose opens subdued at first but quickly develops with air, revealing layers of black cherry, wild strawberry, and plum. Behind these, refined aromas of incense, cedarwood, spices, and a distinct mineral note of crushed stone emerge.

On the palate, the wine is refined and precise, with vibrant acidity that adds tension to the red fruit. The structure is supported by fine yet firm tannins. Flavors of wild berries, sour cherry, and subtle citrus nuances continue into a long, mineral finish with hints of licorice and spice.

Reviews

The 2021 Cerbaiona Brunello di Montalcino received 97 points from The Wine Advocate. Monica Larner emphasized the elegant minerality, aromatic complexity, and precision that characterize this new phase of the estate's career. She described the wine as displaying a beautiful balance of floral notes, herbs, and refined fruit.

James Suckling rated the wine 95 points and described aromas of earth, plums, orange, and warm spices like cloves and cinnamon. He noted that the wine has fine, firm tannins and a juicy, savory finish.

Vinous (Eric Guido) also rated the wine 95 points, highlighting the combination of black cherry, incense, cedar, and stony minerality. He says the wine is refined, energetic, and very precise, with a long, structured finish.

Storage capacity

Thanks to its combination of concentration, fresh acidity, and firm yet refined tannins, this Brunello has excellent aging potential. The wine can develop beautifully between approximately 2027 and 2048 and will reveal even more complexity with further bottle aging.

Wine-Food and Discount

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. In the "Food" tab, you'll find advice on what to consider for the perfect wine-food pairing and several dish suggestions from our Sommelier.