Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2012
Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2012
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Wine Spectator: 92 points
Vivino app rating: 3.9/5
Average Price: $34
So there I was, sitting at an Italian restaurant in the mood to change up from my normal Cabernet choice to a nice Brunello. I actually ordered a 2011 of the Caparzo Brunello when the waiter brought me a 2012. I nicely asked the waiter if they had the 2011 available as they showed on the wine list, and he said no. I decided to keep the 2012 bottle and give it a chance, but I was nervous since the 2011 was a great year. I secretly looked up the 2012 ratings to see that they were lower than the 2011; I did my signature eye roll and felt I made a mistake. To my surprise, the Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2012 was great too, and I have to say that my worries were unfounded! 
For those of you that are not as familiar with Italian wines, Brunello is made one hundred percent from Sangiovese exclusively in Montalcino. Brunellos in general are big and intense. “Chianti on sterioids?” Possibly. Aged in large oak casks, this brunello is a deep garnet color and sports aromas of wild berries and tobacco. You can really taste the tobacco on the long finish as well.
Pair this fairly priced Brunello wine with lamb, steak, or Italian tomato-based dishes to maximize the flavors between food and wine.