Finally, the world gets to taste the Brunello di Montalcino 2008 and the Brunello Riserva 2007. My friends in Montalcino have been keeping me apprised of all the Benvenuto Brunello news from afar. The weather has been rainy, snowy, and damp for the weekend but perhaps perfect weather to taste so many magical bottles of vino?

Firstly, what exactly is Benvenuto Brunello (‘Welcome Brunello’)? This international event takes place every year in February and is hosted by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino.  

Continue reading Benvenuto Brunello 2013: Drumroll please…. at Our Italian Table.

Holiday travel is worth even the trials and tribulations of delays and crowded conditions when it means time with family and friends. A great coping strategy, when possible, is to turn unexpected circumstances into cause for an impromptu celebration! In today’s case, the key ingredients are bad weather and great wine!

When our day-after-Christmas return flight from Philadelphia to Los Angeles was delayed for several hours by snow and sleet — and we had, luckily, found out before leaving for the airport — Michele very graciously brought out a bottle of 2004 Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino to turn our delay into delight!

Continue reading Snow Day Brunello at Our Italian Table.

After years in the cellar, the plush 2007 Brunello di Montalcinos were unveiled this weekend at the annual Benvenuto Brunello (Welcome Brunello!) 2012 festival in my beloved Montalcino.  The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riservas and the 2010 Rosso di Montalcinos were also released to the thirsty throngs of wine aficionados (and not-so aficionados).  The early reports are that this shiny crop of Brunellos are another vintage 5 star year and that Brunello has never had two stellar back to back vintages like it has with the 2007 and 2006 releases.

Continue reading Benvenuto Brunello 2012: The 2007 Brunello di Montalcinos have arrived! at Our Italian Table.