Valdicava’s Madonna del Piano is one of the best single vineyard Brunello di Montalcinos made year in and year out. It comprises about 19.5 acres in total. Owner Vincenzo Abbruzzese divides the vineyard into four parts: the old vines, Pievecchina, Pratea and Sferracavallo. He harvests them at different times, and makes the wines independently before blending the together. It is aged about two years in large old casks and then two years in bottle. He says Madonna is a unique expression of Brunello and he is certainly right. The 2001 is one of the greatest Brunellos I have ever tasted in my career. It is a perfect wine. I meet Vincenzo at his winery just north of Montalcino before the harvest last year to taste a range of the regular bottlings of Valdicava and Madonna del Piano. It was a great experience. Just over 1,000 cases are made of the wine.
Ratings
2006 Valdicava Madonna del Piano Riserva: 96+ points 2005 Valdicava Madonna del Piano Riserva: 95 points 2004 Valdicava Madonna del Piano Riserva: 95 points 2001 Valdicava Madonna del Piano Riserva: 100 points 1999 Valdicava Madonna del Piano Riserva: 91 points
