Each month, we turn the spotlight onto a different wine that’s available to taste in our London Shop at 63 Pall Mall. For February, Senior Wine & Spirits Advisor Peter Windred has chosen a deliciously layered Brunello from Fattoria La Màgia.

2006 Brunello di Montalcino, Riserva, La Màgia, Tuscany

What is it?

The focus in the shop is currently Tuscany, coinciding with our 2017 Brunello di Montalcino offer.  So, on the pour this month is a 2006 Riserva Brunello di Montalcino from Fattoria La Màgia. 

Riserva Brunello is only made in an exceptional vintage and 2006 is an excellent example of that.  The fruit to make this wine is sourced from La Màgia’s high-altitude vineyards, from 32-year-old vines that sit atop the ancient, UNESCO-listed Abbey of Sant’Antimo, 10 kilometres south of Montalcino.  This wine was fermented in steel and large oak botti, before maturing for three years in new 500-litre French oak tonneaux.

Tasting this wine is a fabulous experience. It’s utterly delicious, with complex characters of spiced damson, kirsch, sundried tomatoes and a hint of oregano, with balanced and supporting tannins.  

What’s the story behind it? 

The Schwarz family have owned Fattoria La Màgia since the mid-1970s. Second-generation Fabian now runs this organically-certified estate, having started here in 2005. He has redefined the estate’s character and continues to realise the potential of its terroir.  

The estate’s crowning glory is the old Sangiovese vineyard planted by Fabian’s father in 1974 and exclusively registered as Brunello. The best vines surround an ancient cherry tree, vinified separately in his cru, Ciliegio.  

What should I drink it with? 

A very good friend. You could also partner it with local dishes such as a Tuscan sausage pasta.

Shop the 2006 Riserva La Màgia here, or visit us at 63 Pall Mall to taste the wine