Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2017

Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2017 is a 100% Sangiovese DOCG red wine from Montalcino, Tuscany, bottled at 14.41% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This vintage earned 93 points from both Wine Spectator and James Suckling, along with 92 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate — a strong showing that reflects the warm, generous character of the 2017 harvest.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.41%  |  Origin: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  |  DOCG Brunello di Montalcino  |  Producer: Fattoria dei Barbi

Production & Heritage

Fattoria dei Barbi is one of Montalcino's most storied estates, owned by the Colombini family — a lineage historically connected to other landmark properties including Castello Banfi and Argiano. The 2017 Brunello begins with a cold pre-fermentative maceration at 16°C in a CO₂-protected environment, a technique designed to maximize extraction of polyphenols and aromatic compounds before alcoholic fermentation commences at 27–28°C over 16 to 17 days. The wine then ages for a total of two years in oak, starting in small to medium barrels ranging from 2.25 to 15 hectoliters before moving to larger casks, a progression that builds complexity without overwhelming the fruit with new-wood character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with wild strawberry and ripe plum, quickly layered with dried herbs and a hint of dried citrus peel. Beneath those primary scents, subtle notes of animal musk and tobacco add savory depth that signals the wine's structure.

Taste: On entry, the palate is rich and velvety, carrying the extra fruit weight characteristic of the warm 2017 vintage. Mid-palate delivers concentrated black currant and black cherry interwoven with rosemary and iron-tinged minerality. A balsamic undercurrent emerges toward the peak, tying the ripe fruit to the wine's earthy backbone.

Finish: The finish is solidly built and persistent, marked by burly tannins that grip firmly without turning harsh. Lingering impressions of tar, dried herbs, and dark berry carry well after the last sip.

How to Drink Barbi Brunello 2017

This Brunello is best served at 60–65°F after at least 30 minutes of decanting, which opens up the aromatics and softens the tannins. It rewards sipping on its own, but a splash of water or a single large ice cube can unlock additional fruit expression for those who prefer a slightly lighter approach. For food-driven settings, pair it alongside a Bistecca alla Fiorentina, where the wine's tannin structure mirrors the char and fat of the steak. It also excels with wild boar ragù over pappardelle, a classic Tuscan match, and with aged Pecorino di Pienza, whose salty, nutty profile complements the wine's savory finish.

Best For

• Celebrating an anniversary or milestone dinner with a structured Italian red
• Gifting a Brunello collector exploring acclaimed recent vintages
• Building a Tuscan-focused cellar with wines that still have aging potential
• Pairing with a traditional Italian holiday feast or game-meat dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Barbi Brunello 2017 taste like? It delivers rich black currant and black cherry fruit with rosemary, iron, and tobacco undertones, all framed by firm, grippy tannins and a velvety texture shaped by the warm 2017 growing season.

How does Barbi Brunello compare to Banfi Brunello di Montalcino? Both estates share deep roots in Montalcino — the Colombini family was historically connected to Castello Banfi — but Barbi's cold pre-fermentative maceration technique tends to yield a more aromatically complex, savory-leaning profile, while Banfi's flagship Brunello typically emphasizes polished fruit and accessibility.

Is Barbi Brunello 2017 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its layered aromatics, substantial tannin structure, and long finish make it a compelling wine to drink on its own after proper decanting.

Where is Barbi Brunello made? Fattoria dei Barbi is located in Montalcino, a hilltop commune in the province of Siena in southern Tuscany, Italy, within the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG production zone.

What foods pair well with Barbi Brunello 2017? Grilled T-bone steak stands as a quintessential match thanks to the wine's tannic grip. Braised wild boar or lamb shoulder echoes its earthy, herbal character. Aged hard cheeses like Pecorino Toscano mirror its savory notes. Mushroom risotto complements the wine's iron and tar undertones. Cured meats such as finocchiona salami play off the balsamic and dried-herb aromatics.

What sizes does Barbi Brunello come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Barbi Brunello 2017 worth the price? Positioned in the mid-premium tier of Brunello di Montalcino, it delivers multi-critic scores of 92–93 points from major publications, placing it among the stronger values in its appellation for a traditionally made, estate-grown Brunello.

Why Barbi Brunello 2017?

What separates this wine from much of its Montalcino competition is the cold pre-fermentative maceration at a precisely controlled 16°C in a CO₂-blanketed environment — a step that extracts aromatic and phenolic compounds before fermentation even begins, contributing to the wine's notable complexity. The 2017 vintage brought warm, dry conditions that added richness and concentration to the Sangiovese, and Barbi's two-stage oak aging — small barrels followed by larger casks — channels that power without masking it in heavy toast. Earning 93 points from both Wine Spectator and James Suckling confirms that this is not simply riding vintage generosity; the winemaking discipline is evident in every glass. For anyone seeking a Brunello that balances modern precision with one of Montalcino's longest-running winemaking traditions, this 2017 delivers convincingly.