Last year's excellent debut by this young and dynamic Montalcino producer did not take us by surprise. In fact, the estate is managed by Leopoldo Franceschi and his children Flavia and Federico, representing the fifth and sixth generations of a historic family of local vintners who also own another significant winery (Il Poggione). The estate's vineyards, which are cultivated organically, are located on the southern slope of the hill, facing the medieval fortress of Sant'Angelo in Colle, where the marly and calcareous soils are rich in gravel. Although they didn't repeat last year's exploit, Franceschi's wines once again prove to be of excellent quality and reliability, starting with a delicious Brunello Riserva '17 redolent of berries, Mediterranean scrub, quinine, and sweet spices. In the mouth, it unfolds fresh and vibrant, beautifully harmonizing sapidity and ripe fruit before a long, balsamic finish. The Brunello '18 is just a bit less complex, with pronounced fruity notes on the nose, full-bodied, and persistent in the mouth.
