Sassetti Pertimali
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – 2018
Region: ITALY - TUSCANY Italy - Veneto
Sassetti Pertimali
For over a century, four generations of the Sassetti family have farmed and made wine in Montalcino. Livio worked the historic property through the late 1970s, then purchased the 16-hectare (39.53 acres) Podere Pertimali vineyard. The now–famous Podere is in the Montosoli area, north of Montalcino, an area recognized for the cultivation of the Sangiovese grape.
In 1967, Livio was among the founders of the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino, which was the same year the DOC(G) system was written into law. In 1968 he built a terracotta wall in his cellar to preserve the old vintages of the wines produced by the family. Today, that collection consists of almost 1,000 bottles, with vintages dating back to 1915. Dedicated to the land, Livio has over time rehabilitated and expanded the vineyards, preserving the genetic heritage of the old vines and preserving the primigenial characteristics.
In 1999, the Sassetti family acquired La Querciolina a beautiful property located in the Maremma within the Montecucco DOC. They also work with a small property in Colle Argento located in the Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG region.
Today, the estates are managed by Lorenzo Sassetti, Livio’s son, fourth generation family member and acclaimed winemaker. Together with his wife Sabina they passionately uphold the family name and reputation. Lorenzo’s wines have deep roots in their respective terroirs. The wines are invigorating, aromatic, powerful styles that dance on the palate. Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino is a collector’s wine. A true benchmark.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Sassetti Pertamali estate vineyards are located at the top of the Montosoli hills, north of Montalcino, a very well known area for the cultivation of Sangiovese.
- Soils: Clay and limestone
- Vines Planted: 1988 – 2001
- Vine Training System: Spurred cordon
- Planting Density: 7000 vines/Ha
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested the beginning of October
- Gently pressed
- Fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 28 – 29º C
- 10 – 12 days maceration
- Aged 36 months in 30hl Slavonian oak barrels
- Bottle aged 6 months
Winemaker's Notes
Deep silky red. Layered aromas of dark cherry, wild berry and floral notes. Smooth, sinuous texture with elegant tannins and a long finish.
Wine Summary
100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello) 100%; alcohol: 14.5%; Vines planted 1988 – 2001 on top of Montosoli hill; clay and limestone soils; fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures 28 – 29 °C; maceration for 10 – 12 days; aged 36 months in 30 Hl Slavonian oak barrels; aged 6 months in bottle.
Technical Information
- 100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)
- Alcohol: 14.5%
Reviews
96 Points
Intense aromas of black cherries, lavender and spice, such as nutmeg. Some sandalwood and bark, too. Full-bodied with a solid core of fruit and tannins for the vintage. Rather chewy, suggesting that additional bottle age is needed. Try after 2026.
jamessuckling.com, June, 2022
95 Points
Depths of dark, balsamic-tinged black cherry, plum sauce and autumnal spice make the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impossible to ignore. This is velvety to the core, nearly opulent in feel, with a dense wave of ripe red fruits complemented by nuances of sweet lavender and tobacco. It leaves the palate clenched with fine tannins and primary concentration, creating a classic sensation that transcends the vintage. Nearly a minute goes by, and hints of cocoa and sweet herbs continue to resonate. Wow! Production at the Pertimali estate was down by 20% due to the spring frost, and the decision was made to place all of the juice usually intended for the Riserva into the straight Brunello, the result being one of the top wines of the vintage. 2025 – 2033
Vinous, October, 2022
90 Points
With vineyards on the edge of the Montosoli hill in Montalcino’s north, the Sassetti family waited until 7 Oct to harvest. Thin-skinned grapes demanded a significant selection and just a brief maceration. The resulting wine is reticent rather than flamboyant and highlights a rigid character to the vintage. Aromas evoke cranberry, brushwood and rooibos tea. An angular silhouette emphasises rugged tannins and tangy, tart acidity. Predominantly sour cherry flavours make way for subtle iron and cinnamon on the finish. Despite its rigour, this will be best in the near-term. 2023 – 2028
Decanter, November, 2022
93 Points
Ripe and juicy, this red reveals plum, cherry, earth, tobacco and menthol aromas and flavors. Well-structured, delivering dense, dusty tannins and ample fruit to match, with a long, complex finish. Best from 2025 through 2042.
Wine Spectator, April, 2023
95 Points
The nose is fruity and fizzy, like cherry cola, with roots and mixed herbs bringing a welcome savory element. The palate is sweet and juicy with cherries, but balance comes from an undertone of dark chocolate, before the nose’s lightly medicinal quality emerges again. Acidity positively fizzes around powerful tannins.
Wine Enthusiast, December, 2023
93 Points
Lorenzo Sassetti’s 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is an excellent young wine. It is fairly ripe at 14.5 percent octane, but beautifully precise and measured on both the nose and palate. The refined bouquet wafts form the glass in a youthful blend of red and black cherries, just a hint of orange peel, cigar wrapper, a complex base of soil tones, gentle brown spices, gamebird, woodsmoke and just a delicate touch of cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, tangy and ripely tannic, with fine depth at the core and soil signature, lovely balance and a long, complex and still very youthful finish. This is going to need plenty of hibernation in the cellar before the tannins soften up and the wine begins to drink with generosity, but once it is ready to go, it will be outstanding. 2036 – 2075+
View From The Cellar, November, 2023
General Info
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany, Veneto |
| Appellation(s) | Montalcino, Montecucco, Valdobbiadene |
| Proprietors | Lorenzo Sassetti & Sabina La Brusco Sassetti |
| Founded | late 1800s |
| Winemaker | Lorenzo Sassetti |
| Annual Production | 13,250 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Following organic principles, not certified |
