The Cortonesi estate is spread over fifty-six hectares, eight of which produce Brunello di Montalcino. The major vineyard is around the winery at La Mannella, just north of Montalcino itself, and another, ‘Poggiarelli, near Castelnuovo dell Abate, to the south east of the town. Poggiarelli has rocky soil, rich in marl, whereas at La Mannella it is mainly clay and limestone. In 2014 just one Brunello was made, a blend from the best fruit from the two separate vineyards. The wine is made entirely from Sangiovese and is aged for 40 months in large oak barrels, then a further six months in bottle, before release. It has a very delicate colour and offers a tight knit, bitter cherry fruit character. It works brilliantly with a rich ragu pasta or alongside most game dishes. 13.5% ABV