Precision Winemaking in the Hills of Montalcino IL MARRONETO Precision Winemaking in the Hills of Montalcino

One of Montalcino’s Oldest Estates 1974 The Il Marroneto estate, established by Giuseppe Mori, is named after a 13th century tower where Tuscan Nuns stored chestnuts used to make flour for their daily bread 1980 The first vintage of Brunello was produced, crafted by the hands of Giuseppe Mori’s sons, Alessandro and Andrea. Alessandro was so blown away by the vintage and was instantly hooked. …his passion for Brunello would soon become his philosophy of life. Historically speaking, Il Marroneto is one of the few older estates in Montalcino having been established in the 1974 by Giuseppe Mori. Il Marroneto takes its name from an old tower dating back to the 13th century where the nuns (that lived in the Madonna delle Grazie convent) kept the chestnuts used to make flour for bread. Mori’s sons Alessandro and Andrea, busy with their occupations as lawyers – having followed in their father’s footsteps – showed great interest in winemaking, however. In 1980, the first vintage was made by the brothers’ hands in two small rooms at Il Marroneto. Alessandro was hooked. He would continue on as winemaker, turning his passion for Brunello and the estate into a philosophy of life.

Il Marroneto: Presenting the case for production zone districts within Montalcino Brunello is often rendered as powerful, even virile, in terms of its fruit, tannins and concentration, however this poses an incomplete assessment…. …the northern reaches of the appellation challenge these descriptors, boasting a incredible micro-climate, steep slopes, and cooler temperatures that promotes complexity, elegance, aromatics and freshness.

Il Marroneto’s Philosophy and Key Selling Points Precision + Tradition Veers strictly to the traditionalist canon of Brunello producers Derived “Strictly From Nature” Minimal vineyard intervention Eschews the use of chemicals Only native yeast fermentation Traditional Cask Aging Supporting Alessandro Mori’s philosophy of expressing the region to its trues extent Transparent, No-Nonsense Approach These are singular Brunellos demonstrating their sense of place

Significant ageing potential Classic tannic structure Brunello di Montalcino Il Marroneto is uniquely situated in Montalcino’s northern zone, ideal for exemplary Brunellos of… Significant ageing potential Complexity Increased aromatics Classic tannic structure Nervy acidity Alessandro’s precise Sangiovese winemaking shows stunningly through his natural and minimal intervention of philosophies and techniques SRP $79.99 Major selling points Wine Details

Competitive Set: Brunello di Montalcino Il Marroneto Biondi Santi Canalicchio di Sopra Fuligni ABV 14% Production (bottles) 15,000 50,000 – 70,000 18,000 – 35,000 25,000 – 30,000 SRP $79.99 $129 $88 $69

SRP $199.99 Madonna delle Grazie Produced from a special selection of Sangiovese to create the estate’s “grand cru” Brunello, first bottled in 2000 and taking its name from the 13th century church located on the estate. 35-year old vines, planted at 3,400 vines/hectare Twenty day native fermentation with pump overs Aged in 2600-liter French cask for 41 months Refined in bottle for six months SRP $199.99 This wine is created from a special selection of Sangiovese to creates the estate’s “grand cru” Brunello, first bottled in 2000. The 35-year old vines have been planted with ample vine spacing of 3400 per hectare. Twenty day native ferments are standard, with pump overs when Alessandro decides. The wine is aged in 2600-liter French cask for 41 months, and further refined in bottle for six months. Alessandro no longer produces a Brunello Riserva bottling.   Tasting Note The northern zone of Montalcino is characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and cool temperatures. These conditions are idea for creating Brunellos of significant ageing potential, showing complexity, increased aromatics, classic tannic structure and nervy acidity. Madonna delle Grazie displays elaborate florality interplayed with aromas of earth underfoot. Bright cherry, leathery-tones, and pulsating acidity offer the backbeat to the complex perfumes. Expect a precise and pure example of Sangiovese. Food Pairing Sangiovese’s high natural acidity and complex tannic structure make it an admirable ally to a range of hearty meat or game dishes. Go the traditional route with braised short ribs or Osso Bucco, but don’t be hesitant. Brunello benefits from a straightforward pairing, no artifice – as the Tuscans prefer. Bean and kale soup, papparedelle, or an aged pecorino, are resoundingly local choices. Major selling points Wine Details

Competitive Set: Madonna delle Grazie Il Marroneto Capanna Riserva Soldera Riserva Cerbaiona ABV 14.5% 14% Production (bottles) 5,000 10,000 15,000 8,000 SRP $199.99 $100 $300 $189

March 28 April 12 Launch Timing and Selling Tools 2016 Launch Timing Available to Order at Livorno April 12 Available to order from Pine Brook Selling Tools Will be Available on Trade Tools Sell Sheet Coming March 8th! Allocations to be distributed by end of February