Brunello Riserva 2012: Report & Top wines

Requiring an extra year of ageing, the latest release of Brunello Riserva is the 2012 vintage. Read Michaela Morris' report below, and see her tasting notes and scores for 55 wines...

The Brunello Riservas from the 2012 vintage are, like 2011, the product of a hot year, although the heat played out differently.

Rather than the sudden heat spike late in the season in 2011, the summer of 2012 was subject to high temperatures from the start. This gave time for the vines to adapt, producing small, concentrated berries.

Read Michaela’s Brunello di Montalcino 2013 report

‘They were characterised by power, richness and structure,’ explains Emanuele Nardi of the Silvio Nardi estate. ‘Everything was in order to give wines of great intensity with excellent ageing potential.’

While hot temperatures do not automatically translate to a great vintage, the Brunello di Montalcino consorzio awarded 2012 five stars. Given the high quality overall of the 2012 Brunellos, released last year, there was no reason to expect that the Riservas wouldn’t be successful.

With ripe fruit, powerful tannins and a ton of concentration, as well as unexpectedly high acidity levels, they have everything required to merit this category.

While I wouldn’t describe 2012 as elegant, a handful of Riservas did achieve surprising finesse. Most will need some time in the bottle and the best have the stamina to age for at least a couple of decades.

Tasting the 2012 Riservas and 2013 annatas side by side was a fascinating demonstration of vintage variation and the beautiful diversity of wine. Both vintages should absolutely be enjoyed and appreciated for their many merits.

Top Brunello Riserva 2012 wines:

See notes and scores for all 55 Brunello Riserva 2012 wines tasted

Looking ahead to the 2013 Riservas

Many producers decided not to make a Riserva in 2013. ‘While it was a good year, it doesn’t demonstrate the structure for long-term ageing,’ asserts Andrea Costanti at Conti Costanti.

Conversely, both Laura Brunelli at Gianni Brunelli and the neighbouring Salicutti estate will be releasing small quantities of a Riserva. As this category must age an additional year (not necessarily in wood), a judgement on these will be made in 2019.

Related content:

• Brunello di Montalcino 2012: Top wines and vintage review

• Brunello di Montalcino 2013: Report and top wines

• Sangiovese wine quiz – Test your knowledge