Livio Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Many years ago, the eponymous wine critic, Robert Parker, proclaimed the following about the Livio Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino: “If I only had one Brunello to drink, it would be Pertimali.” 

This endorsement would ensure the seemingly overnight success of this Brunello di Montalcino.  Though demand of the Livio Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino has skyrocketed of late, the Sassetti family have been quietly perfecting their craft for four generations, further cementing the truth about there being no such thing as becoming a star overnight. The Sassetti family has been farming some of the best vineyards within the Montalcino DOCG for over a century, and their wines consistently shine even in difficult years.  Four generations of Sassettis have been producing a traditionally styled Brunello di Montalcino that favors elegance over some of the more powerful Brunellos in the market today. 

Livio Sassetti was an influential figure within the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, having been one of the founders for the Consorzio di Brunello di Montalcino.  In 1967, Brunello received its own unique DOCG legislation, ranking it as one of the most prestigious in Italy.  Livio built a terracotta wall in the family cellar to preserve old vintages of wines produced by the family and today that collection consists of almost 1,000 bottles – even a bottle that dates back to 1915.  The property is presently run by Lorenzo Sassetti, Livio’s son and his wife, Sabina who ensure the family’s reputation is upheld and quality increases with each passing vintage.

This 16-hectare property has 360 degree panoramic views and exposures, ensuring the vines of Sangiovese are free of excess humidity and receive plenty of warm sunlight.  The soil is a mixture of marl and tufaceous clay – a type of clay infused with volcanic ash. The organically farmed vineyards grow north of Montalcino, an area well known for Sangiovese that is arguably considered one of the finest places to grow Sangiovese in the world.  The vines sit 280 meters above sea level and the Sassetti family has gone to great lengths to ensure the older genetic material of the vines is preserved in the newer plantings.  The Sassetti family practices organic farming not because of trends, but simply because the vines have always been farmed this way.  Though the vineyards have been expanded and renovated over time, preserving the past is key.  After the vines are harvested, the grapes are vinified in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature prior to being aged for 36 months in Slavonian oak barrels.  

The Livio Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino is deeply rooted in Italian terroir and showcasing the Sangiovese varietal as elegant and restrained, instead of fruity and powerful.  The Sassetti family puts it best: preferring to create a delicate expression of Brunello di Montalcino that, “dances on your tongue, rather than attacks it.” Without a doubt, the Livio Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino is a benchmark expression of wine from the region, a truly sophisticated and age worthy wine that shines even in the most challenging years. 

James Suckling named Livio Sassetti his #3 wine of the Top 100 in 2020

"Blackberries, black walnuts and black cherries, as well as loads of chewy tannins. Some smoked wood, wood tannins and even black truffles. It’s full-bodied and powerful with loads going on. It just keeps growing on the palate. So much wet earth and black olive at the finish with porcini mushrooms, too. Needs time to soften. Crazy finish. Try after 2025." - James Suckling,  Ratings: 100 Drink: 2025-2040

"If checking in early, make sure to give the towering 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from Pertimali plenty of time to stretch its legs. It’s incredibly shy and backward upon first pulling the cork, coming to life nearly an hour later and never taking a step back from there on out. A beguiling display of spiced orange peels, sour cherry and mint pull you closer to the glass, where notes of cardamom, cinnamon, clove and sage reside. It’s dangerously soft and supple at first sip with fleshy red fruits and sweet spices blanketing the palate; yet beneath this soothing mix, a complex web of minerals and fine tannin slowly saturate. That said, there’s a lively bolt of acidity which maintains freshness in spite of the 2016’s heroic structure. Inner florals resonate along with a hint of white pepper, as it tapers off with classic austerity. This is a gorgeous vintage for Pertimali." - Eric Guido, vinous (11/2020) Ratings: 97, Drink: 2024-2040