La Togata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy

Patience is central to the character of the 2018 La Togata Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, a traditionally styled Tuscan red shaped by the hills surrounding Sant'Angelo in Colle. Produced entirely from Sangiovese, this distinguished expression of Brunello reflects the Angel family's commitment to careful vineyard selection and extended maturation. Three years in Slavonian oak barrels, followed by a further year of bottle refinement, allow the wine to develop its distinctive balance of mature fruit, savory complexity, and firm yet elegant structure. With its classic ruby-garnet appearance, layered aromatics and remarkable persistence, the 2018 vintage offers an engaging expression of Montalcino's celebrated winemaking heritage.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
• Alcohol: 14.4% ABV
• Residual Sugar Classification: Dry, below 5 g/L
• Vineyard Altitude: Approximately 250 metres above sea level
• Vineyard Age: More than 23 years, according to the producer's standard Brunello specifications
• Soil: Tuffaceous clay with abundant stony material
• Vine Training: Bilateral cordon
• Vineyard Management: Double bunch thinning and selective grape harvesting
• Grape Selection: Additional selection of fruit in the cellar
• Fermentation: Temperature-controlled fermentation with intensive early extraction followed by extended maceration on the skins
• Oak Ageing: 36 months in Slavonian oak barrels
• Bottle Refinement: An additional 12 months
• Closure: Natural cork
• Organic Certification: No
• Biodynamic Certification: No
• Sustainability Certification: Not declared as sustainable in the IWSC record
• Vegan Classification: Not declared as vegan
• Owners: Stephania Angel, Vanessa Angel and Azzurra Angel
• Production Lead: Stephania Angel
• Cellar Master: Mario
• Historically Listed Enologist: Santo Gozzo, according to importer information; involvement in the 2018 vintage not independently confirmed

Sensory Description:

Deep ruby red in appearance, with elegant garnet reflections that reveal its developing maturity. The bouquet is intense, ethereal and complex, opening with ripe red cherries, strawberries and cranberries before unfolding into dried rose petals, savory herbs, orange peel and subtle balsamic nuances. Hints of cocoa, tea leaves, leather and woodland earth contribute further aromatic depth. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, combining generous red fruit with vibrant acidity and a finely structured framework of ripe, rolling tannins. Its texture is supple yet substantial, with a pleasing interplay of juicy freshness, mature fruit and savory complexity. A long, persistent finish carries delicate spice, dried citrus and earthy undertones, leaving an impression of poise and classical Brunello elegance.

Awards & Accolades:

• International Wine Challenge 2023: Gold Medal, 2018 vintage
• Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2023: Gold Medal, 2018 vintage
• International Wine & Spirit Competition 2023: Silver Medal, 2018 vintage
• James Suckling: 90 Points, 2018 vintage

Winemaker's Background:

La Togata's story began in 1989 when the Angel family established its connection with Montalcino, inspired by the region's landscape and extraordinary Sangiovese vineyards. The estate's name derives from the Italian word "toga," a reference to the ceremonial robes worn by lawyers and judges and a tribute to the family's father, a Roman lawyer whose enthusiasm for wine laid the foundations of the business. The first vintage followed in 1990. Today, the winery is owned by sisters Stephania, Vanessa and Azzurra Angel, whose complementary responsibilities sustain its family-led identity. Stephania, a trained sommelier, oversees production and winery management, while Vanessa represents the estate internationally and Azzurra contributes to its creative identity through label design. Jeanneth Angel also plays an important role in the family's wine business and international marketing. The estate's vineyards occupy the hills around Montalcino, while its cellar in Sant'Angelo in Colle provides a traditional setting for extended maturation. La Togata's approach emphasizes selective harvesting, careful cellar work and prolonged ageing in Slavonian oak, preserving the structure, aromatic complexity and longevity associated with classical Brunello di Montalcino.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 18°C (64°F) in a generous balloon-shaped red-wine glass to allow the wine's layered aromatics to unfold. Its combination of ripe fruit, lively acidity and structured tannins makes it an excellent companion to traditional Tuscan cuisine, particularly bistecca alla Fiorentina, slow-braised beef, roasted lamb and game dishes. It also pairs beautifully with wild mushroom ragù, aged Pecorino Toscano and richly flavored cured meats. Consider decanting for 30–60 minutes before serving, especially if opening the bottle directly from storage, to encourage the wine's mature floral, earthy and balsamic characteristics to emerge.