{"product_id":"la-togata-brunello-di-montalcino-2018","title":"La Togata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy","description":"\u003cp\u003ePatience 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Variety:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Sangiovese\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14.4% ABV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResidual Sugar Classification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry, below 5 g\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Altitude:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 250 metres above sea level\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Age:\u003c\/strong\u003e More than 23 years, according to the producer's standard Brunello specifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tuffaceous clay with abundant stony material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVine Training:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bilateral cordon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Management:\u003c\/strong\u003e Double bunch thinning and selective grape harvesting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Additional selection of fruit in the cellar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Temperature-controlled fermentation with intensive early extraction followed by extended maceration on the skins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOak Ageing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 36 months in Slavonian oak barrels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Refinement:\u003c\/strong\u003e An additional 12 months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural cork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrganic Certification:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBiodynamic Certification:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSustainability Certification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not declared as sustainable in the IWSC record\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVegan Classification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not declared as vegan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOwners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stephania Angel, Vanessa Angel and Azzurra Angel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Lead:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stephania Angel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCellar Master:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mario\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorically Listed Enologist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Santo Gozzo, according to importer information; involvement in the 2018 vintage not independently confirmed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensory Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Accolades:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInternational Wine Challenge 2023:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold Medal, 2018 vintage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConcours Mondial de Bruxelles 2023:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gold Medal, 2018 vintage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInternational Wine \u0026amp; Spirit Competition 2023:\u003c\/strong\u003e Silver Medal, 2018 vintage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90 Points, 2018 vintage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLa 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe 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.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buena Vida Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"2018 \/ 750mL","offer_id":67587759833143,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2699\/1632\/files\/La_Togata_Brunello_di_Montalcino_DOCG_Italy_2018.png?v=1792199239","url":"https:\/\/www.winedispensary.com\/products\/la-togata-brunello-di-montalcino-2018","provider":"Wine Dispensary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}