Above: Mexican food ain’t always pretty but it sure pairs well with traditional-style Sangiovese from Montalcino. The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino by Il Poggione is killer — its tannin, natural fruit flavors, and bright acidity a great match for the rich, intense flavors of cheap Mexican. Popping a top bottle like that with a pork burrito is one of my guilty pleasures.
The other night when Tracie B let me indulge in one of my guilty pleasures — Sangiovese and greasy Mexican food — I had no idea that I was drinking Antonio Galloni’s favorite bottling of 2004 Brunello di Montalcino.
I was very geeked this morning to read Antonio’s high praise for Il Poggione’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino at Ale’s blog this morning. Not everyone made a great Brunello in 2004 (remember Franco’s editorial?) but of all the 04s I’ve tasted, Il Poggione’s has been a true stand-out.
- One wine stands out… The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino from Il Poggione is awesome. This finessed, regal Brunello flows onto the palate with seamless layers of perfumed fruit framed by silky, finessed tannins.
—Antonio Galloni
Mazel tov, Ale! Your 2004 Brunello is killer and I’ve also been digging your series of posts on understanding Brunello terroir using Google Earth.
Do Bianchi 
Nothing like an Old School Brunello enjoyed without hassle ;-)
I praise Mr. Parzen (AKA Jerry Ramontalcino) for crusading in favour of a laid back approach to the wine!
You are NOT alone!
Gabba gabba hey!
Thanks you, Jeremy! We hope to see you soon at Tenuta il Poggione in Sant’Angelo in Colle!
@Fred Man you know I dig your wine, too! I need to get out to Montalcino soon for some Sangiovese, steak, and Gabba Gabba hey!
@Ale congrats on the well-deserved praise. You guys always make killer wine and when I tasted the 04 at Vinitaly I knew it was going to be a winner…
you mean it gets better? alessandro–we look forward to visiting some time next year!
Man, real Mexican food looks so good.
Yes: The people’s wine pairing! :) I too adore rich, greasy Mexican fare with sharp red wine. Makes me feel like quite the hedonist.