Year of the Boar

98 Points – JAMES SUCKLING

Zodiac Year of the Boar Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012 originates from an expert selection of the best grapes from the estate’s finest vineyards. The rich bouquet indicates the great finesse and elegance of this Sangiovese. A great complexity and richness increase this wine’s longevity, which remains uniquely distinguishable over time. This wine was one of the Top 100 Italian Wines of 2018 by James Suckling.

Appelation: Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG

Grape: Sangiovese 100%

Elevation: Selection from vineyards positioned at different elevations, from 300 to 400 m.a.s.l.

Exposure: Different exposures

Soil profile: The wine takes advantage of the complexity and diversity of all the soils of the estate

Harvest: First half of October

Vinification: The fermentation is spontaneous with the use of indigenous yeasts. Alcohol fermentation lasted 20-25 days with a temperature of 28°C, followed by a long maceration on the skins.

Ageing: 36 months in French oak, the wood comes from selected forests that are more than 300 years old, followed by 6 months in concrete tanks.

Alcohol: 14,5%

Production: 688 numbered bottles, Magnum format, 18 numbered bottles, Jeroboam format

Label: painted by the artist Tse Yim On

Tse Yim On

Born in Hong Kong in 1974, Tse Yim On acquired his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Fine Art from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Since 2002 he has been advisor to the “Hong Kong Art Development Council”. His artworks have been displayed in many different countries as USA, France, United Kingdom, Poland, Hong Kong and Singapore.

His paintings are known for their detailed representation of the subject, through the bold use of bright and cheery colors. As one of the most controversial and daring artists in his hometown, Tse’s art is satirical and wildly fantastic, unabashedly addressing societal and political issues through a quirky perspective. His artwork for the Zodiac Boar label reflects his personal experiences with wild boars, and how he came to coexist with them, as his studio is located in the countryside. Similarly, as Castiglion del Bosco is located amidst the woods, Tse’s painting depicts one of the luxury villas in the estate.

The launch of the prestigious Zodiac Year of the Boar was celebrated by our team during the first half of November 2018. The main Event took place in Hong Kong, in the incredible setting of the newly opened Wine Bar of James Suckling, The Wine Central. Here, for the first time ever, James Suckling guided a Vertical Tasting of the first 6 vintages of the Zodiac Collection. A series of celebratory gastronomic dinners in Tokyo, Osaka, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei e Singapore followed.

As for previous years, ten percent of the sales was donated to a charity organization.