2018 Mastrojanni - Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva Vigna Schiena d'Asino (750ml)

Vigna Schiena d'Asino is Mastrojanni's oldest and most prized vineyard, first planted in 1975 on clay and schist soils in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, the remote southeastern corner of Montalcino near the Abbey of Sant'Antimo. The site takes its name from the donkey's back shape of the ridge it occupies, and the estate bottles it as a distinct wine only in the vintages judged worthy of the designation. Now under the ownership of the Illy family, Mastrojanni remains committed to a traditional style, favoring patient aging in large oak over shortcuts that might sacrifice character for convenience.

The grapes are harvested by hand, gently pressed, and destemmed before an extended maceration and long aging period, true to the estate's classic Brunello methods. The 2018 growing season brought its own set of challenges, alternating warm and cool stretches that shaped a more reserved, savory expression than some other recent vintages, and production was limited to a small run of roughly 6,000 bottles.

The wine offers a drier, more brittle style of fruit than in warmer years, with notes of fallen autumn leaves, wild game, underbrush, cured meat, and black pepper. The tannins are finely textured and compact, giving the wine real elegance without excess weight, and while built to age, it is approachable earlier than some Mastrojanni vintages. Pair it with braised game, aged pecorino, or a rich charcuterie board.