Our Rating
Tuscany
Sangiovese
Some wineries chase trends, but Ferretti is all about patience. For more than a century, the Ferretti family quietly grew Sangiovese on their estate in Montalcino, selling off their harvest to other producers. Then, in 2016, Matteo Perugino decided it was time for a change. Rather than letting others take credit for their grapes, he bottled the family’s first estate wine, capturing the essence of their rugged, limestone-rich vineyards. The result? A classic Brunello that’s structured, elegant, and deeply tied to its origins.
Ferretti is one of Montalcino’s long-standing, but until recently, lesser-known estates. The family has farmed this land since 1896, producing wine alongside other agricultural staples like grain and livestock. Their vineyards sit in the southwest corner of Montalcino in the area of Pietrafocaia, known for its rocky soils and prime sun exposure. The estate spans just seven hectares, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in terroir. With limestone-rich soils and high elevation, the site naturally produces wines with freshness and mineral complexity.
For most of the 20th century, the Ferrettis didn’t bottle their own wine. Instead, they sold their grapes or bulk wine to other estates. But in 2016, Matteo Perugino, the great-grandson of Ferruccio Ferretti, decided to change that, beginning a new chapter in the family’s winemaking story.
Matteo Perugino didn’t just stumble into winemaking—he was born into it. Growing up on the family farm, he learned the craft from his uncle, Roberto, and grandfather, Ivo. He later pursued formal training in agriculture in Siena, refining his skills by working in another Montalcino cellar before returning home to take the reins.
Matteo’s approach stays true to tradition. He follows the classic Brunello method, aging his wines in large Slavonian oak casks to preserve the purity of the fruit and showcase the vineyard’s natural character. His commitment to sustainability is also evident, as he has initiated the process of organic certification for the family’s vineyards. Under his leadership, Ferretti has transitioned from a supplier of quality grapes to an exciting new name in the world of Brunello.
This 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a deep, structured expression of Sangiovese that highlights the balance between power and finesse. It’s a wine that needs a bit of air to open up, so a 30-minute decant is recommended.
In the glass, it pours a deep ruby color, clear and richly pigmented. The high viscosity suggests a full-bodied wine with plenty of structure and concentration.
The nose is pronounced and layered, offering an intriguing mix of floral, herbal, and earthy aromas. Notes of leather, dried roses, and potpourri give way to a core of ripe plum and sour cherry. There’s also a distinct savory edge, with hints of oregano, tobacco, cinnamon, and thyme adding complexity.
On the palate, this wine is bold and full-bodied, with high tannins and bright acidity, keeping everything in balance. The fruit profile leans toward red and dark berries, with strawberry, sour cherry, and plum leading the charge. Earthy elements like leather and clay pot emerge on the mid-palate, while spice notes of cinnamon and dried herbs linger through the long, structured finish.
The high tannins suggest this wine has plenty of aging potential, but it’s already drinking well with proper aeration. The acidity keeps it fresh, making it a great pairing for rich dishes like osso buco or a hearty wild mushroom risotto.
Ferretti’s 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a classic, no-frills take on Sangiovese, built for those who appreciate structure and depth in their wines. With its balance of fruit, earth, and spice, this bottle is a testament to both the vineyard’s unique terroir and Matteo Perugino’s dedication to tradition. While it’s drinking well now with some air, it has the backbone to evolve beautifully over the next decade. If you’re looking for a serious Brunello with a sense of place, this is a great bottle to explore.
Italy
Tuscany
Sangiovese
14.5
Matteo Perugino
30 Minutes
Now to 2030
Ferretti
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