Brunello di Montalcino DOCG · Italy
2015 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino
A generous, florally-perfumed 2015 Brunello of round tannins and vibrant cherry freshness, from one of Montalcino's most respected traditional producers in the denomination's most immediately rewarding recent vintage.
- Varietal
- Sangiovese
- Vintage
- 2015
Drinking Window
In 2026: At PeakIn the heart of its drinking window (2025-2032).
Right now: The Pertimali 2015 Brunello di Montalcino has been in its drinking window since 2023 and in May 2026 is showing in a particularly flattering phase. The primary cherry and violet aromatics that defined the wine at release have been joined by earthy, mushroom-inflected tertiary notes that add depth and interest without obscuring the fruit's inherent freshness. The round tannins that James Suckling noted are now fully integrated and silky, allowing the wine to be consumed without any decanting if preferred, though an hour of air still adds aromatic dimension. The peak window runs through 2032, meaning this wine is in the heart of its optimal drinking period right now, and there is no reason to delay opening a bottle.
Tasting Note
Livio Sassetti Pertimali's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino pours a vivid, translucent ruby with a clean garnet rim and a brightness in the glass that signals the purity and freshness this traditional Montalcino estate consistently achieves. The nose is immediately expressive and generous: ripe but precise Sangiovese cherry leads alongside violet, strawberry, and dried rose, then gives way to a complex secondary layer of earthy shiitake mushroom, forest floor, and light spice. On the palate, the Pertimali 2015 delivers the full-bodied, complete experience that makes this vintage one of Montalcino's benchmarks: ripe fruit, balanced by vibrant acidity and a structured tannic framework that is firm without being aggressive. The midpalate is layered, building through cherry and minerality before reaching a finish of considerable length with violet and dried herb persistence. The balance here is the key to this wine's appeal: richness and elegance in equilibrium, with round tannins that are integrating beautifully and a freshness that will sustain the wine's evolution well into the 2030s.
About Livio Sassetti Pertimali
Livio Sassetti Pertimali is one of Montalcino's most respected traditional producers, farming the family estate in the northern sector of the appellation with a commitment to Brunello's classical style: long maceration, aging in large Slavonian oak botti, and patience as the primary winemaking tool. The estate's northern position contributes a characteristic freshness and aromatic precision to wines that are nonetheless richly structured and age-worthy. Pertimali wines are consistently elegant rather than extracted, positioned among Brunello's finest traditional producers alongside names like Giacomo Conterno and Biondi-Santi.
Food Pairings
Bistecca alla Fiorentina with rosemary-infused olive oil
The classic Tuscan pairing: the steak's iron character amplifies the Pertimali's cherry-violet core, and the rosemary complements the wine's dried herb finish naturally.
Porcini mushroom risotto with aged Pecorino
The mushroom's umami depth and the Pecorino's sharp saltiness mirror the wine's shiitake-earthiness tertiary notes and provide a vegetarian pairing of genuine sophistication.
Lamb chops with olive and caper tapenade
The round tannins of the 2015 Pertimali find a natural foil in lamb's gentle gaminess, while the olive and caper tapenade adds a Mediterranean brininess that complements the northern Montalcino freshness.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 17-19C / 63-66F
- Decanting
- Pour directly or decant for 30-45 minutes. The 2015 Pertimali is in its prime and fully accessible, with round, integrated tannins that do not require the aggressive decanting of younger or more structured Brunellos. An hour in the glass from a careful direct pour is equally effective.
- Cellar Storage
- 12-14C / 54-57F
Frequently Asked
Is the 2015 Brunello vintage better than 2016?
They are different rather than one strictly better than the other. For current drinking, many prefer 2015; for the cellar, 2016.
Is this Brunello ready to drink now?
Yes, the 2015 Pertimali is in its prime drinking window right now. The peak runs through 2032, but the wine is showing beautifully in 2026 with minimal preparation.
What is Pertimali's winemaking approach?
Livio Sassetti Pertimali follows the classical Brunello tradition: long maceration with Sangiovese Grosso, aging in large Slavonian oak botti for several years, and no intervention beyond what the wine requires. The result is elegant, complex, and age-worthy Brunello of the traditional school.
How does the northern Montalcino location affect the wine?
The northern sector of Montalcino has sandy, galestro-rich soils and higher elevation than the southern zones, producing wines of greater aromatic freshness and more linear structure compared to the richer, more powerful wines from the warmer southwestern sector.
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