Italian Collection
Curto Marco, Marengo 2017
Italy
About the SessionItaly dominates the auction, led by a considerable depth of Tuscan greats. Fontodi spans the full range of the estate from the benchmark Chianti Classico through multiple vintages of Flaccianello della Pieve, their iconic Sangiovese IGT, to the crown jewel Vigna del Sorbo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. The jewel in the crown of Tuscan reds, Brunello di Montalcino is well represented with offerings from Il Poggione, Casanova di Neri, Silvio Nardi, and the rare Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta. A group of curated Italian Collections rounds out the Italian session, offering mixed selections ideal for those seeking range across multiple producers in a single lot.
About this Item
Curto Marco Barolo Arborina 2017 (2 x 750ml)
Marengo Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2017 (1 x 750ml)
Two single-vineyard Barolos from La Morra in the distinctive 2017 vintage, shaped by April frost that sharply reduced yields and a hot, dry summer producing concentrated, powerful wines of notable ripeness with a more forward, earlier-drinking character than the classic years. Marco Curto's Arborina, from one of La Morra's most celebrated crus for rich and expressive Nebbiolo, was awarded 16 out of 20 by Speller at JancisRobinson.com. The Marengo family, farming La Morra since 1899, contributes their Bricco delle Viole, rated 92 by Sanderson at Wine Spectator and 93 by Galloni at Vinous.
Provenance
The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.
For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@briceandburnett.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.
Critics Ratings
Curto Marco Barolo Arborina 2017
“Mature-looking, dark ruby with a bricky rim. Rich nose with notes of dried fruit and laced with oak. Sweet, rich fruit on the palate with bags of coating tannins adding contrast. Long and concentrated and completely ready now.” - Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com, 16/20 (Jul 2021)
Marengo Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2017
“Delivers cherry and plum fruit flavors matched by menthol, hay, tar and tobacco. Although this red is solid, there's ample acidity to keep it defined and dynamic through the long, resonant finish.” - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Feb 2022)
“The 2017 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is a powerful, driving wine. All the signatures of this site are amplified in 2017. There is plenty of that distinctive red berry fruit but the tannins are also pretty imposing. It will be interesting to see where this goes.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 93/100 (Jan 2021)
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