Le Ragnaie 'Passo del Lume Spento' Brunello di Montalcino 2021

‘Passo del Lume Spento’ is Le Ragnaie’s most elevated and arguably most cerebral Brunello, sourced from the estate’s highest vineyard site near the village of Montalcino. At roughly 600 meters above sea level, this vineyard consistently delivers wines of remarkable freshness, aromatic precision, and structural finesse.

The 2021 vintage highlights the site’s strengths with clarity and restraint. Rather than power, this Brunello emphasizes lift, detail, and definition—offering a quietly compelling expression that unfolds slowly in the glass and promises significant rewards with time in the cellar.

Quick Facts

• Region: Tuscany, Italy

• Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

• Vineyard: Passo del Lume Spento (single vineyard)

• Elevation: ~600 meters (one of the highest in Montalcino)

• Varietal: 100% Sangiovese

• Vinification: Concrete fermentation, native yeasts

• Aging: Large-format Slavonian oak

• Alcohol: ~13–13.5%

• Style: High-altitude, elegant, cellar-driven Brunello

Tasting Profile

• Aromatics: Red cherry, alpine herbs, rose petal, orange peel, subtle spice

• Palate: Taut and precise, with layered red fruit, savory minerality, and vibrant acidity

• Structure: Fine-boned tannins, linear and persistent

• Overall Impression: Restrained, aromatic, and built for long evolution

Why We Love It

Passo del Lume Spento represents the purest expression of Le Ragnaie’s philosophy: elevation as an asset, restraint as a virtue, and Brunello as a wine of nuance rather than force. It’s a bottle for collectors who value finesse, clarity, and the satisfaction of watching a wine evolve over time.

Winemaking & Viticulture

The Passo del Lume Spento vineyard sits at the northern edge of Montalcino, planted at unusually high elevation where cooler temperatures and significant diurnal shifts preserve acidity and aromatic complexity. Fermentation occurs in concrete vats with native yeasts, followed by extended maceration to build structure without excess extraction. Aging takes place exclusively in large-format Slavonian oak, allowing the wine to mature slowly and transparently, with minimal intervention throughout.

Serving & Pairing

Best enjoyed with a decant in its youth. Pair with refined, savory dishes—roasted game birds, mushroom-driven preparations, truffle dishes, or aged cheeses—where the wine’s precision and structure can shine.

Drinking Window

2027–2047+
In its youth, the wine shows restraint and aromatic lift; with time, it is expected to gain mid-palate depth, savory complexity, and textural harmony while retaining its signature freshness and tension.

Estate Overview

Le Ragnaie is widely regarded as one of Montalcino’s leading estates, celebrated for its high-elevation vineyards and classical approach to Brunello di Montalcino. Under Riccardo Campinoti’s direction, the winery focuses on traditional methods, minimal intervention, and long-term balance—producing site-driven wines that reward patience and thoughtful cellaring.