Region: Tuscany
Sub Region: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Variety: Sangiovese
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2019
The Wine
La Màgia occupies a single, organically certified vineyard in the south-eastern sector of Montalcino, overlooking the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. The estate’s 15 hectares of Sangiovese sit between 400 and 450 metres, with a south-easterly exposure and surrounding woodland that help temper the warmth of this part of the denomination.
The Schwarz family arrived from Alto Adige in the 1970s, with second-generation winemaker Fabian Schwarz taking control of the estate in 2011. His approach sits between strict tradition and modern precision: organically farmed fruit, long maceration and extended maturation, but with 500-litre French oak tonneaux used to build texture rather than the more conventional large Slavonian botti.
The 2019 was produced from 100% Sangiovese grown on stony, sandy soils over clay. Fermentation took place in a combination of stainless steel and large wooden vats, followed by approximately 40 days on skins. The wine then matured for 36 months in 500-litre French oak tonneaux—around one-third new and the remainder second use—before a further seven months in bottle.
The elevation and cooling airflow are particularly important in 2019, a vintage that gave La Màgia both concentration and energy. Dark raspberry, cherry and pomegranate are joined by lavender, rosemary, mint and crushed stone, while vibrant acidity and finely textured tannins keep the wine focused rather than heavy.
This is a contemporary interpretation of Brunello, but not a heavily polished one. The oak adds shape and spice without overwhelming the Sangiovese, and the wine retains the savoury, herbal and mineral qualities of its high-altitude site.
Cellared Says
La Màgia remains relatively under-recognised beside many of Montalcino’s established names, which is precisely why it is interesting. The 2019 combines the depth of a great Brunello vintage with altitude-driven freshness and exceptionally well-managed tannins. It has enough fruit to impress now, but the structure suggests its best drinking will come after another five to ten years in the cellar.
Reviews
“The nose opens fresh and cool, with aromas of eucalyptus, wild mint and fennel.”
96 Points – Wine Enthusiast
“Expressive, lifted floral notes with lots of bright red fruit, followed by fresh rosemary and thyme.”
95 Points – James Suckling
“Black raspberries, lavender, sage, wet stone and crushed rocks…elegant and velvety on the palate.”
94 Points – Eric Guido, Vinous
“Ripe and seductive…lavender, black raspberries, sweet Mediterranean herbs and cola.”
93 Points – Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com
Region: Tuscany
Sub Region: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Variety: Sangiovese
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2019
The Wine
La Màgia occupies a single, organically certified vineyard in the south-eastern sector of Montalcino, overlooking the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. The estate’s 15 hectares of Sangiovese sit between 400 and 450 metres, with a south-easterly exposure and surrounding woodland that help temper the warmth of this part of the denomination.
The Schwarz family arrived from Alto Adige in the 1970s, with second-generation winemaker Fabian Schwarz taking control of the estate in 2011. His approach sits between strict tradition and modern precision: organically farmed fruit, long maceration and extended maturation, but with 500-litre French oak tonneaux used to build texture rather than the more conventional large Slavonian botti.
The 2019 was produced from 100% Sangiovese grown on stony, sandy soils over clay. Fermentation took place in a combination of stainless steel and large wooden vats, followed by approximately 40 days on skins. The wine then matured for 36 months in 500-litre French oak tonneaux—around one-third new and the remainder second use—before a further seven months in bottle.
The elevation and cooling airflow are particularly important in 2019, a vintage that gave La Màgia both concentration and energy. Dark raspberry, cherry and pomegranate are joined by lavender, rosemary, mint and crushed stone, while vibrant acidity and finely textured tannins keep the wine focused rather than heavy.
This is a contemporary interpretation of Brunello, but not a heavily polished one. The oak adds shape and spice without overwhelming the Sangiovese, and the wine retains the savoury, herbal and mineral qualities of its high-altitude site.
Cellared Says
La Màgia remains relatively under-recognised beside many of Montalcino’s established names, which is precisely why it is interesting. The 2019 combines the depth of a great Brunello vintage with altitude-driven freshness and exceptionally well-managed tannins. It has enough fruit to impress now, but the structure suggests its best drinking will come after another five to ten years in the cellar.
Reviews
“The nose opens fresh and cool, with aromas of eucalyptus, wild mint and fennel.”
96 Points – Wine Enthusiast
“Expressive, lifted floral notes with lots of bright red fruit, followed by fresh rosemary and thyme.”
95 Points – James Suckling
“Black raspberries, lavender, sage, wet stone and crushed rocks…elegant and velvety on the palate.”
94 Points – Eric Guido, Vinous
“Ripe and seductive…lavender, black raspberries, sweet Mediterranean herbs and cola.”
93 Points – Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com
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