2017 Cantina di Montalcino Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany 750 ml

Once upon a time, the 2016 Cantina di Montalcino—from one of the greatest vintages in history—was the Brunello to Rule Them All. 

Then we met the 2017.

Our own Master Sommelier, Sur Lucero, declared, “In a more harmonious, complete way, this wine is drinking better than the 2016 right now. Frankly, in the under-$40 price range, I don’t know of a better Brunello we’ll be able to offer this year.” 

Montalcino’s lone cooperative for over 50 years, Cantina di Montalcino sits on the famed Tuscan hill of Montosoli among celebrated estates like Le Chiuse and Valdicava, whose Brunellos fetch three-digit prices. The co-op’s brilliant winemaking talents have kept costs down through the diversity of growers at their disposal—without sacrificing a sliver of quality. 

In a year like 2017, that collection of growers made all the difference in the world. It was a challenging vintage, with low yields due to spring frost and a summer heat wave. But the Cantina’s members hail from across the Brunello growing zone, each tending vineyards that have their own distinct microclimates.

That meant the winemaking team was able to blend the best material from across the region into their Brunello and declassify the rest, giving them a wine that stands far above the field.

Vinified traditionally, with 30 months of aging in large oak casks to soften the tannins before bottling, this is a calling card for a producer that’s been singled out as one of “the best Italian co-ops” by Decanter.