2019 Altesino Montosoli Brunello di Montalcino 750 ml

When Wine Spectator said that Altesino “has long been one of Montalcino's top producers,” the Montosoli bottling was at the front of their minds. It hails from a 13-acre hilltop site whose 360-degree exposure allows the Sangiovese grapes to ripen exquisitely. Furthermore, the vineyard is planted to a special selection of vines that are unique to Montosoli—they thrive here, but struggle in less perfectly exposed sites.

Montosoli’s vines, which range from 20-40+ years of age, are planted in ancient Galestro soils, which imbue the wine with loads of spice, perfume, and mineral flavor. In other words, if Brunello di Montalcino had an official Grand Cru designation, Montosoli would assuredly be honored with that label.

The 2019 vintage is emerging as an all-time great year in Montalcino: Vinous called it “the vintage we’ve all been waiting for.” Kerin O’Keefe, who wrote THE book on Brunello, said “I’ve never tasted so many drop-dead-gorgeous young Brunellos from a single vintage.” The fever is especially high regarding Brunello’s marquee producers—and none enjoys a higher place in the pantheon than Altesino. 

Though located in a 14th century palazzo, Altesino is a young winegrowing estate by Tuscan standards: It was founded in 1970, and Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini acquired it in 2002. Since then, she and her winemaking team of Simone Giunti and Alessandro Ciacci have staked out a permanent position at the apex of the region, with their modern and innovative take on one of Italy’s most beloved denominaziones.