Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2019, a celebrated Tuscan red wine that showcases the finest expression of the Sangiovese Grosso grape. Pouring a vibrant ruby hue with garnet highlights, this wine captivates with a complex bouquet of wild berries, violet, tobacco, chocolate, and vanilla. On the palate, it is velvety, full-bodied, and structured, delivering rich flavors of blackberry, plum, savory herbs, and a touch of bitter licorice, balanced by vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Aged in traditional Slavonian oak casks, this award-winning vintage is both accessible now and capable of aging gracefully for decades. Perfectly paired with roasted meats, game, or aged cheeses, Altesino Brunello di Montalcino invites you to savor the timeless elegance of Tuscany.
Process & Profile
Crafted in Tuscany's Montalcino wine region, the Altesino Brunello di Montalcino is made exclusively from 100% Sangiovese grapes. The estate pioneers a meticulous production process, aging the wine in traditional Slavonian oak casks for a minimum of two years, followed by at least four months of bottle refinement. This combination of tradition and innovation ensures a perfectly balanced profile, where the wine's fruit-forward character takes center stage, softened by time in oak barrels.
The 2019 vintage benefited from a near-perfect growing season with a warm summer and mild September, which allowed the grapes to mature fully, achieving exceptional depth, concentration, and structure.
Tasting Notes
A feast for the senses, this Brunello di Montalcino pours a luminous ruby red with a garnet edge. Its bouquet reveals a captivating medley of aromas, including violet, wild berries, tobacco, chocolate, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied, delivering velvety textures layered with blackberry, plum, and hints of dark chocolate. Vibrant acidity lifts the flavors, while grippy tannins provide structure, making the finish long-lasting and unforgettable.
What Makes It Special
Altesino is a true pioneer in the world of Brunello. The estate was the first in Montalcino to introduce the concept of cru wines, beginning with its famed Montosoli vineyard. This innovative spirit continues with practices like limiting oak aging to better highlight the fruit's intrinsic qualities. The 2019 vintage, a highly lauded release, received critical acclaim, with 95 points from Wine Advocate and Decanter, showcasing its remarkable balance of power, finesse, and aging potential.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate the Altesino Brunello di Montalcino, serve it slightly below room temperature, at 18–20°C (64–68°F). A short decant of 1–2 hours unlocks its rich bouquet and complex flavors. Pair this wine with roasted lamb, braised beef, or aged cheeses like pecorino for a sublime gastronomic experience. Alternatively, savor it as a standalone indulgence. With an aging potential of up to 20 years or more, it makes an excellent addition to any collector's cellar.
Conclusion
The Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2019 is a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and terroir-driven excellence. With its vivid profile, celebrated heritage, and outstanding reviews, it remains a shining example of what Italian wine can achieve. Whether enjoyed now or in years to come, this Brunello promises a journey of unparalleled indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Altesino Brunello di Montalcino made from?
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino is made exclusively from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, a specific clone of the Sangiovese grape that thrives in the unique terroir of Montalcino, Tuscany.
What are the tasting notes of this wine?
This wine typically exhibits rich aromas of black cherry, plum, dried cranberry, and spices, with hints of licorice and violets. On the palate, expect an elegant balance of bold tannins, high acidity, and flavors of dried fruit, hazelnuts, leather, and earthy espresso notes as it ages.
How should Altesino Brunello di Montalcino be served?
To fully enjoy its depth and complexity, serve this wine at 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F). It's recommended to decant a younger vintage for at least 2–4 hours to soften the tannins and allow the wine to open up. For older vintages, decant carefully to avoid overexposure to air.
How long can I age this wine?
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino has excellent aging potential. While it can be enjoyed after 5–10 years of release, it often reaches its peak between 10–25 years or more, depending on the vintage. Proper cellaring conditions will enhance its longevity.
What food pairs well with Altesino Brunello di Montalcino?
This wine pairs beautifully with red meats, roasted game, aged cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino, and dishes featuring mushrooms or truffles. Its natural acidity also complements rich, fatty foods like pasta with creamy sauces.
What makes Altesino Brunello di Montalcino unique?
This wine is crafted following stringent regulations under the DOCG classification, ensuring exceptional quality. The vineyard benefits from Montalcino's unique microclimate, varied soils, and elevations, resulting in a wine that is both structured and complex, with incredible aging capacity.
What is the difference between a regular Brunello di Montalcino and a Riserva?
The Riserva requires a longer aging process, spending at least six years before release, with extended time in oak and bottle compared to the standard Brunello. This additional aging enhances the wine's complexity and smoothness.
Can I drink this wine immediately, or should I wait?
While the wine is drinkable upon release, it is often recommended to wait for 10 years or more to allow the flavors to fully develop. Young vintages should be decanted for a few hours for the best experience.