ALTESINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2020

Altesino, positioned among the northeastern hills of Montalcino, operates from the commanding 15th-century Palazzo Altesi, originally built by the Tricerchi family whose marble crest still adorns the ancient oak entrance. Since 2002, this pioneering estate has been under the stewardship of the Gnudi Angelini family with technical direction from Paolo Caciorgna. For over four decades, Altesino has led innovation in Brunello production—introducing the "Cru" concept with their Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli in 1975, becoming the first winery to age in barriques in 1979, and creating the region's first estate grappa in 1977. Their philosophy balances profound respect for tradition with forward-thinking approaches, maintaining meticulous quality control from their careful vine management (marked by symbolic rose bushes at row ends) through hand selection of grapes.

The Altesino Brunello displays a classic ruby-red color with distinctive garnet highlights at the rim. Its complex bouquet offers generous aromas of violet, wild berries, tobacco, chocolate, and vanilla—a testament to the estate's precise aging protocols. On the palate, this wine delivers remarkable richness with a full-bodied, velvety texture balanced by integrated tannins and well-calibrated acidity. This structural harmony makes it an exceptional partner for substantial dishes including osso buco, pot roasts, barbecued meats, and hearty beef stews. The wine exemplifies Altesino's unwavering commitment to quality and their deep connection to Montalcino's terroir—where they've developed what they describe as an "intense relationship with land full of history" and "almost sensual beauty that is physically perceived."