2018 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino

Set in the majestic northeastern hills of Montalcino, the Altesino estate has been pioneering excellence in Brunello for over 40 years.

Imagine a 15th-century palazzo overlooking lush vineyards—this is where the magic happens. The Gnudi Angelini family has carefully steered this estate since 2002, with renowned winemaker Paolo Caciorgna adding his brilliance to the mix. Altesino is not just any winery; it's a forerunner in innovation. In 1975, Altesino introduced the concept of the “Cru” with their Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli, and by 1979, they were pioneering the use of barriques.

From hand-selected grapes to eco-sustainable cellar practices, everything here is about quality, tradition, and a forward-looking vision.

Brunello di Montalcino is the crown jewel of Altesino's production, made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes grown in their prestigious vineyards like Montosoli—an iconic cru known for producing wines of incredible elegance. Expect nothing less than a wine that transports you to the wild beauty of Montalcino, where the landscape has remained untouched for centuries.

Aging: Minimum 2 years in oak barrels.

100% Sangiovese Grosso. The 2018 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino is a real treat for the senses! Its vibrant ruby red color deepens into a beautiful garnet with time. The aromas are a delightful mix of violet, tobacco, wild berries, and vanilla, with a touch of earthiness. On the palate, it’s smooth, warm, and rich with balanced tannins that make it perfect for savoring now or saving for later. Pair it with your favorite roast, hearty game dishes, or some aged cheese like Parmigiano for a truly memorable meal!

This has fantastic intensity with concentrated hazelnut, chocolate and dark berry aromas alongside dried flower and dried orange undertones. Firm and medium- to full-bodied, with powerful yet integrated tannins. Excellent structural integrity. Try in 2024. ~95 James Suckling

This 2018 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino has an attractive, spicy, strawberry and black pepper nose with a little hint of fresh earth and iron. These mineral notes are often a distinctive characteristic of Altesino as a producer, and their northerly terroir. What is striking about this wine is that it has a much longer finish and more depth and range of flavors than many other 2018s. There is a definite shape to the wine, with a beginning, a middle and an end. It ends with a very long and lingering finish. A characterful and distinctive style of Brunello. ~95 The Wine Independant

The Altesino 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is an especially graceful wine with tart fruit, clean mineral lines and a mid-weight approach. Like other wines from this vintage, the 2018s are more accessible than, say, the 2016s or the 2013s. You can drink the wine soon or choose to cellar it a bit longer. The young tannins are nearly fully approachable, and the wine ends with dryness and ample freshness. This is a generous production of 120,000 bottles. ~93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino is a medium ruby hue, with aromas of licorice, dried red flowers, red cherry, and dusty earth. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins, it is approachable with its more delicate nature and fresh acidity. It has no harsh edges and offers notes of ripe raspberry, blood orange, and tea leaf. This is a lovely wine to drink now or over the next 10 to 12 years. ~93 Jeb Dunnuck

Wild strawberries, roses, lavender and hints of flowery underbrush form a vividly fruity yet earthy bouquet as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino opens in the glass. This is round, nearly juicy in character, with ripe red and black berries that cascade across a core of silty minerality. It leaves only a light coating of tannin while tapering off with a flourish of inner sweetness and floral tones, as nuances of licorice slowly fade. This may not be a classic Brunello from Altesino, but I can't argue with how incredibly delicious it is. ~92 Vinous Media

With vineyards throughout Montalcino, Altesino started harvest at the beginning of September with its southernmost holdings. After rain mid-month, the estate continued with plots in the north. The resulting wine is light yet bright in colour with an immediately attractive nose of raspberry and tarragon. Linear and direct, the chiselled palate offers mineral intrigue with an expansive juiciness. Dainty tannins are almost an afterthought, but acidity will carry this midweight, balanced charmer.  ~92 Decanter

16/20 "Distinguished" ~Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine

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