2016 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
Altesino’s Brunello di Montalcino is all fresh exuberance in 2016 – with roses, gravelly fruit, spicy and peppery notes, super supple tannins and a hint of attractive bitterness on the finish. This showcases Altesino’s trademark, smooth, polished tannins perfectly, while offering classical Sangiovese aromatics, superb structure, acidity and fruit purity. The excellent balance promises a long life, but also makes it one of the more approachable early-drinking Brunellos.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Just mid ruby. Balsamic cherry nose with hints of sweet spice. Supple sweet-sour cherry fruit with hints of gingerbread and soft chewy tannins. Already quite accessible. (WS)
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino has remarkably consistent integration from the nose to the palate. There are generous aromatics of fresh raspberry, rosemary, lavender and Mediterranean herbs. The palate opens up with ripe and inviting cherry fruit and tea leaf, with supple tannin and freshness on the finish. Its drinkability now should not be confused for a lack of structure, as it is true to the energetic nature of the vintage. Drink 2021-2036. Altesino’s modern history begins with Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, who purchased the estate in 2001 and at the same time purchased the Caparzo estate in the north of Montalcino. Altesino’s holdings include 50 hectares, 26 of which are reserved for Brunello production. Of their seven vineyard sites, Montosoli was the first to carry a vineyard designation in Montalcino, with its first vintage in 1975. Today they have seven vineyard sites, four in the south of the region, reaching as far as Castelnuovo dell’Abate, and three in the north. In 2006, they built a fully sustainable winery and are currently producing zero CO2 emissions. Fermentations occur in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with selected yeast before being transferred to large Slavonian oak up to 120 hl in size. The winery has two full-time winemakers, Simone Giunti and Alessandro Ciacci. Elisabetta’s children, Alessandra and Ignio (aerospace and environmental engineers, respectively) both tend the estate, with Alessandra returning in 2017.
Fresh violet, forest-floor and some pear-skin aromas, underneath brambleberries. Fresher style of Brunello. It's medium-bodied with silky tannins and a great balance between fresh-fruit and forest flavors. Drink after 2023.
About the producer
Altesino is one of the top producers in Brunello di Montalcino. The estate is famous for bottling the first separate Cru from the Montosoli hill, which has since become widely recognised for its distinct, elegant style of Brunello.