In the 1970’s, Altesino was the first winery to introduce the concept of the “Cru” to Montalcino with their legendary Montosoli vineyard. The classification effectively pushed the region forward. Montosoli is a hillside vineyard of five hectares situated northeast of Montalcino, valued for its elevation, limestone soil, and range of microclimates. The first wine vinified only from this outstanding vineyard’s fruit was produced in 1975. Since then, Altesino’s “Montosoli” Brunello di Montalcino has maintained its place as one of the most sought-after wines in Montalcino. Produced only in the best years, the unique site consistently yields complex, elegant wines.

Montosoli is traditionally aged for four years prior to release: at least two years in Slavonian oak barrels, three to four months in medium-toast Allier barriques, and four months in bottle.

Its intensely ruby red hue turns to deep orange-red with time spent in bottle. The nose has an exceptional personality, full of black cherry, blackberry, raspberry, violet, liquorice, and vanilla gently accented by red pepper. This is a dry, warm wine, velvety and full on the palate that will comfortably for decades.

“Super clean black fruit and minerals on the nose and palate. Floral and herbal nuances, too. Medium-to full-bodied with very fine tannins and a long finish. This is super-clean, long and balanced. Despite the difficult vintage, Montosoli shows its class. One of the wines of the vintage. Best from 2024.” 97 points, James Suckling, January 2022

“This is one of the icon wines of Montalcino and one of the bottles that best captures the character of this prized vineyard cru. Altesino farms 4.5 hectares in Montosoli at 350 meters in elevation with galestro soils. The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is darkly concentrated and rich. It shows an almost creamy consistency that was not easy to achieve in this hot vintage that tends to underline tannic power and alcohol. Instead, this wine offers a steady stream of dark fruit flavors that transition to spice, leather and sweet tobacco. Production is limited to 15,000 bottles.” 95 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, February 2022

“The aromatics alone are worth the price of entry on the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli. A dazzling display is revealed as this opens like a basket of freshly picked flowers with ripe strawberries, cloves and a hint of plum sauce that adds gravitas. Its elegance is nicely matched by a balanced inner sweetness, as mineral-tinged red berries are contrasted by hints of sour citrus and savory spice. Fine tannins mount, yet are almost imperceptible until the finish, where notes of blood orange mingle with licorice and inner rose. In a word, spellbinding. While some cellaring will be needed, I expect the 2017 Montosoli to enjoy a broad, open and highly pleasurable drinking window. 2024-2032.” 94+ points, Eric Guido, Vinous Media, December 2021