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 age for decades.

“This has a complex nose of cranberries, dried pineapple, soy, bark, cardamom, mocha, iodine and wet leather. Full-bodied, with firm and very fine tannins. It really builds in intensity, expanding into a broad array of fresh and dried fruit and espresso bean, before converging again on a long and driven finish. Fantastic already. Try now or in a couple of years.”
97 points, James Suckling, December 2022

“Attractive smoky perfume lifts from the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli, with sunny red plum, anise, lavender, and cedar. It is full-bodied, with a refined tannin structure, and a bit more wood influence that will integrate nicely in time. Offering notes of black cherry, licorice, crushed stones, and warming spice, it displays a broader nature compared to the rest of the range, which is to be expected from this iconic site with a somewhat warmer, south-facing exposition. Drink 2025-2045.”
96 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck, March 2023

“A Montosoli vintage for the cru and its petite hillock on the north shores down below the Montalcino hill. That is because the understatement and restraint heeded attention will do for this special set of parcels as it seems both nature and also farmer intended it to be. Could there be a finer season to consider Montalcinese “Climat?” Methinks not and from an educational point of view it is Altesino that sets the readable benchmark for such a consideration. The hopefulness and harmony are readily apparent, the grace, fluid concentration and charm appear in clear view. A sangiovese as a window, hyper real of place, altruistic and realistic, for now and to see what will be a decade plus-plus onwards. Drink 2024-2035.”
96 points, Michael Godel, Wine Align, November 2022