Altesino’s Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a special, limited edition wine that is only made in spectacular vintages and in small quantities. It is 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes, hand harvested from the Altesino, Macina, Pianezzine and Castelnuovo dell’Abate vineyards in the Val d’Arbia DOC. First produced in 1975, the wine ages for at least four years in Slavonian oak before spending six additional months in bottle.

This Brunello has an opulent and full body, with an ample and complex bouquet of violets, wild strawberries, dark cherries, chocolate, spices, cedar and vanilla. The palate is quite seductive, confirming the nose, with layers of ripe fruit, a balanced acidity and plush mouth-coating tannins. Ageing potential is twenty to thirty years, so consider laying a case down in your cellar and forgetting about it, if you can. Try pairing with a roast leg of lamb with rosemary, aged Pecorino, or Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

“Complex and fragrant nose of neroli, currants, sour cherries, sandalwood, cassis and wild herbs. Roasted walnuts, too. Full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Full of energy and power. Try in 2024.”
95 points, James Suckling, December 2022

“The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens up with an enticing blend of balsamic spice and fresh mint that sets the stage for notes of cherry sauce and clove. It’s elegant and silky to the core with masses of dark red fruit that nearly overwhelm the senses, as a zesty twang of sour citrus adds balance and contrast. The 2017 finishes with a coating of fine tannin, quite harmonious for the vintage, leaving nuances of plum and a hint of cocoa to slowly fade.”
93 points, Eric Guido, Vinous Media, October 2022

“Inviting aromas of ripe plum, violet, baking spice and leather waft out of the glass. Full-bodied and dense, the approachable palate features fleshy black cherry, star anise and mocha while velvety tannins provide gentle support. It’s already ready, so drink soon.”
90 points, Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, April 2022