Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2021

In Short

A structured Brunello from Tuscany's most rigorous appellation, built on dark cherry, plum, and mineral notes with the firm tannins and acidity to cellar for years.

Quick Facts

• Region: Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany
• Variety: Brunello (Sangiovese Grosso)
• Style: Full-bodied red
• Best For: Cellar, special occasions

Why We Stock It

Altesino is among the serious producers in Montalcino, and this 2021 sits in the sweet spot where the wine is still young enough to offer complexity at a fair price but old enough to drink now if decanted, or to reward patience over the next decade and a half. Brunello demands time and restraint from both the winery and the drinker, and this wine respects both.

Tasting Profile

This is a wine built on structure and balance rather than immediate fruit.

• Aroma: Dark cherry, plum, dried herbs, subtle oak spice
• Palate: Red fruit, leather, mineral notes, firm tannins, bright acidity
• Structure & Finish: Full body, long and persistent finish with graceful complexity

Winemaking

Brunello di Montalcino is made entirely from Sangiovese Grosso and aged in wood for a minimum of two years before release. The wines are typically fermented and aged in a mix of large cask and smaller oak to preserve the wine's freshness while allowing measured oak integration.

Serving & Pairing

Serve at 62 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit after decanting for 30 to 45 minutes to open up the wine's structure. Pair it with grilled steak or braised beef, or with aged hard cheeses if you want to keep it simpler. The wine's mineral edge and acidity cut through rich meat and complement earthy, umami-forward dishes.

The Estate

Altesino is a longstanding Montalcino producer with a reputation for traditional winemaking and careful site work. The estate focuses on quality over volume and works sustainably across its vineyard holdings in the region.

Terroir

Montalcino sits on the southern slopes of Tuscany's Val d'Orcia, where calcareous clay and limestone soils produce Sangiovese with bright acidity and mineral backbone. The cooler, higher elevation gives the wine structure and the ability to age gracefully over decades.