ALTESINO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2020
WHY BUY:
Altesino's annual releases of Brunello are among the most eagerly anticipated new wines by collectors around the globe, which just elevates these two beauties to the realm of finds: one of the wines of the vintage, their 97-point Montosoli Brunello from the famed Montosoli vineyard, one of Italy's most distinguished single terroirs, and their stalwart Brunello, featured recently in Wine Spectator Insider, a 95-pointer for $58, a terrific value for one of Tuscany's most revered expressions of Sangiovese. James Suckling has rightly hailed Altesino as one of the "greatest names in Tuscan wine," and these releases demonstrate why it continues to inspire such fervent devotion among collectors.
THE TERROIR:
Altesino doesn’t just talk a good game when it comes to terroir. It invests in it, deeply. It was the first Tuscan winery to use barriques, and was one of the forerunners of the "cru" concept in Italy.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
James Suckling has long been a fan of Altesino's Montosoli, and lauded the 2020 vintage, in a 97-point review, for its "character," "juicy and lightly austere" profile, and tannins that "soften" into an integrated smoothness. The Wine Advocate awarded their standard Brunello 95 points, with Monica Larner calling it an "elegant wine [that] offers a polished and smooth mouthfeel with finely tuned tannins," and oak that is "expertly managed to show some light spice that is deeply integrated into a silky mouthfeel."
THE STORY:
Altesino is unapologetically throwback in its methods, leaning on time-honored practices that are extremely labor-intensive, slow, and low-yielding — inefficiencies that would bring the wrath of the CEO in any other business, but which in the world of wine speak of rare character, depth, and soul. Fifty hectares of vines extend over six of these crus, with Montosoli standing as the crown jewel — a mere 5 hectares where marly limestone soils and an optimal microclimate produce grapes of exceptional distinction and elegance. What distinguishes this Montalcino estate from a crowded field of worthies is not just its history, which reaches back to the 14th century, but their remarkable consistency, which we see in vintage after vintage. Many estates produce magnificent wines in great years — but Altesino has demonstrated an almost uncanny ability to craft compelling Brunellos even in challenging seasons. This reliability, combined with their passionate determination to capture Montalcino's distinctive terroir, has earned them their rightful place in the pantheon of Tuscan winemaking royalty.
OUR TASTING NOTES:
Both wines display all the Altesino hallmarks: aromatic complexity, terrific intensity, and structural integrity. The standard Brunello offers exceptional approachability with its silky texture and balanced fruit profile, while the Montosoli (only 350 cases of which were shipped) provides a more profound expression, a wine to sit and linger with over the hours: virtually seamless in its construction, it delivers a long, minerally finish that amounts to a call-out to its distinguished terroir.
SPECS:
Both wines are 100% Sangiovese Grosso — the Brunello, sourced from the Altesino, Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Macina, and Pianezzine vineyards; the Montosoli, from its namesake cru. Both are aged traditionally in Slavonian oak for 36-42 months with additional bottle rest before release.
FUN FACT:
In 2004, UNESCO named the hills of Montalcino a World Heritage Site, recognizing that they retain much of the "layout, character, and aesthetic" from Renaissance times.
OUR GUARANTEE:
As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate, ensuring pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MA, MI, NE, NM, NV, NY, OK & TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Tusday, April 8th, 2025.