ALTESINO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2021
WHY BUY:
James Suckling just awarded Altesino's 2021 Brunello Montosoli 98 points. He also gave 95 points to their 'normale' Brunello DOCG: a 95-point wine for $67 (or $35, for a half-bottle). A pair of powerhouse wines from one of Tuscany's most storied estates. In what's shaping up to be Brunello's vintage of the decade. The Montosoli, sourced from one of Italy's most hallowed single vineyards, is aristocracy in a bottle, a wine to sit with and contemplate life, but it's that DOCG that might be the real steal here. Stock up today!
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
James Suckling awarded the Montosoli 98 points, praising its "dense aromas of red cherries, bark, mushrooms and plums" that "follow through to a medium body with tangy acidity and juicy flavors" calling it "very long and quite chunky, with velvety tannins and a flavorful finish" that's "savory and tangy at the end." The DOCG earned 95 points for being "a lively Brunello with aromas of plums, ripe cherries, cedar and teak,” one that’s "crunchy and linear" with "lovely energy at the end."
OUR TASTING NOTES:
Why do we call the Montosoli “aristocracy in a bottle”? Because it's dense and concentrated, but also lithe and graceful, with that distinctive savory edge that separates great Brunello from merely good ones. Those mushroom and bark notes are the signatures of a vineyard that's been perfecting this conversation between soil and grape for centuries. The DOCG, meanwhile, just goes to show that even Altesino's ‘normale’ Brunello operates on a different level entirely. It abounds in crunchy red fruit, and carries an energy that practically bounces out of the glass and, wonderfully, persists to the fine finish. Both wines display the 2021 vintage's gift for immediate pleasure without sacrificing long-term potential.
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.
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 down 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 also its 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 its passionate determination to capture Montalcino's distinctive terroir, has earned it a place in the pantheon of Tuscan winemaking royalty.
SPECS:
Both wines are 100% Sangiovese Grosso: the Brunello DOCG 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 (in the words of the organization) their "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 bottles and cases today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2026. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. 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, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer will expire on Monday, February 23rd, 2026.