CANALICCHIO DI SOPRA, ROSSO DI MONTALCINO

TUSCANY, ITALY 2017

Today’s wine is the first of this year’s highly anticipated releases from one of the most exciting producers in Montalcino, Canalicchio di Sopra. Founded in 1962, the estate continues to rank among the top in each vintage, producing outstanding wines that exude focus and extreme precision that can only be found in wines of the highest caliber and distinction. For those in the know, these wines are some of the most coveted in Tuscany and offer decades of satisfaction. As Antonio Galloni has praised, Canalicchio di Sopra is one of his “favorite properties in Montalcino…the wines are consistently outstanding, have plenty of personality and also age beautifully.” First up is the 2017 Rosso di Montalcino, an immensely delicious Sangiovese that offers both layers of flavor and incredible value.
 
Often overlooked and overshadowed by their Brunello, the Rosso stands out for its serious complexity and distinction and is produced from the younger vines of the Canalicchio and Montosoli crus of the estate. With winemaker Francesco Rippaccioli at the helm, who Monica Larner of Wine Advocate proclaimed as the “personification of a new generation of vintners and proprietors,” his commitment to the land and winemaking has produced an extremely impressive wine, especially considering the minuscule production of the vintage. With just 19 hectares of vines and a diminished crop, the concentration and quality of the Rosso is outstanding. Historically Canalicchio di Sopra has not produced a Brunello Riserva in low yielding vintages, which means that the fruit otherwise destined for Brunello Riserva will find its way into their Brunello and likewise, the fruit normally vinified for their Brunello will be used for their Rosso. Though we cannot confirm, this is likely the case for the 2017 vintage. 
 
Using estate grown Sangiovese, the 2017 Rosso is aged for a year in a combination of oak vats and barriques. Radiant and layered, with aromas and flavors of super-ripe berries and tart cherries balanced with smoky minerality, herbs and leather, the wine is beautifully elegant and full of finesse. Bright acidity and silky tannins make this both fabulously food-friendly as well as deliciously drinkable now. Be sure to look out for our upcoming offer of their Brunello releases, but until then we suggest stocking up on this “baby Brunello” with up to 25% off before we sell through our allocation.