CAPARZO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019
Why Buy: At under $47 a bottle, this 95-pointer from one of the stalwarts of Brunello, and from a 2019 vintage that Vinous declared “fantastic,” is looking like one of the great deals of the year, and one you’re for sure going to want to lay in for a case or two of. Oh, and that Vigna La Casa? 97 points and pure, polished pleasure.
What They're Saying: James Suckling extolled both wines, in reviews that glowed with enthusiasm. Awarding 97 points to the Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casa 2019, he praised it for being "subtle and perfumed," "full-bodied with chewy tannins and lots of structure," and a defined sense of "purpose." The Brunello di Montalcino, a 95-pointer, impressed him with its "pretty, pure fruit," "full and focused" palate, "very polished tannins," and "long, long finish."
Our Tasting Notes: Eric Guido, of Vinous, wasn't exaggerating when he wrote that "finding a 2019 [Brunello] that doesn't show remarkable balance, vivid fruit and freshness is a difficult task." These two wines perfectly embody that assessment. The Vigna La Casa offers exceptional depth and complexity, with layers of dark fruit, dried herbs, and that characteristic Montalcino minerality. The "regular" Brunello, meanwhile, shows why Caparzo has earned its reputation for excellence, delivering remarkable precision and purity of fruit while maintaining all the structure we expect from great Brunello.
The Story: When Caparzo released its first vintage in 1970, there were only 13 Brunello producers in all of Montalcino. Today, visiting the region's wineries has become an essential experience not just of Montalcino, but of Italy itself. This evolution owes much to pioneers like Caparzo, whose approach to terroir proved revolutionary: they established vineyards across different areas of the appellation, capturing the diverse microclimates that make Montalcino special. For over 25 years, winemaking has been guided by Massimo Bracalente, known throughout the region as "The Master of Sangiovese." His expertise, combined with Caparzo's prime vineyard locations - sitting 220-300 meters above sea level with ideal soil composition of sand, clay, and shale - results in wines of remarkable elegance and aging potential.
The Specs: Both wines are 100% Sangiovese, sourced from vineyards that showcase Montalcino's varied terroir. The combination of high elevation, diverse microclimates, and complex soil composition creates perfect conditions for producing elegant, age-worthy Brunello.
What to Pair Them With: To see these wines are at their absolute best, open them alongside a lusty bowl of ragu anointed with a generous dusting of fresh-grated parm. Their structure and complexity also make them perfect companions for herb-roasted lamb, duck, and game.
Fun Fact: Despite being an "OG" of Brunello production, Caparzo was actually a relative latecomer to commercial success. While their first vintage was in 1970, it wasn't until the late 1980s that the wider wine world began to recognize their innovative approach to terroir as something truly special.
Our Guarantee: Remember, friends – we always buy direct and we only source direct, so you can rest assured that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. 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, KY, MI, MN, MO, NM, NY & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024.