CASALINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2018
Why Buy: The 2018 Brunello vintage is highly, highly underrated. We’re right there with The En Primeur Review, which hailed the many fine attributes of the class: "acidity, elegance, well-constructed and persistent tannins ... a very fresh base fruit.” This gem – from the acclaimed Casalino, and Concierge-priced at less than $40 a bottle – is all of these things: a Brunello that is already beautiful, and destined, we believe, to grow more so with age.
What They're Saying: James Suckling, in a 92-point review that reads like a 95-point review, called it "elegant and layered," with a "pretty nose," "fine-grained tannins," and an "attractively floral and fresh finish."
The Story: Bonacchi, the producer, has been making wine in Tuscany since the late 1800s, but the winery only truly became a player a century later. In 1999, the family acquired Casalino Estates, a 60-acre vineyard in the heart of Chianti. Two years later, the family acquired a parcel of land in Montalcino, Molino della Suga, a 25-acre plot that lies between Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino. Today the winery is overseen by Andrea Bonacchi, a fourth-generation winemaker, and his commitment to Sangiovese, and especially to Brunello, is unswerving. We see it clearly in his excellent recent releases, which harken to the more classically-styled Brunellos of an earlier age.
The Specs: To qualify as a Brunello di Montalcino, a wine must be 100% Sangiovese and aged for a minimum of four years, including two in barrel, before it can be released. Not only does this provide the wine with a head-start on maturation, it creates more intensity and concentration. The beauty of this one is that its density is only a starting point, never obscuring its vibrance and structure.
Our Tasting Notes: The best Brunellos — and we see it on full display here — possess a clarity and purity that is its own reward. There are other rewards, too, in this excellent bottle, namely, a delicately complex nose, polished tannins, and a surprisingly supple mid-palate.
ABV: 13.5%
Fun Fact: Brunello di Montalcino was the first Italian wine to obtain the government classification Denominazione di Origine Controllata
What to Pair It With: Roast pork with mustard sauce; pan-seared duck breast with huckleberries; roast leg of lamb with rosemary; mushroom and leek tart; bean soup.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured – your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2023. 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 MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, July 9, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
