Canalicchio Di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2021

One of the pinnacles of what the Brunello grape variety (a local strain of Sangiovese) can achieve, Brunello di Montalcino is a global touchstone for the variety and fantastic red wines in general.

One of Italy’s (and the world’s) greatest red wines, Brunello di Montalcino is a small wine region in southern central Tuscany, producing particularly impressive wines. In Tuscany, its homeland, it perhaps ranks alongside Chianti Classico. On global markets, it seems to command even greater attention.

All Brunello di Montalcino wine is made exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso grapes grown on the slopes around Montalcino a classic Tuscan hilltop village 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of Siena. Sangiovese Grosso is the large-berried form of Sangiovese. Brunello, its name here, translates roughly as ‘little dark one’. The use of this synonym, and its inclusion in the name of the wine, was part of a clear strategy to differentiate the wine from Chianti.

Critical Acclaim

96 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino shows the precision and balance that make this vintage so compelling. The nose has notes of cherry cordial, anise, roses, thyme, brushy herbs, and warm spice. Medium-bodied, it stays weightless on the palate, with ripe tannins, bright acidity, and a long finish that turns slightly savory with black tea. It’s a fabulous Brunello that will only improve over the next decade. Drink 2026-2046.

95 James Suckling

Aromas of red cherries, pepper, meat and a hint of dark olives. Medium- to full-bodied, showing subtle fleshiness and precise tannins that bring focus and definition. Theres an ethereal quality, with pure, transparent red fruit and a clean, graceful finish. So approachable. Drink or hold.

95 Vinous

The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is explosive in the glass, with waves of crushed rocks, savory herbs, nuances of split pine and dried strawberries. It communicates both juiciness and refinement, with crystalline mineral tones contrasting racy red and black fruits. The 2021 leaves the senses drenched in primary concentration as a sour twang of citrus mingles with fine tannins through the dramatically long finale. Despite having separated out the single-vineyard wines over the years, I am continually impressed with Canalicchio di Sopra’s Brunello.