Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2020

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SKU: 05481

750ml

$69.99

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Category	Red Wine
Varietal	Sangiovese Grosso
Brand	Altesino
Origin	Italy, Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino
Alcohol/vol	15.1%

Altesino is a reference point producer in Brunello di Montalcino, sought after in every vintage, especially in the top vintages. As region innovators, they introduced the 'Cru' concept with their 'Montosoli' wine in 1975; they also were the first to experiment with barriques in '79; and produced in '77 of the first Grappa di Fattoria under the consultancy of the master distiller Gioacchino Nannoni. An intense relationship has built up over forty years with the land full of history, with its almost sensual beauty that is physically perceived and its subtle charm. This is the philosophy that inspires Altesino to produce wine and maintain its culture.

Amid the eastern hills of Montalcino near Siena in central Tuscany, stands the magnificent 14th century-built Palazzo Altesi, home to the Altesino winery and resort. The ancient coat of arms, carved in white Carrara marble, is still visible above the antique oak portal. The stunning Palazzo Altesi beautifully reflects Altesino’s charm and refinement. Near the end of 2002, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, owner of the nearby Tenuta Caparzo, purchased the Altesino winery. Today's winemaking team, led by Simone Giunti and Alessandro Ciacci, is firmly committed to maintaining Altesino’s hard-earned reputation as a Montalcino institution and a global leader in innovative winemaking.

Altesino has always been a leader in Montalcino, respecting history, yet unafraid of innovation. The estate pioneered the technique of aging its IGT wines in small French oak barrels, limiting the time spent in oak to enhance each wine’s personality. The resulting wines were a groundbreaking improvement over those produced by traditional methods. No longer overwhelmed by wood, they were able to display the unique characteristics of the fruit, with softened tannins and perfect balance.

Altesino also pioneered the concept of Brunello futures (wine purchased before its release) with its 1985 vintage. This commitment to innovation led to many modern wines in the estates portfolio, including Alte d’Altesi, Palazzo Altesi and Rosso di Altesino. Elegance, finesse, and a fruitier, richer style are the trademarks of Altesino’s wines and have earned the estate a position among the very top producers of Brunello. This achievement is even more impressive considering Brunello is perhaps the most recognized Italian appellation.

James Suckling

js95

Very pretty and floral with raspberries and black cherries on the nose, as well as violet undertones. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins, though integrated and polished. Long, intense finish. Extremely well done for the vintage. Drink after 2026, but already solid.

September 23, 2025

Wine Advocate

wa95

Opening to earthy tones of brimstone and petrichor, the Altesino 2020 Brunello di Montalcino shows the character of a house style that is easily recognized. This elegant wine offers a polished and smooth mouthfeel with finely tuned tannins. The oak is also expertly managed to show some light spice that is deeply integrated into a silky mouthfeel. Of the village Brunellos I tasted from 2020, this one offers excellent quality and will prove easily to locate thanks to its ample release of 110,000 bottles.

Monica Larner, November 21, 2024

Jeb Dunnuck

jd95

The 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is a youthful red color and is expressive in the glass with notes of ripe strawberries, grenadine, crushed roses, sweet herbs, and licorice candies. Medium-framed, it has refreshing ripe acidity, fine, well-defined tannins, and a clean, even finish with fantastic, elegant length. Offering both refined complexity and true drinking pleasure, with nothing heavy or weighted, it's fabulous all around, with notes of stone fruit on the finish. A highly appealing Brunello with a lot to enjoy over the coming 15 years, I would be thrilled to have bottles in my cellar to check in on regularly.

Audrey Frick, January 22, 2025

Wine Spectator

ws93

This is supple and juicy, bursting with cherry, strawberry, mineral and wild herb flavors. Vibrant and backed by dense, refined tannins that leave a firm grip on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2043. 9,200 cases made, 3,100 cases imported.

Bruce Sanderson, April 7, 2025

Vinous

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino entices the taster with a gorgeous bouquet of fresh strawberries and plums accentuated by sweet herbs and hints of exotic spice. It's soft, round and quite lifted in feel, with vividly pure red berry fruits underscored by a core of brisk acidity. Energy remains high throughout, leaving a tinge of steely minerality and sweet tannins that frame the experience nicely.

Eric Guido, November 2023