Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 750ml

Product Info

95pts Wine Advocate
Opening to earth y 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. Drink Date: 2025 – 2040 Published: Nov 21, 2024 Reviewed by: Monica Larner

92pts Vinous Media
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.

The 2020s at Altesino are beautiful wines that show the aromatics and energy of this sun-kissed vintage yet maintain outstanding balance. The high elevations and galestro soils of Montosoli add another level of depth and complexity. There's much to enjoy here. Readers should expect a more Burgundian style and earlier accessibility than in the past. - By Eric Guido on November 2023

Terroir
Produced in the storied hills of Montalcino, Altesino’s Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 is a classic expression of 100% Sangiovese Grosso shaped by elevation, galestro soils, and Mediterranean influence. The estate’s vineyards stretch across varying altitudes, benefiting from diverse exposures that lend both power and finesse to the final blend.

Soils rich in marl, limestone, and clay contribute to the wine’s structural backbone and mineral tension. Warm daytime temperatures during the 2020 growing season ensured full phenolic ripeness, while cooler nights preserved aromatic lift and acidity. The vintage is noted for its balance—offering generous fruit without sacrificing the firm structure that defines traditional Brunello.

Proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea moderates extremes, and the region’s steady breezes help maintain vineyard health. The result is a wine that marries concentration with clarity, reflecting both site and season with precision.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
In accordance with DOCG regulations, the wine is crafted exclusively from Sangiovese and aged for a minimum of two years in oak, followed by extended bottle refinement. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel to extract color, tannin, and aromatic depth while maintaining varietal purity.

Altesino is known for a balanced oak program, typically employing large Slavonian oak casks alongside smaller French barrels. This dual approach allows for gradual micro-oxygenation and tannin integration without overwhelming the grape’s natural character. Extended aging refines the wine’s structure and enhances complexity.

The 2020 vintage was bottled after careful maturation, preserving both freshness and the layered depth expected from Brunello.

Tasting Notes
Deep ruby with garnet reflections, the 2020 opens with aromas of ripe red cherry, wild strawberry, and dried rose petals. Subtle notes of leather, tobacco, and crushed herbs develop with aeration, underscored by hints of cedar and baking spice.

On the palate, the wine is structured yet harmonious. Flavors of sour cherry, plum, and blood orange are framed by firm, finely woven tannins. A vibrant core of acidity carries the wine across the mid-palate, lending energy and precision. Earthy undertones—truffle, forest floor, and mineral—add dimension, leading to a long, savory finish marked by lingering red fruit and spice.

The texture is both powerful and refined, showcasing the elegance that distinguishes Altesino’s interpretation of Brunello.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–65°F and decant for at least one hour prior to enjoyment. Brunello’s tannic structure and acidity make it a natural companion to hearty Tuscan fare—braised wild boar ragù, bistecca alla Fiorentina, or slow-roasted lamb with rosemary.

Aged pecorino, porcini risotto, and truffle-infused dishes also complement its earthy complexity. The wine’s balance allows it to pair beautifully with both rustic and refined preparations.

Cellaring & Longevity
Brunello di Montalcino is renowned for its aging potential, and the 2020 vintage is no exception. While approachable in its youth with proper decanting, it will benefit significantly from extended cellaring. Over the next 5–8 years, primary fruit will gradually evolve into notes of dried cherry, fig, leather, and balsamic nuance.

Optimal drinking is anticipated between 2028 and 2042. With proper storage in a cool, stable environment, this wine possesses the structure and acidity to develop gracefully for 20 years or more. The 2020 stands as a balanced and age-worthy expression of Montalcino, embodying both tradition and finesse in equal measure.