Collection: Brunello di Montalcino
98 POINTS: Luca Gardini, Gardini-Notes
97 POINTS: Heiner Lobenberg
97 POINTS: James Suckling
97 POINTS: Wine Direct
96 POINTS: James Suckling
94+POINTS: Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Highly Recommended, 5 Stars, Wine Direct
100% Sangiovese
Cru Vineyard: The “Montosoli” hills, 380m a.s.l.
Soil: Marly limestone and siliceous limestone representing the Alberese era with lithoid components dating from the same period.
Ageing: 4 years (a minimum of 2 years in Slavonian oak barrels) and 3/4 months in the medium toasted Allier barriques and 4 months in bottle)
"The Montosoli, together with the version of its neighbors from the winery Valdicava , was one of the first single vineyards in Montalcino bottled separately. The first vintage was 1975, and after fermentation in steel tanks, it is aged for three years in large Slavonian wooden barrels, and then another two years in bottle. Deep ruby red with fine orange reflections. Stylistically classic, but a much more delicate version compared to the ultra-intense version from Valdicava . Fresh tar plays on the nose with ripe red cherries and also pickled cherries of all kinds. Dried potpourri, bitter orange peel and essential herbs like rosemary and sage. Also very fine and fragrant in the mouth with juicy sweet red cherries, graphite and cedar. This is a classic that combines finesse and elegance."
— 97 Points, Heiner Lobenberg
"This has a complex nose of cranberries, dried pineapple, soy, bark, cardamom, mocha, iodine and wet leather. Full-bodied, with firm and very fine tannins. It really builds in intensity, expanding into a broad array of fresh and dried fruit and espresso bean, before converging again on a long and driven finish. Fantastic already. Try now or in a couple of years."
— 97 Points, James Suckling
"Attractive smoky perfume lifts from the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli, with sunny red plum, anise, lavender, and cedar. It is full-bodied, with a refined tannin structure, and a bit more wood influence that will integrate nicely in time. Offering notes of black cherry, licorice, crushed stones, and warming spice, it displays a broader nature compared to the rest of the range, which is to be expected from this iconic site with a somewhat warmer, south-facing exposition. Drink 2025-2045."
— 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
“The word "Vigna" has been added to the official name of this wine to underline work in the appellation meant to focus on single-vineyard designates. The Altesino 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli comes from a unique growing site with some of the best exposures from hillside vineyards. This wine shows a slightly dark hue with added concentration and depth. I am delighted by the bouquet that reveals dark cherry, blue flower, crushed stone and grilled herb. There is sweet toast and spice at the back. This is one of the more complete and age-worthy wines from the 2018 vintage.”
— 94+ Points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“Altesino Montosoli is one of Italy's first ever Single Vineyard 'Cru' wines produced. Located at the top of Altesino's highest elevated vineyards, the prestigious Montosoli Cru where ancient limestone soils with the 360 degree exposure combine to yield a Brunello of exceptional style and elegance. This is always one of the most sought after wines from Montalcino, and it's consistency is a constant marvel.”
— Highly Recommended, 5 Stars, Wine Direct
ABV: 15%
GOLD MEDAL: Berlin Wine Trophy 2021
94 POINTS: James Suckling
100% Sangiovese Grosso hand-harvested from vines with a minimum age of at least 20 years on limestone-clay soils at various exposures and altitudes from 120-650m above sea level to build aromatic and structural complexity. To guarantee optimum production of colour and tannins, the fermentation takes place in stainless steel containers at a controlled temperature of 30-32°C with regular, gentle pump overs. Maceration with the skins lasts around 15-20 days. The wine is aged 30 months in 50 hl Slavonian oak casks and several months in bottle. Fruit characters of black cherries and forest berries are complexed by savoury notes and complimented by a rich, ripe palate structure. Perfect with game and mature cheese dishes
Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most important & collectable reds. This is the flagship wine from Da Vinci I Capolavori. From a brilliant vintage, this Gold Medal Brunello is punching high, with power and concentration. The wine offers up sumptuous aromas of ripened blackberries and dark cherries. On the palate it is generously well-rounded and rich with fruit-forward notes complimented by hints of herbs and dried earth. Definitely one for the cellar.
The wines from the Cantine Leonardo da Vinci are inspired by one of the greatest artists of all time, Leonardo da Vinci. The world knows him as a great painter, but apparently he was also an expert on wine and winemaking techniques! In the year 1961, around 30 local winegrowers in the small Vinci town of Italy, got together to establish the Cantine Leonardo da Vinci. Today, this cooperative business has grown tremendously and comprises of close to 200 winegrowers. More recently these wines were discovered by New Zealand's own Steve Bennett MW, one of only 415 Masters of Wine in the world. He has picked the eyes out of their range and imported only the best. We are super happy to be able to bring these wines to our loyal Wine Direct Customers.
ABV: 13.5%