Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2021 (750ml)

Brunello di Montalcino draws all of its power from a single grape, Sangiovese, grown on the hills around the Tuscan town and held to a long maturation before release. This 2021 comes from Altesino, aged in the traditional way in large Slavonian oak casks, which lends structure without stamping the fruit with obvious wood. It is a red built on the varietal's twin signatures, firm tannin and bright acidity, the kind of wine that rewards a decant and a place at the table.

Expect a dark ruby glass and a nose that runs savory before it runs sweet, dusty earth and crushed stone giving way to dried roses, sage, and a lift of orange peel. On the palate the fruit turns generous, blackberry and plum folded into a velvety texture, with wild berry ripeness kept lively by that vivid acidity. The finish is where Sangiovese asserts itself, grippy tannins taking hold alongside a bitter edge of licorice and dark chocolate that leaves the mouth watering for the next sip.