More information about the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino vintage.

The Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is considered an excellent vintage, although not on the same level as the exceptional years 2015, 2016 and 2019. The wines from 2020 are characterised by a noticeable freshness and are generally more accessible at a younger age.

The 2020 Brunellos are silky, fresh, direct and fruity. They offer a range of sweet fruit flavors from wild cherry and watermelon to blood orange. The Brunellos have beautiful floral nuances and elegant mineral notes that come from the limestone-like soil with clay.

Weather conditions and challenges for producers:

The 2020 growing season was marked by a hot summer, with temperatures reaching around 40°C in August. Despite this heat, alcohol levels in most Brunellos remained relatively low, around 14%. This is partly attributed to the daily temperature fluctuations, with night-time temperatures dropping to around 26°C, which helped the grapes retain freshness. In addition, isolated rain showers in late August and early September provided relief, allowing the vines to resume growth. Vineyards on higher altitudes and northern slopes were less affected by the heat and drier conditions, contributing to the quality of the grapes.

Drinking window:

The 2020 Brunellos are generally drinkable earlier than some of their predecessors, thanks to their freshness and balance. While they are approachable now, they will likely benefit from some bottle aging. The recommended drinking window for these wines is between 2026 and 2040, depending on the specific producer and your personal preference for aging characteristics.