Valdicava - Brunello di Montalcino DOCG - 2019 - Cru Vigna Montosoli

Absolute top Brunello from one of the best vineyards in Montalcino, Montosoli and from the five star vintage 2019

Ruby red wine with garnet glints with a deep, complex nose of ripe cherries, blackcurrants and plums, supported by refined notes of violets, liquorice, tobacco and truffle. A subtle hint of cedar and spices such as cloves and white pepper give extra depth. On the palate, the Montosoli 2019 has an impressive concentration and structure, with firm but perfectly integrated tannins. The balance between fruit intensity, fresh acidity and mineral notes gives the wine great ageing potential. The finish is long and layered, with nuances of cocoa, leather and an elegant, smoky touch.

The Montosoli vineyard, covering 1.3 hectares, is located in the northern part of Montalcino, an area known as one of the best crus of the appellation. The family sold this vineyard in 1970, but was able to buy it back in 2008. The soil here consists mainly of a mix of galestro (weathered slate), clay and limestone, which ensures excellent drainage and a perfect balance between power and elegance in the wine. This unique terroir contributes to the refined structure and expressive aromas of the Montesoli Brunello.

The 2019 vintage was marked by a relatively cool winter with sufficient rainfall, followed by a moderately warm spring that kept the vegetative cycle in balance. The summer was sunny but without extreme heat, with cool nights that helped the grapes to maintain their acidity and aromatic complexity. The harvest took place in late September to early October, with the grapes picked at optimum ripeness.

Fermentation takes place in the traditional way in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts, to ensure the purity of the Sangiovese grape. The wine is then aged for about 36 months in large Slovenian oak barrels, a method typical of classic Brunellos and which ensures a slow, elegant evolution of the wine.

This wine has great ageing potential and will continue to develop over the next 15 to 25 years. Decant the wine at least 2 hours before serving at 16-18°C to reveal its full aromatic depth. Pair with game dishes, truffle risotto or matured pecorino for an optimal taste experience.

About Valdicava
Valdicava is one of the most prestigious wineries in Montalcino, founded in 1968 and led by Vincenzo Abbruzzese. The estate has built a reputation for producing some of the most powerful and expressive Brunellos, with a deep respect for tradition and terroir. Montosoli is Valdicava's most iconic vineyard and is considered one of the greatest crus of Brunello di Montalcino.

100/100 James Suckling

The nose is so pure and subtle with a sophistication and ethereal notion to it. It just makes you sit back and ponder the world. Like sitting in a pasture of mountains. Medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins that are endless and glorious in every sense. It's like being connected to a unique piece of the earth when you taste this. Just-ripe berries with dried flowers, shell fish shell, and subtle mushroom and bark. Lasts so long on the palate. Endless. Drinkable because it is perfectly balanced, but it will be better in three to six years and beyond.

97/100 Points Vinous - Antonio Galloni

Possibly immortal, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli evolves slowly in the glass, at first dark and dusty with dried violets, cedar and clove. Patience rewards the taster as complex hints of spiced oranges emerge, followed by suggestions of lavender, chalk dust and wild strawberries. This floods the palate with textures of pure silk, weighty yet energetic, with a dense wave of tart wild berry fruits underscored by salty mineral tones and licorice. A core of brisk acidity maintains harmony throughout as a bitter tinge of boysenberry and cocoa settles in, framed by youthfully gripping tannins. The 2019 Vigna Montosoli is an unbridled beast in need of taming. This is an epic wine in the making. 97/100

97/100 points Decanter

After selling its significant holdings on the hill of Montosoli in the early 1970s, the Abbruzzese family was able to buy back 1.3 hectares in 2008. And, in 2015, after first seeking the blessing of Elizabeth Gnudi out of respect for Altesino's historic Montosoli bottling, Valdicava came out with its cru bottling. Just the third release, the 2019 demonstrates intense ruby ​​depths with a virile personality to match. Scents of oily herbs, iron, incense and game are penetrating, and mineral nuances repeat on the palate where bitter chocolate tones lie in wait. Full, velvety dark-skinned fruit is cinched in by crisp, vertical tannins and pierced by energetic acidity. As voluble as this is now, its structure demands time.

97/100 WineSpectator

There's intensity to this red, along with breadth and depth, showing cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and tobacco aromas and flavors that are expressive, allied to a supple texture and refined structure. This finds an equilibrium between elegance and power, with a persistent aftertaste of fresh red fruit. Best from 2026 through 2042