Product Information:
Canalicchio di Sopra's winemaker confidently states, "Counting this vintage among the greatest in the Montalcino territory wouldn’t be a stretch." The 2019 vintage reflects Canalicchio di Sopra's philosophy of "Elegant Power," a balance achieved only by truly great vintages.
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino bursts with energy, beginning with aromas of purple blossoms, dried flowers, and balsamic herbs. On the palate, it reveals ripe red fruits, chalky minerals, and exotic spices, saturating the senses. The wine culminates with persistent length and concentration, finishing with palate-staining tart blackberry and hints of orange. The tannins have a satisfying crunch and pucker, adding structure to the wine.
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" is crafted from a blend of two distinct estate Crus: 50% Canalicchio and 50% Montosoli. The Canalicchio soils are rich in clay and minerals like magnesium, iron, and manganese, while Montosoli's "galestro" soil contains a high mineral component, contributing to the wine’s sapidity and minerality. The blend results in a wine with excellent acidity, ideal for long aging.
Vinification - Fermentation occurs in steel tanks under temperature control, with daily soft pump-overs. The wine macerates on the skins for 25 days, followed by 36 months of aging in Slavonian oak casks (2,500L and 5,000L).
Maker:
Founded by Primo Pacenti in 1962, Canalicchio di Sopra has remained in family hands for over six decades. In 1987, Primo was joined by his son-in-law Pier Luigi Ripaccioli, and since 2001, Pier Luigi’s children—Francesco, Simonetta, and Marco—have continued the legacy. The estate spans 19 hectares of vineyards located in the Canalicchio and Montosoli parcels on the northern side of Montalcino.
The soils in the Canalicchio parcels are predominantly clay with pebbles and a strong mineral content, producing wines with aromatic intensity, opulence, and minerality. The Casaccia parcel stands out for its extraordinary elegance, latent power, balance, and silky tannins, often leading to separate bottling. The Rosso di Montalcino is primarily made from the estate's younger vineyards and represents the winery's signature fresh, fruity, and versatile expression of Sangiovese. The first vintage was produced in 1975 when it was still labeled "Red Wine from Brunello vines."
Philosophy:
For over 50 years, Canalicchio di Sopra has pursued the quest for elegance, a core principle in their winemaking. From cultivating their own Cru vineyards to selecting unique microclimates that naturally limit grape yields, every step is carefully planned to highlight the distinctive characteristics of their terroir.
Focused solely on Sangiovese, the estate celebrates how the grape reflects the unique characteristics of their Canalicchio and Montosoli vineyards. By working with the differences in terrain, exposure, and microclimates, Canalicchio di Sopra has developed a strong identity defined by classical yet distinctive wines. Their 19 hectares of vineyards produce wines that are elegant, powerful, mineral-rich, and refreshing, with notable acidity and purity—an authentic reflection of the land and people who shape them.
Nose – Dusty Violets, Grenadine, Dried Black Cherries
Accents of dusty violets, lavender, and cloves highlight the aroma of dried black cherries.
Palate – Balsamic, Ripe Red Fruits, Exotic Spices
Bursts of ripe red fruits, chalky minerals, and exotic spices energize the palate, balanced by silky textures.
Finish – Citrusy Return, Chalky Minerals, Floral Finish
A tart blackberry and orange finish curls the tongue, with crunchy tannins tugging at the palate, leaving a lingering floral and mineral finish.
A Brunello ‘vintage’ of balance and great tension of family Ripaccioli. All the varietal wealth of the northeast quadrant of the ‘hill’, black cherry, notes of clementine peel and laurel. Balsamic attack on the palate, with density and citrusy return. Closes on floral notes. - Luca Giardini, 97 Points.
Dusty violets, lavender and cloves accentuate dried black cherries as the dramatic 2019 Brunello di Montalcino smolders up from the glass This is impossible to ignore, bursting with energy as depths of ripe red fruits, chalky minerals and exotic spices saturate all they touch, balanced by textures of pure silk The 2019 finishes with fantastic length and concentration, leaving a staining of tart blackberry and hints of orange that curl the tongue as crunchy tannins tug at the palate. It's rare to see such a combination of vibrancy and power Canalicchio di Sopra nailed it in 2019 Wow. Drinking window 2026-2042. - Eric Guido, Vinous, 96 Points.
With a hint of candied cherry, grenadine or Shirley Temple, the Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Brunello di Montalcino reveals purple blossom, dried flower, cough drop and balsam herb. The wine is very nicely stitched together with integrated oak that comes through in a structural way but not too much on the bouquet. The tannins do feel dry on the mid palate, but they remain fine and tight. The alcohol is a bit high in this vintage at 15%. Drink Date 2025-2040. - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 94 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Sangiovese
Country - Italy
Region - Montalcino, Tuscany
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 15%
Closure - Cork
