The 7 Best Brunello di Montalcino Wines to Drink Now in 2026
Caprili, Altesino, Argiano
With one of the most exciting origin stories of all the grape names out there, Sangiovese is derived from the Latin sanguis Jovis, or “blood of Jove,” the Roman king of the gods. Out of the 50 Tuscan DOCs and DOCGs in which Sangiovese is the main grape, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is considered the apex of the variety. Meaning “little brown one” in local Tuscan dialect, Brunello’s berries tend to be darker than Sangiovese grown outside the 92-square-mile region surrounding the gorgeous medieval hilltop village of Montalcino. Initially awarded DOC status in 1968 and then Italy’s first DOCG designation in 1980, the region’s wines must be made with 100 percent Sangiovese that is aged at least two years in oak and an additional four months in bottle, but the stipulation that wines may not be sold to consumers until at least five years after the harvest means that they all receive a longer maturation period and most wineries release their bottles at the same time.
The beauty of this system is that the output of the entire region can be evaluated at once, giving a snapshot of the vintage from a specific year. Bottles from the outstanding 2021 harvest are currently making their way into the U.S. market, and a recent sampling of pours from a wide range of producers shows a vintage that is already incredibly approachable in its youth—meaning you will not be disappointed if you drink it now—but that will mature gracefully in bottle for another 10 to 15 years for those who have the patience to wait. Showing beautiful aromatics, including expressive floral notes in the bouquet, 2021 Brunello is noted for its bold fruit flavors, extraordinary balance, elegant texture, and overall integration.
Despite the season’s shaky start, including an April frost that caused some producers to lose up to 20 percent of their fruit, 2021 offered a hot dry summer that allowed for full ripeness and potent concentration. Remarkably cool September nights kept sugar levels balanced while maintaining freshness and acidity, allowing for a notable sense of equilibrium in the glass. Here are seven exceptional bottles to enjoy now or add to your collection.
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Canalicchio di Sopra 2021
Image Credit: Canalicchio Canalicchio di Sopra was one of the original 12 founding members of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino. It was established by Primo Pacenti in 1962, and in 1987, he was joined by his son-in-law, Pier Luigi Ripaccioli. Today, Primo’s grandchildren, Francesco, Marco, and Simonetta, work alongside their father and grandfather in the family business. Their 2021 Brunello has aromas of lavender flowers, red raspberry, pine resin, and red plum that transfer to the palate with flavors of cherry, plum, and pomegranate all wrapped in soft, rounded tannins.
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Altesino 2021
Image Credit: Altesino Originally built by the Tricerchi family in the 1600s, the stunning Palazzo Altesi watches over the vineyards and vines. Altesino is widely considered to be the first winery to use 225-liter oak barrels, and began working with them as early as 1979. The Palazzo and winery are currently owned by Gnudi Angelini and family, and winemaking is under the auspices of Paolo Caciorgna. Altesino’s 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is cherry red in the glass with aromas of brown baking spices, violet petals, black cherry, finely ground white pepper, and red plum that transform to flavors of plum, cranberry, and pomegranate in the mouth, shrouded in a layer of velvety tannins.
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Le Ragnaie 2021
Image Credit: Le Ragnaie Le Ragnaie is named for the old Tuscan word for “bird nets,” which were used to capture birds who liked to snack on ripe grapes. The estate was originally founded in 1991 and was purchased by the current owner, Riccardo Campinoti, in 2002. It has 56 acres of high-elevation vines, which are farmed using natural viticulture, and 12 acres of olive trees used to produce quality extra-virgin olive oil. Le Ragnaie 2021 has aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and dried Mediterranean herbs. It is full-bodied and offers flavors of rose hip, strawberry, and red plum set into a web of polished tannins.
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Argiano 2021
Image Credit: Argiano Argiano is named for the Roman god, Giano, responsible for transformation and new beginnings. The ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to him found on the property became the foundation for the small family Catholic chapel gracing the grounds today. Andre Santos Esteves acquired Argiano in 2014 and hired architect Filippo Gastone Scheggi to restore the gorgeous Villa Bellaria on the estate. Argiano’s 2021 has full-on fruit aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, and bold flavors of lavender, raspberry, and cherry with a touch of spice in the finish.
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Gianni Brunelli 2021
Image Credit: Gianni Brunelli When he was younger, Gianni Brunelli left his hometown but returned to Montalcino in 1987. At that time, he was fortunate to buy back his family’s 12-acre farm, Le Chiuse de Sotto, which had been sold to new owners. In addition to making stunning wines, he also produces delicious extra virgin olive oil from the grove of olive trees on the property. His 2021 Brunello di Montalcino has aromas of plum, tobacco leaf, lavender, and a whiff of cinnamon. Full-bodied on the palate, it has flavors of dried cranberry, raspberry, and cherry all wrapped in a silky soft sheath of fine-grained tannins.
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Caprili 2021
Image Credit: Caprili Caprili is located in Tavernelle and was one of the first 20 wineries established in Montalcino. Founded in 1965, Caprili currently has 51 acres of vines whose grapes are transformed into wine by talented winemaker Giacomo Bartolommei. The soils here are more sandy than other parts of the region, resulting in better drainage that maintains the grapes’ bright aromatics. Caprili’s 2021 has aromas of ripe red fruits, dried cherry, finely ground black pepper, and a touch of saddle leather. Bold fruit flavors of cranberry, red cherry, red raspberry, and plum enveloped in plush tannins invite you in for another sip.
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Marchesi Antinori 2021 Pian Delle Vigne
Image Credit: Marchesi Antinori The Antinori family acquired the Pian Delle Vigne estate in 1995 and released their first Brunello di Montalcino made from grapes grown here the same year. The estate is located in the southwestern corner of the region and consists of 454 acres with just about half of those under vine. Antinori’s 2021 Brunello is dark red with aromas of purple flowers, cranberry, red plum, and raspberry with silky tannins and bold fruit flavors of cherry, pomegranate, and red raspberry.
