Originally founded in 1970, Altesino was among the handful of wineries to join in the Brunello di Montalcino revolution that has led to some of greatest wines in the world today. The estate was purchased in 2002 for no small amount by Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, owner of another well-known Montalcino winery, Caparzo. Fortunately, she did not seek to change the house style, but rather to give the winemaking team the tools to improve quality (job well done).
JAMES SUCKLING 95 POINTS - "A lively Brunello with aromas of plums, ripe cherries, cedar and teak that follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Crunchy and linear. Lovely energy at the end. Drink or hold." - James Suckling, Senior Editor
WINE ADVOCATE 94+ POINTS - "The Altesino 2021 Brunello di Montalcino was a little shy when I tasted it, but knowing the track record of this estate, I have no doubt that the wine will flesh out with bottle age. Give it a year or two more. The bouquet offers blackcurrant and wild berry with a dark mineral note and grilled herb. Pressed violet also rises to the top of the wine, which is firmly structured and very lively in terms of mouthfeel. This popular release of 110,000 bottles ages in Slavonian oak casks only." - Monica Larner
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino pours a bright red hue and opens with citrus-tinged aromatics of tangerine, red cherries, dried herbs, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a focused, linear feel on the palate, with well-defined tannins, brisk acidity, and a salty, mouthwatering finish. Drink this vibrant, classic effort over the coming 15 years. Drink 2026-2041."
JAMES SUCKLING 95 POINTS - "A lively Brunello with aromas of plums, ripe cherries, cedar and teak that follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Crunchy and linear. Lovely energy at the end. Drink or hold." - James Suckling, Senior Editor
WINE ADVOCATE 94+ POINTS - "The Altesino 2021 Brunello di Montalcino was a little shy when I tasted it, but knowing the track record of this estate, I have no doubt that the wine will flesh out with bottle age. Give it a year or two more. The bouquet offers blackcurrant and wild berry with a dark mineral note and grilled herb. Pressed violet also rises to the top of the wine, which is firmly structured and very lively in terms of mouthfeel. This popular release of 110,000 bottles ages in Slavonian oak casks only." - Monica Larner
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino pours a bright red hue and opens with citrus-tinged aromatics of tangerine, red cherries, dried herbs, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a focused, linear feel on the palate, with well-defined tannins, brisk acidity, and a salty, mouthwatering finish. Drink this vibrant, classic effort over the coming 15 years. Drink 2026-2041."