VINOUS 96 POINTS - "The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with a vivid blend of crushed blueberries elevated by nuances of sage and a cascade of autumnal spices. It is hauntingly dark in style with textures of pure silk and masses of ripe red and black fruits underscored by tactile mineral tones. The finish is classically structured and incredibly long, leaving black tea-like tannins to resonate while also leaving the senses salivating for more. This is a wonderfully classic interpretation of the vintage." - Eric Guido
Best from 2028.
San Carlo is a small, traditional producer led by 3rd-generation winemaker, Gemma Marcucci. Their strip of vineyards lies on the broad, gently-sloping hillside above the hamlet of Tavernelle, southwest of Montalcino. With neighbors like the benchmark estates of Caprili and Soldera - Case Basse, this is a special place with a distinctive style of Brunello. You'll find that style shining in San Carlo's 2021 Brunello, with its streamlined mouthfeel, and expressive, sun-kissed aromas that are balanced across the spectrum of savory, fruity, spicy, herbal and gourmand. It's an outstanding value for an authentically classic taste of Montalcino!
"In 1965, Gemma Marcucci’s grandparents purchased land across the road from Soldera - Case Basse, and their first vintage of Brunello was released in 1974. Besides their 24 acres of forest and three acres of olive groves, they have eight acres (roughly three hectares) of vineyards in front of the winery that face southwest in an amphitheater and are surrounded by forest. Since the beginning, they have focused on the original property and have not expanded, but they have regularly made upgrades to the winery. With an average annual production of 10,000 bottles a year, they are one of the smallest producers in the region. While Gemma studied art history in college, her father retired from his job in banking in 2002 and kept the winery going, giving Gemma the space and time to learn in the winery and the vineyard. Two years later, she decided to become a farmer and dedicate herself to the land and the winery." - Audrey Frick, JEBDUNNUCK.COM
Best from 2028.
San Carlo is a small, traditional producer led by 3rd-generation winemaker, Gemma Marcucci. Their strip of vineyards lies on the broad, gently-sloping hillside above the hamlet of Tavernelle, southwest of Montalcino. With neighbors like the benchmark estates of Caprili and Soldera - Case Basse, this is a special place with a distinctive style of Brunello. You'll find that style shining in San Carlo's 2021 Brunello, with its streamlined mouthfeel, and expressive, sun-kissed aromas that are balanced across the spectrum of savory, fruity, spicy, herbal and gourmand. It's an outstanding value for an authentically classic taste of Montalcino!
"In 1965, Gemma Marcucci’s grandparents purchased land across the road from Soldera - Case Basse, and their first vintage of Brunello was released in 1974. Besides their 24 acres of forest and three acres of olive groves, they have eight acres (roughly three hectares) of vineyards in front of the winery that face southwest in an amphitheater and are surrounded by forest. Since the beginning, they have focused on the original property and have not expanded, but they have regularly made upgrades to the winery. With an average annual production of 10,000 bottles a year, they are one of the smallest producers in the region. While Gemma studied art history in college, her father retired from his job in banking in 2002 and kept the winery going, giving Gemma the space and time to learn in the winery and the vineyard. Two years later, she decided to become a farmer and dedicate herself to the land and the winery." - Audrey Frick, JEBDUNNUCK.COM