2016 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino (MAGNUM)

Today Canalicchio di Sopra have nearly 20 hectares under vine, with 6 in the galestro studded Montosoli (1962 originally planted and replanted 2009), and 13.5 surrounding the winery proper, in the brown clay-dominant Canalicchio subzone. They also have 2 hectares of olive groves. The vineyards are in their final year of organic certification, though they have been farming the same for years.

They make a series of Brunello di Montalcino, which Francesco sees as equal quality. The flagship Brunello is 50/50 between Montosoli and Canalicchio, and there is the La Vigna single estate series, in addition to a Riserva, produced in certain years. All the wines are fermented in stainless, and moved into foudre when all fermentations are finished ‘and wine is clean’ and stable in early January. They are left almost entirely untouched (maybe 2 rackings in 3 years). Their style is reductive, with large format, thick walled, steam bent, older barrels.

"Intense aromas of underbrush, wild berry, new leather and pipe tobacco lead the way on this fragrant Brunello. Full bodied and elegantly structured, the savory palate features ripe morello cherry, licorice and truffle before a black-tea finish. Firm, refined tannins and fresh acidity keep balanced and give it an ageworthy structure. Cellar Selection, (WE, 97 points)".