Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2018

Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2018 is a 750ml, 100% Sangiovese Grosso red wine from Montalcino, Tuscany, bottled at approximately 14.5% ABV. Produced by one of the estates credited with pioneering the single-vineyard cru concept in Montalcino, this 2018 vintage benefits from a warm, balanced growing season that yielded expressive, structured Brunello across the appellation.
Quick Facts: ABV: ~14.5%  |  Origin: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  |  DOCG  |  Producer: Altesino
Production & Heritage
Altesino holds a singular place in Montalcino history as the first estate to introduce the concept of cru Brunello — a single-vineyard selection from its renowned Montosoli site. Owned by Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini since 2002, the estate is managed by a winemaking team led by Simone Giunti and Alessandro Ciacci. The standard Brunello is crafted from 100% Sangiovese Grosso, fermented traditionally and aged a minimum of two years in oak followed by at least four months in bottle before release, in accordance with DOCG regulations. This approach prioritizes fruit purity and structure over heavy extraction.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: The bouquet opens with wild strawberry and dried red flowers, building into layers of violet, tobacco leaf, and a thread of vanilla. Beneath the fruit sits a savory undertone of dusty earth and licorice that lends complexity.
Taste: On entry, ripe raspberry and red cherry arrive with bright acidity that keeps the palate lively. The mid-palate broadens into blood orange, dark chocolate, and tea leaf, carried by fine-grained tannins. It is medium-bodied with no harsh edges, showing a more delicate and approachable character than some denser 2018 Brunellos.
Finish: The finish is moderately long, with lingering notes of dried herbs, subtle spice, and a mineral undertow. Tannins taper gracefully, leaving a clean, slightly floral impression.
How to Drink Altesino Brunello
Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C) and consider decanting for 30–60 minutes to let the aromatics fully unfold. This Brunello is built for the table and drinks beautifully alongside food. Pair it with osso buco, where the wine’s acidity cuts through rich braised veal; bistecca alla fiorentina, a classic Tuscan match that highlights the Sangiovese’s savory cherry character; or wild mushroom risotto, which echoes the earthy, herbaceous qualities in the wine.
Best For
Italian wine enthusiasts exploring benchmark Brunello producers
Gifting a wine lover who appreciates Tuscan Sangiovese
Anchoring a multi-course Italian dinner with a serious red
Cellaring for medium-term aging through 2030–2035
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Altesino Brunello taste like? It is a medium-bodied red with ripe raspberry, red cherry, and blood orange flavors supported by fine tannins, fresh acidity, and earthy undertones of tobacco, licorice, and dried herbs.
How does Altesino Brunello compare to Biondi Santi Brunello? Biondi Santi is widely regarded as the most traditional, age-worthy Brunello producer, often with firmer tannins and a more austere profile in youth. Altesino tends toward a slightly more approachable, fruit-forward style while still maintaining classic Sangiovese structure and complexity.
Is Altesino Brunello good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balanced acidity, fine tannins, and layered aromatics make it an engaging wine to drink neat, though decanting for at least 30 minutes is recommended to fully appreciate its depth.
Where is Altesino Brunello made? Altesino is located in the Montalcino zone of southern Tuscany, Italy, within the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. The estate has been owned by Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini since 2002.
What foods pair well with Altesino Brunello? Braised short ribs or osso buco complement the wine’s structure; aged Pecorino cheese mirrors its earthy, savory notes; wild boar ragù over pappardelle echoes the Tuscan terroir; grilled lamb chops suit the cherry-driven fruit; and roasted portobello mushrooms highlight the wine’s herbal, earthy finish.
What sizes does Altesino Brunello come in? The standard bottling is widely available in 750ml, and some vintages may also be released in magnum (1.5L) format.
Is Altesino Brunello worth the price? Altesino positions as a mid-to-upper-tier Brunello producer, offering estate-grown quality and historical significance at a price point below the most collectible names like Biondi Santi or Soldera, making it a strong value within the DOCG category.
Why Altesino Brunello?
Altesino’s legacy as the originator of cru Brunello is not merely a marketing distinction — it fundamentally influenced how Montalcino’s vineyards were classified and valued. The 2018 vintage, widely considered one of the stronger recent years in Montalcino, showcases the estate’s ability to produce expressive, well-structured Sangiovese without relying on extraction or excessive new oak. This standard bottling serves as a genuine entry point into the Altesino range, reflecting the house style of aromatic purity, bright acidity, and refined tannins. For anyone seeking an authentic, terroir-driven Brunello from a producer with real historical weight, this is a bottle that delivers substance over hype.