2021 Costanti Brunello: 'an absolute stunner' - 99 points

'There is something magical about the 2021 Brunellos' – Eric Guido, vinous.com

In 1870, Count Tito Costanti presented some wine made from his estate at a wine fair in Siena. Novelly, he referred to it under the name of the local Sangiovese clone: 'Brunello'. He and his descendants continued to make this wine for family and friends. Nearly a hundred years later, in the 1960s, this wine finally became a commercial proposition; the finesse of the Costanti Brunello soon led to demand outstripping supply.

Jump forward another 70 years, and this most historic of Brunellos remains at the head of the pack. Andrea Costanti has been making the wine ever since he stepped into his uncle's shoes, in 1983. His stated aim is the same as when he began: to keep Costanti among Montalcino's very best producers. He has seven hectares of very well-placed vineyards, about a mile from Montalcino town centre. The vines grow in galestro soils, the flaky, mineral clay that defines the best Brunello vineyards. At an elevation of between 400-450 metres, they enjoy the sharp day-night temperature variation that brings the energy great wines need.

Conditions were close to perfect in the 2021 Montalcino growing season. Summer was dry, so there was very little disease pressure. It got hot, but never too hot; and it rained just when rain was needed. Writing on vinous.com ('The Exquisite 2021 Brunellos') Eric Guido calls the 2021 vintage 'a modern classic', a vintage 'to be excited about'. Conditions conspired to make a great set of wines almost across the board, and 2021 Conti Costanti in particular is 'an absolute stunner'. /NT

Offered subject to remaining unsold. Wines available Spring 2026. To place an order, click on the wines below or call 020 7638 5998