Conti Costanti: high-scoring, historic Brunello

'an absolute stunner' – 98 points, Kerin O'Keefe, kerinokeefe.com

Conti Costanti is one of Montalcino's historic Brunellos. 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. It finally became a commercial proposition almost a hundred years later, arriving on the market in the 1960s; the finesse of Costanti Brunello soon led to demand outstripping supply.  In 1983, while still a university student, Andrea Costanti stepped up to manage and make the family wine, a post he has never since left. His ambition is the same as when he began: to keep Costanti among Montalcino's best producers.  

'My winemaking has not changed over the years,' says Andrea, 'it hasn't needed to. The terroir gives me everything.' The Conti Costanti style is elegant and intense, combining Montalcino's characteristically powerful interpretation of Sangiovese with a fragrancy derived from high-elevation vineyards in the cooler northern sector. The altitude makes for marked diurnal variation, which translates into a sense of energy in the wine. 

We're delighted to have an allocation of this historic Brunello, starting with the high-scoring 2020. We also have some 2019 Riserva. The Riserva does not spend more time in oak than the classic Brunello, but is a selection from the best barrels, which then goes on to spend an extra year in bottle before release. And the estate also has a small section planted to Merlot. Ardingo is a 70/30 blend of Merlot/Sangiovese, showcasing once again the inspired marriage of Tuscan terroir and Bordeaux grape varieties. /NT