Grape

Sangiovese

Its Origins

Founded in the sixties by Primo Pacenti, Canalicchio di Sopra remains family-owned. Its establishment represented a substantive risk, as Pacenti, a peasant farmer up until the abolition of the sharecropping system, possessed little in the way of security. The Brunellos of the estate largely reflect the wine’s historical paradigm, a character derived, in part, through 36 months of cask aging, and 1 year in bottle. The northern zone, the area relative to Canalicchio, evidences a cooler climate than that of its southern counterpart; this northern terrain receives limited exposure to both the Mediterranean influence of Montalcino and the cooling breezes that the latter’s high altitude affords, resulting in wines that display impressive ripeness and structure.

What The Critics Say

95/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Monica Larner

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a beautifully saturated expression, with gorgeous density and presence. The bouquet is carefully considered in terms of its power and intensity (remember, this was a hot and dry vintage, and ripening was accelerated as a result). It shows lots of varietal character and definition without ever going overboard or feeling too soft or ripe. In fact, this Riserva is surprisingly tonic and firm deep down. It sweeps over the palate with sweet, plush and softly velvety waves of fruity flavors." Drink 2020 - 2035

18/20 JancisRobinson.com, Walter Speller

"Mid ruby with bright orange tinges. Fine oatmeal and cherry nose. Powerful, fruit-driven palate that is fantastically balanced. Very intense right now but possesses lots of depth and energy and beautifully polished tannins." Drink 2020 - 2034

Winemaker notes on current vintage

"With our Riserva 2012, we wanted to emphasize the characteristics of the vintage endeavouring to make a balanced and elegant wine in a vintage with a climate that was extreme for many reasons. A test of courage that was warranted by the quality and the depth of the grapes from the two oldest vineyards on the estate which make up this Riserva: Vigna Vecchia Mercatale 80% and Vigna Casaccia 20%. Emphasizing the dualism between strength and elegance, freshness and sweetness, fire and ice which the vintage gave us. We didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to make a Riserva that features freshness and minerality in a vintage that was considered to be hot and droughty like 2012."