Wines

Costanti

Montalcino

Costanti

Winemakers: Andrea Costanti & Vittorio Fiore

According to the history books, the Costanti family has been producing wine in Montalcino since the 16th century. The current Costanti, Andrea – former President of the Brunello consorzio, multi Wine Spectator ‘Grand Award’ Winner and scuba diver – assumed control in 1983, from his uncle Count Emilio. Andrea was freshly graduated from Siena University with a geology degree and, while some may have thought Emilio a hard act to follow, Andrea set to the task with a will and a determination that has seen the winery upgraded and, in conjunction with consultant oenologist Vittorio Fiore, the family’s reputation for great Brunello enhanced.

The wines have the unmistakable imprint of the ‘Matrichese’ cru, yielding Brunellos of unparalleled elegance and complexity, with luscious focussed berry fruit, remarkable structure and above all, exquisite balance. The vines’ altitude (310-440 metres) is conducive to ideal ventilation and the warm days and cool nights result in wonderfully fragrant Brunellos. Unfortunately for wine lovers, there are only eight hectares under vine and availability is subject to fierce demand from both sides of the Atlantic, hence the minuscule quantities. When available, the wine is a ‘must buy’ on Italy Direct.

What’s new: Antonio Galloni, who reports on Italy for Robert Parker Jr., writes of the current vintage: “Costanti’s 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is among the handful number of standouts in this vintage. The wine reveals lovely depth and purity. Fragrant aromatics meld seamlessly onto the palate, where layers of dark cherries, spices and toasted oak come to life in a very pretty expression of Sangiovese.”

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Wines
2003 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG