Montalcino
Province of Siena
Established: 1555
Owner: Andrea Costanti
Winemakers: Andrea Costanti & Vittorio Fiore
Production: 60,000 bottles
Hectares under vine: 10
Viticulture: Conventional
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 Brunello 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 10 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: Andrea’s Rosso di Montalcino isn’t your typical Rosso. This is baby Brunello, as Andrea makes no distinction in the vineyard between grapes destined for Rosso and those for Brunello. Simply released after one year in tonneaux, this is rich with red berry fruit, well integrated oak and firm tannins.
Wines
Rosso di Montalcino DOC
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG