2019 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Balthazar (12 liter)

The 2019 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Balthazar (12L) is a commanding, cellar‑worthy expression of Sangiovese from one of Montalcino’s most respected estates. Presented in a rare 12‑liter format, it’s crafted for grand occasions and long-term aging, offering both spectacle and serious wine pedigree. This bottling captures the classic Brunello balance of structure, depth and elegance, coming from vineyards that have helped define the modern reputation of Montalcino since the mid‑20th century.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this 2019 Brunello shows a deep, luminous ruby core with garnet highlights forming at the rim, hinting at its concentration and future evolution. The nose is refined yet intense, opening with dark cherries, wild berries and black plum, followed by layers of dried rose petals, violet, tobacco leaf and sweet herbs. With air, more complex nuances unfold: cedar, sandalwood, orange peel, licorice and a subtle ferrous, earthy note that is quintessentially Montalcino. On the palate, it is taut, focused and beautifully balanced, combining ripe red and black fruit with a vibrant spine of acidity. Fine, chalky tannins frame flavors of sour cherry, redcurrant, blood orange, dry spice and underbrush, with a long, savory finish marked by mineral grip and subtle balsamic tones. The 12‑liter Balthazar format significantly extends the wine’s aging curve; while already approachable with generous aeration, it will gain complexity and harmony over 20–30+ years, evolving toward more truffle, leather and dried fruit notes with time.

Production
Canalicchio di Sopra sources this Brunello from estate vineyards in the northern sector of Montalcino, an area prized for its cooler exposures, galestro (marl) and clay-limestone soils, and breezy microclimate that preserves aromatics and acidity in Sangiovese. Grapes are harvested by hand, typically in small crates, with strict selection in the vineyard and at the sorting table to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy bunches make the cut. After gentle destemming and crushing, fermentation takes place in stainless steel or cement tanks with temperature control and frequent pump-overs to extract color and fine tannins. The wine is then aged in large traditional Slavonian and/or French oak casks (botte), allowing slow, graceful development without excessive oak imprint. The Balthazar format is filled from the same top-quality Brunello cuvée, with meticulous care to ensure pristine bottling and optimal aging potential.

Food & Serving
This 2019 Brunello in Balthazar format is ideal for large gatherings and celebratory meals, pairing beautifully with richly flavored dishes. Think bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised lamb shank, osso buco, roast game birds, truffled risotto, wild mushroom ragù and aged Tuscan pecorino. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Due to the large format and youthful vintage, generous aeration is essential: if possible, decant 3–4 hours before serving, or draw off wine into multiple decanters to increase oxygen contact. As the evening progresses, you’ll notice the aromatic profile expanding and the tannins becoming silkier and more harmonious.

Producer
Founded in 1962 by Primo Pacenti, Canalicchio di Sopra is one of the historic names of Brunello di Montalcino, located in the highly regarded northern sector of the appellation near Montosoli. The estate has played a key role in shaping Brunello’s reputation for age‑worthy, terroir-driven Sangiovese, emphasizing meticulous vineyard work and traditional large‑cask aging. Today, under the guidance of the Pacenti family, Canalicchio di Sopra is recognized for producing some of the region’s most refined and consistently top-performing Brunellos, regularly praised by international critics and collectors alike for their balance, longevity and sense of place.

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