{"product_id":"2019-canalicchio-di-sopra-brunello-di-montalcino-melchior-18-liter","title":"2019 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Melchior (18 liter)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2019 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino in an extraordinary Melchior (18 liter) format is a statement piece for serious collectors and grand celebrations alike. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese, this Brunello marries the elegance and precision of Canalicchio di Sopra with the slow, graceful evolution that only a very large format can deliver. Bottled in an 18L Melchior, it offers unparalleled aging potential and a rare opportunity to experience Brunello at its most majestic and communal. Rooted in one of Montalcino’s most historic estates, this wine reflects both the classic personality of the 2019 vintage and the long-standing reputation of Canalicchio di Sopra for terroir-driven, ageworthy Brunello.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows a deep, luminous garnet core with brick-red highlights developing at the rim, a hallmark of well-structured Sangiovese. The nose is layered and expressive, opening gradually with notes of wild cherry, red plum and dried rose petals, followed by nuances of blood orange zest, tobacco leaf, and hints of cedar, sweet spices and underbrush. With aeration, more complex tones of leather, dried herbs and a gentle minerality begin to emerge.\n\nOn the palate, this Brunello is both refined and powerful, with a beautiful interplay between concentrated red fruit and savory depth. Bright cherry and raspberry are supported by fine, chalky tannins and a vibrant acidity that stretches the wine across the palate. Subtle notes of balsamic, licorice, crushed stone and delicate oak spice add dimension and length. The structure is firm yet polished, suggesting a long life ahead, especially in this monumental 18L format. While already approachable with sufficient air, the wine will reward patience: in Melchior, its aging potential easily extends beyond 25–30 years, developing more tertiary notes of leather, dried porcini, truffle and cigar box over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCanalicchio di Sopra sources its Brunello di Montalcino from prime vineyards in the northern sector of the appellation, an area known for its cooler exposures, clay-limestone soils and high-altitude parcels that naturally enhance elegance and aromatic definition in Sangiovese. The estate typically harvests by hand in small crates to ensure meticulous selection of bunches in the vineyard, often with multiple passes to pick only perfectly ripe grapes. After careful sorting in the cellar, fermentation takes place in stainless steel or cement, with controlled temperatures and extended maceration on the skins to extract fine tannins and complex aromatics rather than sheer power. The wine is then aged for several years in large Slavonian oak casks (botti), a traditional approach in Montalcino that preserves purity of fruit and transparency of terroir. The final step is bottling into the rare Melchior 18L format, where the extremely low oxygen-to-wine ratio allows the Brunello to evolve with extraordinary grace and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Melchior is tailor-made for large gatherings and special occasions, where its depth and structure can shine alongside rich, traditional dishes. Ideal pairings include bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef or veal, wild boar ragù with pappardelle, roasted lamb with herbs, and aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano. Game birds, truffle dishes, and mushroom-based risottos also play beautifully with the wine’s earthy and savory nuances. Serve at 17–18°C (about 62–64°F). Given the large format and the youth of the 2019 vintage, generous aeration is essential: if possible, decant several hours before serving and allow the wine to open gradually in large Bordeaux-style glasses. For major events, consider drawing off into multiple decanters to help the wine express its full aromatic and textural complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFounded in 1962 by Primo Pacenti, Canalicchio di Sopra is one of the historic names in Brunello di Montalcino, instrumental in shaping the reputation of the region and its flagship wine. Located in the northeastern part of Montalcino, the estate was among the early members of the Brunello Consortium and has long championed a classic, terroir-driven style of Sangiovese that emphasizes finesse, balance and longevity over sheer extraction. Today, the winery is run by the Pacenti family’s next generations, who have refined vineyard mapping and parcel selection to highlight the nuanced differences between their Cru sites, particularly Canalicchio and Montosoli. Consistently acclaimed by international critics and collectors, Canalicchio di Sopra is recognized as a benchmark producer in Montalcino, with its Brunelli frequently cited for their ability to age gracefully for decades—especially in prestigious large formats like this rare 18L Melchior.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canalicchio di Sopra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255050391889,"sku":"GCW-MMUI-19111954","price":2995.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/img_2690_1.jpg?v=1783456199","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2019-canalicchio-di-sopra-brunello-di-montalcino-melchior-18-liter","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}