Conti Costanti, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Vintage: 2020
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | CO409W20 | 3 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
The Costanti family has owned this 10-hectare estate in Montalcino for over 200 years. Their history is intertwined with that of the region, and in 1865, Tito Costanti was among the first to present a wine as “Brunello”. Andrea Costanti inherited the estate from his uncle in the mid 1980s and has worked hard to make Conti Costanti one of the best producers in the region.
The Conti Costanti style is characterised by striking elegance and intensity, combining Montalcino's characteristic power with a fragrancy derived from high-elevation vineyards in the northern part of the zone. These vineyards are planted over 400 metres above sea level on galestro soil, which is typical of the area. This friable rock soil, also found in Chianti Classico, is particularly suited to producing top-quality Sangiovese.
The Rosso di Montalcino is elegant yet intense, offering a wonderful introduction to the Costanti style. The Brunello di Montalcino has wonderful elegance and balance with good concentration and silky tannins. The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a fantastically complex example with great structure complemented by balancing acidity, a signature of the estate. The ‘Ardingo’ is a 100% Merlot sourced from a four-hectare vineyard in Monte Calbello. Planted in 1990 at an elevation of 300-350 metres, the soils here are mainly composed of clay. The resulting wine is defined by elegant cherry and red berries aromas, complemented by excellent structure and velvety tannins.
Vineyards
Costanti’s ten-hectare estate is situated just outside the town of Montalcino. Their Sangiovese vines, grown on galestro soil, range from 6 to 25 years old. Vines are cordon trained and spur-pruned. Vineyards are located at an altitude of 310-440 meters above sea level and are east/south-east facing. The Riserva is made from a selection of the best grapes from the estate’s oldest vineyards.
Vintage
In 2020 a mild and dry winter, was followed by a cool spring with extreme day to night temperature swings and one very exceptional snowfall on March 26th, which did not cause much damage as bud break was somewhat delayed. June was rainy, allowing soil to accumulate good water reserves. July and August turned very warm and dry while maintaining a positive excursion of temperature between day and night, which sustained the natural balance of the vines and helped develop a good aromatic profile in the grapes. Refreshing rainfalls appeared at the end of August, right before harvest.
Vinification
Fermentation took place on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks and lasted approximately two weeks. Following fermentation, the wine was aged in oak for a total of 36 months: the first 18 months in large Slavonian barrels (30 hectoliters and above), followed by 18 months in French tonneaux (3.5–6 hectoliters). The wine was then bottled and allowed to rest for an additional 24 months before release.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Bright ruby red in colour, this wine displays classic aromas of morello cherry, cinnamon, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is elegant and well-balanced, with excellent concentration and silky tannins. Flavours of spiced red berries are complemented by an appealing savoury note, culminating in a long, lingering finish with a hint of liquorice.
Alcohol (ABV)
14%
Acidity
6.26 g/l
Residual Sugar
0.8 g/l
pH
3.37
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conti Costanti | Brunello di Montalcino | CO402 | R | Factsheet | |
| `Ardingo` Merlot IGT Toscana | CO404 | R | Factsheet | ||
| Rosso di Montalcino | CO412 | R | Factsheet | ||
| `Vermiglio` Rosso di Montalcino | CO413 | R | Factsheet |