Canalicchio di Sopra Collection

A Founding Pillar of Modern Brunello di Montalcino

Founded in 1962 by Primo Pacenti,Canalicchio di Sopra is one of the foundational estates of modern Tuscan winemaking. Located on the prized northern slopes of Montalcino, the family was among the 12 original founding members of theConsorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino in 1967. Today, under the third-generation stewardship of the Ripaccioli family (siblings Francesco, Marco, and Simonetta), the estate is globally acclaimed for producing Sangiovese Grosso of intense mineral precision, vibrant natural acidity, and transparent site expression.

Spanning over 20 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, Canalicchio di Sopra's winemaking philosophy balances traditional large Slavonian oak aging with precise parcel-by-parcel micro-terroir vinification. The resulting wines represent a masterclass in Northern Montalcino terroir—delivering depth, verticality, and remarkable longevity without sacrificing purity or freshness.

Dual Crus & Micro-Terroir Expression

The signature complexity of Canalicchio di Sopra stems from the harmonious interplay between two distinct cru locations on Montalcino's northern slope:

• Cru Canalicchio: Characterized by high-clay soils rich in magnesium, iron, and calcium carbonate. This terroir imparts texture, velvety tannins, balsamic aromatics, and generous mid-palate volume.

• Cru Montosoli (Le Gode di Montosoli): Famous for its well-drained galestro (marly schist) and pebbly limestone soils. Montosoli contributes striking sapidity, mineral drive, floral top-notes, and structural acidity essential for multi-decade cellar aging.

Portfolio Highlights & Key Bottlings

• Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (Flagship): The estate's core expression, traditionally blending fruit from both the Canalicchio and Montosoli crus to achieve seamless balance. Aged for 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks, it offers wild red berries, crushed violet, crushed gravel, licorice, and fine-grained tannins.

• Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casaccia: A single-vineyard cru release sourced from a choice parcel within the Canalicchio site. Showcases luxurious silkiness, dark red cherry, and profound balsamic complexity.

• Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli: An ultra-cru single-vineyard bottling highlighting the iconic Montosoli hill. Famed for intense laser-like acidity, flinty minerality, graphite, and structural purity.

• Brunello di Montalcino Riserva: Crafted only in exceptional vintages from the estate's oldest vines. Double-sorted and aged extensively in cask and bottle, delivering monumental depth, savory leather, tobacco, and long aging potential.

• Rosso di Montalcino DOC: Sourced from younger vines across the estate's two crus. Vibrant, approachable, and fruit-driven, bursting with fresh red cherry, wild thyme, and crisp Tuscan acidity.

Epicurean Food Pairings

• Traditional Tuscan Fare: Pappardelle with wild boar ragù (Cinghiale), Florentine T-bone steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina), and roasted duck with herbs.

• Prime Meats & Game: Herb-crusted rack of lamb, braised beef short ribs, venison loin with juniper berries, and slow-roasted pork tenderloin.

• Aged Cheeses & Mushrooms: Porcini mushroom risotto, wild mushroom crostini, 24-month Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Pecorino Toscano.