Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 'La Casaccia' 2018

This single-vineyard Cru dry red wine originates from Italy, produced in the historic Montalcino DOCG region of southern Tuscany. Managed today by the third generation—Francesco, Marco, and Simonetta Ripaccioli—Canalicchio di Sopra stands among the most acclaimed classic estates in Montalcino. Vigna La Casaccia represents one of the estate's single-vineyard expressions, sourced entirely from a 2-hectare plot planted in 1990 within the northern Canalicchio zone. Characterized by clay soils rich in mineral salts, magnesium, and iron, this parcel yields a Brunello renowned for its opulence, sweet velvety tannins, and deep mineral salinity.

Wine Description

In the glass, the 2018 Vigna La Casaccia presents a deep, luminous ruby red color with brick garnet highlights. The nose opens with an intense, expressive bouquet of dark red cherry, plum preserve, and wild blackberry, interwoven with sweet tobacco, licorice, balsam notes, crushed stone minerality, and subtle floral violet overtones. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, rich, and velvety. It displays a supple mid-palate volume dominated by ripe dark fruit, seamlessly integrated with fine-grained, silky tannins and a vibrant core of natural acidity. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese (Sangiovese Grosso), the hand-harvested grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel with skin contact for roughly 25 days. The wine is aged for 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks (botti grandi), followed by extended bottle refinement prior to release. The alcohol by volume sits at 14.5%.

Food Pairing

The velvety structure, rich fruit profile, and mineral persistence of this single-vineyard Brunello demand refined, flavorful culinary companions. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted rack of lamb, thick-cut Florentine steak (bistecca alla Fiorentina), braised veal shank (ossubuco), and roasted venison loin. It also complements traditional Tuscan pasta dishes with wild boar ragù, black truffle risotto, and aged hard cheeses such as mature Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or aged Gouda.

Vintage Quality

The 2018 vintage in Montalcino was characterized by a cooler, more classic growing season with steady spring rain and moderate summer heat, favoring wines of fresh elegance, aromatic lift, and refined tannin structure rather than sheer power. In clay-dominant parcels like La Casaccia, the soil's natural water retention buffered the vines during warm spells, permitting slow and complete phenolic ripening. The 2018 Canalicchio di Sopra La Casaccia stands out as a highly aromatic, balanced, and expressive Brunello that offers delightful immediate drinking after decanting while possessing the structural depth to cellar gracefully for 15 to 20+ years.

Accolades

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

From more clay-based soils, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigna Casaccia pours a bit deeper ruby color and is riper and broader in its feel, with deeper notes of fresh black cherries, mocha, and pressed flowers. Medium to full-bodied, it offers more richness on the palate, with ripe tannins and good concentration for this challenging, cooler vintage. Long on the palate, with a great finish, it’s a very successful and more age-worthy wine for this vintage. Drink 2026-2046.