Canalicchio di Sopra Rosso di Montalcino 2024

This expressive, highly focused dry red wine originates from Italy, produced in the prestigious Montalcino DOC zone of southern Tuscany. Founded in 1962 by Primo Pacini, Canalicchio di Sopra is one of the founding estates of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino. Today, the estate is expertly managed by the third generation, Francesco, Marco, and Simonetta Ripaccioli. Sourced from two distinct terroirs within Montalcino, the clay-rich, mineral-dense soils of Canalicchio on the northern slopes and the stony, warmer gravels of Montosoli, their Rosso di Montalcino is treated as a true flagship wine in its own right, sharing the same vineyard pedigree and meticulous craftsmanship as their world-renowned Brunellos.

Wine Description

In the glass, the 2024 Rosso di Montalcino presents a bright, vibrant ruby red color with crimson reflections. The nose opens with an inviting and lifted bouquet of sour red cherry, fresh raspberry, and wild strawberry, interwoven with floral aromas of violet, dried rose petal, blood orange peel, and subtle Mediterranean garrigue herbs. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, remarkably energetic, and precise. A core of juicy red fruit is balanced by a silky yet firm tannic structure and a streak of stony minerality. Crafted from 100% Sangiovese (locally known as Sangiovese Grosso), the hand-harvested fruit is gently crushed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel with skin contact lasting roughly 15 to 20 days. The wine is aged for approximately 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks (botti grandi) to build texture and complexity without obscuring the grape's natural fresh berry aromatics. It typically carries an alcohol by volume of 14.0%.

Food Pairing

The vibrant acidity, fine tannic grip, and bright fruit clarity of this Sangiovese make it an exceptionally versatile partner at the dining table. It pairs brilliantly with classic Tuscan dishes such as pici al ragù, wild boar pasta, pappardelle with duck ragù, and mushroom risotto. Excellent meat pairings include grilled pork chops, roasted rack of lamb with rosemary, Florentine steak (bistecca alla Fiorentina), or pan-seared duck breast. For cheese pairings, opt for medium-aged Tuscan Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Fontina.

Vintage Quality

The 2024 growing season in Montalcino yielded wines defined by aromatic freshness, energy, and elegant fruit purity. Adequate spring rainfall laid a healthy foundation, while warm, sunny summer days balanced by cool Tuscan night breezes allowed Sangiovese grapes to achieve complete phenolic maturity while preserving bright natural acidity. The 2024 Canalicchio di Sopra Rosso di Montalcino displays immediate elegance and drinkability upon release, while possessing the concentration and structural backbone to evolve gracefully in the cellar for 5 to 10 years.