Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.e Guyot
Vigneti multipli in prevalenza nel CRU Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 20 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
32317 Bottiglie da 750 ml
508 Bottiglie da 1500 ml
14,50 %
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.e Guyot
Vigneti multipli in prevalenza nel CRU Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 20 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
32317 Bottiglie da 750 ml
508 Bottiglie da 1500 ml
15,00 %
IL SORPRENDENTE EQUILIBRIO DI UN’ANNATA ESTREMA
L’annata 2021 è stata caratterizzata da un evento che ne ha sicuramente condizionato l’andamento.
Ad un anticipo vegetativo grazie alle temperature sopra le medie di marzo è seguita una forte gelata nella notte fra il 7 e l’8 aprile con temperature che hanno raggiunto anche i -8 C° che hanno inevitabilmente compromesso una parte della quantità.
Visto nell’ottica generale dell’annata questo evento seppur mai auspicabile è stato provvidenziale per la qualità dell’annata stessa e per l’equilibrio che si è ritrovato nei vini dopo la vendemmia.
Infatti l’andamento stagionale è stato caratterizzato da un clima asciutto, in periodi addirittura siccitoso e da temperature che per diversi giorni hanno superato le media stagionali. La minore produzione sulle piante inficiata dalla gelata di aprile ha fatto si però che le stesse, avendo meno frutto di cui curarsi, non andassero mai in stress, garantendo ai seppur limitati grappoli presenti un apporto linfatico costante. In poche parole meno riserve idriche sono comunque state sufficienti per la maturazione di minori grappoli e la pianta ha potuto così trovare un equilibrio per un andamento costante.
Le forti escursioni termiche di settembre hanno fatto il resto, garantendoci un’annata dal sorprendente equilibrio impostata su grandi concentrazioni ma anche alte acidità che ne hanno bilanciato freschezza e godibilità, vinosità e florealità, senza mai sfiorare il rischio di pesantezza che in un’annata calda e siccitosa può essere sempre dietro l’angolo
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti multipli in prevalenza nel CRU Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 20 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
33246 Bottiglie da 750 ml
377 Bottiglie da 1500 ml
14,5%
FRESCHEZZA VIBRANTE
Il Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2020 “Canalicchio di Sopra” è la versione più fresca e vibrante del nostro Sangiovese in un’annata di estrema profondità e vibrazione. L’annata 2020 è stata caratterizzata dal raggiungimento di ottime maturazioni tecnologiche che hanno esaltato la florealità del nostro Sangiovese, garantendo ai vini ottime acidità a supporto della struttura. In questo contesto il Rosso di Montalcino in questa annata si esprime in tutta la sua vivacità, freschezza e complessità aromatica dotata di grande impatto balsamico. In bocca il vino si distende in profondità con la dolcezza contrapposta ad una buona salinità: caratteristiche che rendono il Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2020 “Canalicchio di Sopra” un vino di grande “gastronomicità”, capace di accompagnare il cibo in modo molto versatile.
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 20 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
45434 Bottiglie da 750 ml
1016 Bottiglie da 1500 ml
14,5%
LA PUREZZA DEL FRUTTO:
Il Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2019 "Canalicchio di Sopra" celebra nella versione più immediata e godibile l'intensità di un'annata generosa. La 2019 è stata un'annata di grandi maturazioni, dove l'equilibrio delle uve è stato garantito da un'andamento climatico costante e bilanciato, creando così i presuposti per grandi maturazioni. La purezza del frutto si esprime in modo pronunciato e dirompente con una gioventù sorprendente che ricorda la vinosità e la concentrazione dell'annata. I vigneti più giovani utilizzati per questo Rosso di Montalcino insieme a piccole selezioni dei vigneti più vecchi hanno garantito a quest'annata tutta l'esuberanza propria di questo vino che si unisce alla freschezza e all'acidità ben bilanciata in un connubio di grande piacevolezza.
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" 2018 proviene principalmente dai vigneti più giovani situati nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 20 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
37745 Bottiglie da 750 ML
1016 Bottigliie da 1500 ML
36 Bottiglie da 3000 ML
14,00%
LA FRESCHEZZA
Il Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2018 “Canalicchio di Sopra” è il risultato di un’annata fresca e leggermente piovosa che ha visto nella parte finale della stagione l’arrivo di venti da nord che hanno garantito un’ottima maturazione ed hanno aiutato a concentrare il frutto pur lasciando sui vini l’identità di un’annata di
estrema eleganza e lunghezza. Da un’annata come questa nasce un vino estremamente territoriale caratterizzato da una spiccata florealità. L’acidità e la mineralità sono i perni del bilanciamento di questo vino che per le sue caratteristiche risulta essere un vino estremamente gastronomico, e con grande
potenziale di affinamento soprattutto nei grandi formati.
Freschezza, versatilità, vibrazione, setosità, lunghezza: sono le parole per raccontare questo vino
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" 2017 proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. Al blend is unisce una piccola percentuale dal Cru Montosoli
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 20 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
26857 Bottiglie da 750 ml
127 Bottiglie da 1500 ml
14,50%
La sfida della freschezza:
In un'annata calda e siccitosa, la sfida più importante è quella di mantenere godibilità, freschezza e purezza del frutto senza che questo sia marcato dalle note ossidative che il caldo e la siccità possono enfatizzare.
Questo è stato il nostro obiettivo principale cercando di equilibrare l'esuberanza della rotondità con una buona vena acida, un tannino setoso ed avvolgente sicuramente figlio dell'annata senza che di questa ne trasparissero i limiti.
Obiettivo raggiunto tramite un'attenta cernita in vigna e in cantina sui tavoli di scelta al fine di eliminare gli acini che avevano sofferto maggiormente. Abbiamo cercato di raggiungere l'obiettivo primario del nostro Rosso di Montalcino che è la continua ricerca della godibilità attraverso una strada più tortuosa e più complicata, senza mai scendere a compromessi con la qualità.
La 2017 dal punto di vista climatico può essere definita un’annata estrema simile in molti aspetti climatici alla 2012, dove questi estremi sono diventati sicuramente il suo punto di forza in termini di piacevolezza, opulenza e prontezza di beva.
La primavera ha avuto temperature miti e poche precipitazioni che hanno caratterizzato un anticipo del germogliamento e ella fioritura. I primi mesi estivi sono stati molto caldi con temperature sopra le medie e assenza di piogge, situazione da un lato ottimale dal punto di vista sanitario con assenza di malattie, dall’altro di forte stress per le piante che però soprattutto nei terreni più argillosi del Cru Canalicchio hanno retto molto bene grazie alla riserva idrica abbondante accumulata dopo la vendemmia 2016.
Fra la fine di luglio e la fine di agosto ci sono state piogge fondamentali per apportare quella spinta necessaria ad una buona invaiatura, piogge che sono state in media con un’annata normale per un totale di 30 mm. Gli acini formati erano di dimensioni molto piccole con grande concentrazione e le piogge insieme ad un abbassamento delle temperature addirittura sotto le medie stagionali hanno permesso un’invaiatura omogenea ed equilibrata che ha creato le basi per una vendemmia si anticipata, ma non tanto quanto pensavamo a luglio quando il clado e la siccità stavano compromettendo la tenuta delle piante.
I 30 millimetri di piogge del 01 settembre ed i 30 millimetri del 16 settembre, il raffrescamente delle temperature e le forti escursioni termiche sono stati la svolta qualitativa dell’annata, quello che ha permesso di non anticipare troppo la vendemmia, di non incidere troppo sulle acidità che sono rimaste equilibrate e relativamente alte a supporto di struttura, concentrazione ed alcolicità, garantendo ai vini equilibrio ed eleganza.
La vendemmia si è svolta in un periodo normale proprio grazie a questi fattori climatici di settembre, partendo il 25 settembre e terminando il 6 di ottobre.
Abbiamo operato con una doppia selezione sia in vigna che in cantina attraverso tavoli di cernita per eliminare imperfezioni di acini asciugati dal sole di giugno e di luglio che avrebbero conferito astringenza al tannino e amarezza al frutto. Questa operazione ha sicuramente influito dal punto di vista quantitativo per la nostra azienda ma ci ha permesso di mantenere un alto standard qualitativo.
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Nell'annata 2016 il Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2016 "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene interamente dai vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio.
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 20 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
22248 Bottiglie da 750 ml
889 Bottiglie da 1500 ml
14,50%
Il biglietto da visita di una grande annata:
La 2016 rappresenta per l’Italia e per Montalcino una di quelle annate che riescono a mettere tutti d’accordo: un’annata generosa dove l’andamento climatico favorevole ha prodotto quantità e qualità a livelli altissimi donando alle uve quelle caratteristiche necessarie per fare grandi vini.
Come succede nelle grandi annate abbiamo deciso di produrre il nostro Rosso di Montalcino solamente dai vigneti più giovani lasciando le uve dei vigneti con più di 10 anni di età a maturare ancora qualche anno in botti di Rovere per produrre il Brunello di Montalcino.
Dai vigneti più giovani si ricavano vini più pronti e che necessitano di un minore affinamento, ma che allo stesso tempo sono in grado di trasportare in bottiglia tutte le peculiarità dell’annata stessa.
Il Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2016 “Canalicchio di Sopra” vuole essere un’anticipazione delle straordinarie caratteristiche di questa annata: un’annata di grande lunghezza, eleganza e carattere, che si esprime in freschezza, finezza e profondità, capace di regalare quella piacevole sensazione di potenzialità all’invecchiamento anche in un vino come il Rosso di Montalcino.
Fedeli al nostro concetto per cui il Rosso di Montalcino rappresenta il biglietto da visita commerciale della nostra azienda, abbiamo voluto creare con questo vino un’anticipazione più immediata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese 2016, senza snaturarne le sue caratteristiche principali.
Dal punto di vista climatico possiamo riassumere l’annata 2016 come un’annata equilibrata, tendenzialmente calda nei mesi estivi durante il giorno ma senza mai raggiungere temperature torride, con forti escursioni fra giorno e notte, condizioni che hanno favorito una perfetta maturazione polifenolica mantenendo acidità sostenute e donando ai vini quell’equilibrio proprio delle grandi annate, fra dolcezza e sapidità, acidità e opulenza.
Dal Primo gennaio a metà marzo abbiamo avuto piogge per 220 millimetri distribuite temporalmente in modo ordinato su tutto il periodo che hanno favorito una buona riserva di acqua per i mesi successivi. Le piogge cadute regolarmente e senza effetti violenti hanno visto una penetrazione totale nel terreno, creando appunto un’ottima riserva per la stagione più calda.
Nel mese di gennaio abbiamo avuto ben 12 giorni con temperature minime sotto lo zero, che ha creato un aiuto importante per l’eliminazione di spore e funghi accumulati nell’anno precedente, condizione ottimale per la ripartenza della pianta in una situazione di estrema sicurezza fitosanitaria.
L’avvio di marzo è stato tendenzialmente fresco con temperature minime di notte e questo ha favorito un naturale rallentamento del germogliamento che è partito verso la metà di marzo, assicurando poi una regolare epoca di vendemmia.
Fino al 20 di aprile le temperature sono state miti durante il giorno e fresche la notte con escursioni importanti, ed assenza di piogge. Le temperature miti insieme alla buone riserva di acqua accumulate nel terreno nei mesi invernali hanno favorito uno sviluppo della pianta regolare e omogeneo, ed abbiamo operato alla selezione dei germogli ad inizio maggio. Il 23, 24 e 25 aprile abbiamo avuto tre giorni di piogge importanti dal punto di vista quantitativo per un totale di circa 45 mm, che però non hanno creato problemi sanitari perché sono state subito accompagnate da una riduzione delle temperature e soprattutto da venti nord/nord est che hanno reso il clima subito asciutto e non favorevole quindi per le malattie funginee della vite.
Il mese di maggio è stato un mese tendenzialmente piovoso, con un accumulo di circa 100 mm di pioggia, accompagnato da temperature fresche per le medie stagionali, che hanno rallentato la pianta senza però comprometterne lo stato sanitario, piogge che si sono poi rilevate fondamentali per i mesi più secchi di luglio e agosto.
Il mese di giugno ha visto solamente due fenomeni di pioggia con precipitazioni in media con la stagione.
Luglio e agosto sono stati due mesi perfetti per la maturazione del sangiovese, con temperature calde di giorno ma non eccessive (mai superiori a 35 gradi celsius) e fresche di notte, forti escursioni che hanno favorito una maturazione lenta, costante e soprattutto il mantenimento di una buccia spessa e con grandi quantità di polifenoli.
Dal germogliamento alla raccolta ci sono stati 450 millimetri di pioggia, quantità ottimale, considerando che circa 40 sono avvenuti nel mese di settembre, 15 giorni prima della vendemmia, quantità non trascurabile ma che non ha minimamente inficiato la qualità delle uve, avendo queste bucce molto resistenti, ed essendo seguita la pioggia subito da venti da nord- nord/est. Questa pioggia avvenuta il 18/09 ha contribuito a lavare le uve che sono potute così entrare in cantina in condizioni perfette.
Le precipitazioni totali dall’inizio dell’anno fino alla vendemmia sono state leggermente inferiori ai 700 mm, condizioni ottimali per una grande vendemmia
Interessante è l’analisi delle temperature che si contraddistingue per due fattori principali:
• Nell’annata 2016 la somma termica nel periodo vegetativo della pianta fino alla raccolta ha raggiunto un dato ottimale per il sangiovese a Montalcino, con un indice di 2300/2500 Gradi Huglin, questo ha garantito una maturazione perfetta dal punto di vista polifenolico donandoci vini di grande struttura e profondità
• L’indice di Fregoni, ovvero la somma della differenza fra le temperatura massima diurna e la temparatura minima notturna dei 30 giorni antecedenti alla vendemmia, ha raggiunto valori altissimi. Questo indice ci dimostra le escursioni termiche avvenute tra il giorno e la notte nel mesi prima della vendemmia, condizione fondamentale che ha donato ai vini dell’annata 2016 una forte espressività aromatica, il mantenimento di livelli di acidità importanti atti a garantire una elevata longevità al vino.
Riassumendo nella 2016 si sono verificate contemporaneamente e nei tempi giusti della natura 3 condizioni climatiche fondamentali per una grande annata
• Perfetta insolazione (Grado Huglin 2300/2500)
• Quantità di precipitazioni totali ottimali, nei momenti più opportuni per la pianta ed in modo regolare durante il suo ciclo vegetativo (650/700 mm – solo 450 mm durante il periodo vegetativo)
• Escursioni giorno/notte marcate per tutto il periodo vegetativo, accentuate nei 30 giorni prima della raccolta (Indice di Fregoni 490-500)
Tutti i vigneti sono stati raccolti dal 27/09 al 05/10, in un periodo molto breve, altro dato che dimostra una perfetta regolarità di maturazione
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Nell'annata 2015 il Rosso di Montalcino Doc "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene interamente dai vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio.
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
666 Bottiglie da 375 ml
18689 Bottiglie da 750 ml
889 Bottiglie da 1500 ml
14,50%
La 2015 è una di quelle annate che si possono definire perfette dal punto di vista climatico. La regolarità della stagione è stata caratterizzata da un clima tendenzialmente caldo che però ha giovato di bellissime escursione fra il giorno e la notte. Le piogge, mai eccessive ma sufficienti all'equilibrio della pianta, sono avvenute nei momenti cruciali del ciclo vegetativo facendo ricordare la 2015 come un'annata perfetta dal punto di vista agronomico
La 2015 può essere considerata un'annata perfetta dove il Sangiovese è capace di unire le caratteristiche di freschezza con quelle di potenza e concentrazione come solo a Montalcino riesce a fare. Come succede nelle grandi annate abbiamo deciso di produrre il nostro Rosso di Montalcino solamente dai vigneti più giovani lasciando le uve dei vigneti con più di 10 anni di età a maturare ancora qualche anno in botti di Rovere per produrre il Brunello di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" e la nostra riserva. I vigneti più giovani hanno maggiore esuberanza di frutto e un tannino più dolce e setoso anche dopo un anno di affinamento in legno per questo trovano nel Rosso di Montalcino la loro giusta valorizzazione. Il 2015 si presenta come un Rosso di Montalcino importante come struttura e concentrazione, caratteristiche che ricordano più un Brunello. Dolcezza tannica e profondità sono le caratteristiche di questo Rosso di Montalcino che resta una delle versioni più importanti mai prodotte dalla nostra azienda.
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Nell'annata 2014 il Rosso di Montalcino Doc 2014 "Canalicchio di Sopra proviene dai vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio insieme ad una selezione dai vigneti più vecchi nel Cru Canalicchio e Montosoli che solitamente vengono utilizzate per il Brunello di Montalcino
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
666 Bottiglie da 375 ml
34240 Bottiglie da 750 ml
1650 Bottiglie da 1500 ml
13,50%
La 2014 è stata un'annata tendenzialmente piovosa e relativamente fredda rispetto alle medie degli utlimi anni
Il Rosso di Montalcino 2014 è una super selezione fatta in un’annata tendenzialmente difficile per il Brunello di Montalcino, usando grappoli di Sangiovese anche dai vigneti più vecchi che solitamente sono destinati al Brunello di Montalcino e al Brunello Riserva.
L’idea molto cara alla nostra filosofia produttiva è che ogni vino deve essere valorizzato in base alla sue caratteristiche ed ai suoi punti di forza; sappiamo che dobbiamo valorizzare un’annata come la 2010 facendo un grande Brunello e una super Riserva come sappiamo che dobbiamo valorizzare un’annata come la 2014 facendo un grande Rosso di Montalcino; questa è la storia del nostro Rosso di Montalcino: alcuni dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino “Canalicchio di Sopra” sono stati prodotti nelle annate più difficili per il Brunello di Montalcino con la semplice ricetta di usare le uve che solitamente destiniamo al nostro Brunello per fare il Rosso di Montalcino.
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
13,50%
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
13,50%
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
13,50%
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
13,50%
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
13,50%
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia da 50 hl e botti di Rovere Francese da 750 Lt
1975
13,50%
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche d’acciaio con controllo della temperatura di fermentazione, rimontaggi soffici giornalieri. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Prodotto principalmente dai vigneti più giovani, rappresenta il biglietto da visita dei vini Canalicchio di Sopra: un’espressione giovane, fruttata e versatile del nostro Sangiovese. La prima annata è stata prodotta nel 1975, quando ancora si chiamava Vino Rosso dai vigneti di Brunello.
DOC
100% Sangiovese
Altitudine media di 300 mt s.l.m.
Il Rosso di Montalcino "Canalicchio di Sopra" proviene principalmente dai vigneti situati nel Cru Canalicchio con terreno con una spiccata componente Argillosa, molto ricco di elementi intermedi quali Magnesio, Ferro e Manganese. In alcune annate piccole percentuali possono provenire anche dal Cru Montosoli dove la presenza di galestro garantisce sapidità e mineralità.
Cordone speronato.
Vigneti più giovani nel Cru Canalicchio
In vasche di cemento con follature soffici giornaliere. Macerazione sulle bucce per 15 giorni.
12 mesi in botti di rovere di Slavonia di varie dimensioni
1975
Mid-deep ruby. Concentrated cherry with a whiff of fruit cake. Elegant palate with a medium weight to it and succulent. Generous aromatic finish and beautifully built, firm tannins. Walter Speller
The estate’s 2011 Rosso di Montalcino is endowed with serious complexity and character. Tobacco, savory herbs, mint, anise and underbrush are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this Rosso, a wine that stands out for its personality. Rosso is often sold as a mini-Brunello, a label that unfortunately applies to only a small number of wines. Not here. This is a Rosso of unusual pedigree and distinction. I imagine the 2011 will drink well to age ten, perhaps beyond. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark red fruit. It shows plenty of harmony and fine overall balance. Sweet spices and flowers linger on the warm, radiant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. This is another solid set of wines from Canalicchio di Sopra – Ripaccioli, an estate that continues to ratchet up quality in a meaningful way. Antonio Galloni
The 2008 Rosso di Montalcino is one of the better versions in this tricky vintage. A gorgeous bouquet bristling with Sangiovese aromas leads to red cherries, tobacco and earthiness. There is a plumpness and juiciness I find very attractive here. Some of the wilder, gamier notes typical of Sangiovese come through from time to time, but that notwithstanding, this is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Canalicchio di Sopra - Ripaccioli seems to be making better and better wines with each passing vintage. The estate’s Rosso and Brunellos are sourced from vineyards in the Canalicchio and Montosoli districts, both on the northern side of Montalcino, and are aged predominantly in cask. Antonio Galloni
The soft, herbaceous, seductive 2000 Rosso di Montalcino is easy to drink as well as appreciate. It will not make old bones, but for enjoying over the next 2-3 years, this is a round, fruit-driven, cleanly made, charming Rosso. Robert M. Parker Jr.
Canalicchio di Sopra takes great care with its entry-level wine, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino. It displays a warm and generous personality despite its petite stature and pleasantly streamlined mouthfeel. Along the way, this Sangiovese emits dark cherry, cassis, blue flower, iris root and a rusty-mineral note. There is structure here and good fruit weight, which makes this much more than your standard Rosso.
- Monica Larner
Sweet, ripe cherry, spice, licorice and leather flavors course through the fleshy texture in this red. Balanced, with a dense matrix of tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2022. 3,500 cases made. Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra completes three rounds of bottling for this wine (in October, January and March). I tasted samples of the 2014 Rosso di Montalcino from both the first two rounds. This vintage saw a big Rosso di Montalcino production, as much of the fruit that may have been selected for the Brunello was put here instead. The wine is really very good and should offer great value for those looking for a delicious taste of Sangiovese in this difficult vintage. It is thick, bright and loaded with cherry and blueberry flavors. Considering the many challenges of the growing season, this estate has created a wonderfully fresh and forthcoming red wine. Monica Larner
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino shows soft tones of red cherry, wet earth, raspberry and blanched almond. There's a great sense of tightness and energy here that you don't get with many of the other Rosso wines of this warm vintage. The wine is aged one year, in both French and Slavonian oak respectively. There's isn't much heft in the mouth, but you get just enough to pair with egg fettuccine with butter and grated Parmigiano. Monica Larner
The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is representative of an estate that has always taken great care to safeguard this often overlooked relative of Brunello. Having said that, the 2012 does not quiet live up to the fabulous 2011 Rosso - a wine I found immensely enjoyable. This is a deep and nicely saturated Rosso with ripe notes of spice, dark cherry, blackberry and distant hints of smoked bacon that fill in the rear. It's relatively straightforward (it macerates on the skins for 15 days and later ages for 12 months in oak cask) with soft layers of fresh fruit. Drink: 2014-2018. Monica Larner
This wine is a bright, plump and succulent expression of Sangiovese Grosso, showing easy, crisp structure enhanced by bold aromas of plum, leather and spice. There's a silky, fine nature to the polished tannins.
Aromas of ripe red berries, sweet citrus peel, cocoa and bark, following through to a medium body with vivid fruit. Chalky and textured with a flavorful finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling -
This red has a plush texture, along with lively acidity that focuses the black cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors. Complex and solidly structured, with a long finish. Drink now through 2027.
- Bruce Sanderson -
Remarkably pretty and spicy to the core, the 2022 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass with a bouquet of rose petals and wild strawberries offset by white pepper. This is lifted and graceful in style with a salty, saline core that grumbles beneath its ripe wild berry fruits. It finishes tense and structured, with a trace of sour cranberry and citrus that tugs at the cheeks. The purity of Sangiovese is on full display here. Have patience with the 2022 because the best is yet to come.
- Eric Guido -
(REDS) -FINAL FOR THE 3 RED GLASSES / ROSSI - FINALE 3 BICCHIERI
Enticing scents of red berry, white pepper, chopped herb and purple flower take center stage on this vibrant red. The luminous palate doles out tart cherry, crushed raspberry and a hint of star anise while racy acidity and polished tannins provide support. Drink through 2017. KERIN O’KEEFE
This warm Rosso starts with aromas of toast, woodland berries and cake spices. The juicy palate offers dense black cherry accented with notes of vanilla, mocha and clove alongside assertive tannins. Enjoy it soon. KERIN O’KEEFE
This spicy rosso combines structure with sheer drinkability. It offers a beautiful bouquet of rose, violet and strawberry, while the palate reveals ripe black cherry, white pepper, tea and cinnamon flavors wrapped up in silky tannins. This is easily drinkable now, and best enjoyed young. KERIN O’KEEFE
You could easily pair this food-friendly Rosso di Montalcino with roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes and garlic. The nose here is bright and penetrating with earthy notes, mineral tones and loads of bright berry fruit. The mouthfeel is smooth and there's a touch of cherry sweetness as well.
This is a terrific wine that is one big step above your standard Rosso and one tiny step below your standard Brunello. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is a fresh and versatile wine. The 2018 vintage was cool and had more rainfall than average. Windy conditions dried and helped to concentrate the fruit right before harvest. This wine is made from a selection of the estate's youngest vines, with about 90% of the fruit coming from the Canalicchio area and 10% from Montosoli. I had a glass with a delicious plate of vegetarian lasagna. This wine moves across the palate with steely precision, breaking up any cheese, butter or olive oil flavors along the way. It offers a snappy, lean to medium-weight drinking style with lots of freshness and enough texture to withstand some near-term cellar aging. This Rosso was bottled in November 2019 and released in January 2020. Not counting large format bottles, some 40,800 regular-sized bottles were produced.
- Monica Larner
Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.
- Ian D'Agata
Riper and straightforward for a 2018 with a medium body, good fruit and a plum and light toffee aftertaste. Hint of juicy tannin at the end. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Sourced from the estate’s youngest vines and aged in a combination of large-format Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels. A delightful, mid-weight red with strawberry, red cherry, Mediterranean herbs and underlying black tea. Crunchy and carried by lively, refreshing acidity. Recently bottled, this needs a few months to come together.
- Michaela Morris
This is a terrific new release from Canalicchio di Sopra that arrived just as we were going to print. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino opens to an extraordinary nose that is tart and sweet, fruity and spicy all at once. The wine is so full and generous, it almost comes out of left field. I guarantee that you would not recognize it as a Rosso in a blind tasting. The mouthfeel is tight, compact and slightly sour or bitter, but the energy generated from all the volume on the bouquet is enough to win your heart and mind. This is one of the best Rossos I have ever tried. It's a super deal (some 22,300 were made) so grab a bottle before it disappears.
- Monica Larner
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is a fabulous wine that could very well turn out to be even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit. A rush of sweet tobacco, licorice, black cherry, menthol and dark spice infuse this dark, potent Rosso with tons of character. Big yet well-integrated tannins suggest the 2016 will enjoy a long life in the cellar. In a word: superb!
- Antonio Galloni
A fruity Rosso di Montalcino with notes of blueberry tart, violets, dried basil and thyme. The palate shows some excellent structure, supported by quite muscular tannins and guided along a line of fresh acidity to a medium-chewy finish. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Deep ruby. Reluctant and tight, yet classy nose with hints of oatmeal. Tightly wound and embryonic on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins. Great balance but needs at least another year in the bottle.
- Wlater Speller
A mix of rose, strawberry and cherry flavors, this red is supple and elegant, with enough structure for balance. Firm finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,800 cases made, 800 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
Canalicchio di Sopra pays special attention to its lower-end wines. I always like to point this out to readers in the search for great value from Tuscany. The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is an immediate and enticing expression with soft layers of ripe cherry and black fruit. The wine is soft and velvety in texture with easy endnotes of cherry confit and crème de cassis. This is a great food wine. Some 25,675 bottles and 762 magnums were made.
- Monica Larner
The 2017 Rosso di Montalcino is positively gorgeous. Rich, racy and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 captures all of the radiance of the year in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 offers terrific freshness. This is such an arrestingly beautiful wine.
- Antonio Galloni
There’s really good ripeness to this Rosso di Montalcino with orange rind, raspberries and spices, as well as undertones of tobacco. Real depth to the firm tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Mid ruby with the beginning of orange. Fine concentrated nose with minerally hints. Concentrated, almost plush fruit on the palate with muscular tannins and completely integrated acidity that peeks up on the finish. Very impressive and ideally should get an additional year in bottle
- Walter Speller
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino requires a bit of time to blossom in the glass; yet patience is rewarded, as an air of smoky minerals and peppery herbs slowly evolves into a perfumed display of wild strawberries, rose hips and flowery undergrowth. This is soft and supple, seeming almost fleshy at first, yet it gains harmony through a savory mix of mineral-tinged red berries and spices. A subtle film of fine tannin lingers, yet the mouth waters for more, as this literally buzzes with residual energy while inner florals slowly fade.
- Eric Guido
Da uve sangiovese, matura almeno 6 mesi in botte. Rubino cupo. Al naso marasca e frutti scuri di bella intensità. Tannino fine, succoso e con una progressione avvincente ed equilibrata e un finale in buona corrispondenza olfattiva.
- Riccardo Silla Viscardi, Stefania Vinciguerra
Sensuale ed accattivante questo giovane rosso offre note di tiglio, magnolia, ibisco ed acacia ben fuse a sentori di lamponi, ribes e ciliegie disidratate. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini rotondi estremamente polimerizzati ed un finale solido e compatto. Che bello. Uno dei migliori Rosso di Montalcino nella splendida annata 2019. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione
Sweet cherries and berries with some walnut and orange peel. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Lightly bitter finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Needs air to reveal its pure cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Light in weight, yet has fine intensity, a core of ripe fruit and a long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,750 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
-Bruce Sanderson
Proprietor Francesco Ripaccioli was kind enough to submit two vintages of his Rosso for review. Rosso sees its commercial release at a different time than Brunello, so it's hard to be timely with one set of reviews without being behind on the others. Hitting the market soon, the warm-vintage Canalicchio di Sopra 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is supple and rich. This wine shows rich fruit weight and soft aromas of baked cherry and plum. The alcohol content is a decisive 14.5% on this 33,330-bottle production.
- Monica Larner
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Rosso di Montalcino is a balanced wine with pretty purity and freshness. This estate does a great job with its Rosso and has believed in this category of wine even when others were less enthusiastic. That loyalty shows here in this confident and authentic wine that aspires to ease-of-drinking, acidity and bright primary fruit.
- Monica Larner
The 2020 Rosso di Montalcino is deep, dark and almost sensual in the glass, as black cherries and minty herbs give way to hints of worn leather and spice. It coasts along the palate with silken waves of ripe red berries, coming across as supremely soft and pliant, yet all kept in balance by saline-tinged acids. Rosy florals and hints of licorice linger, as the 2020 tapers off fresh yet potent and long. This is an elegant beauty.
- Eric Guido
Reviewed by Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Di color rosso rubino offre profumi di more di rovo e peonia, con chiusura balsamica e iodata. Al gusto è teso e fresco con richiami di eucalipto e arancia sanguinella. Chiusura speziata e salata.Profondo
- Luca Gardini
Aromas of camphor, ripe dark-skinned fruit and spice lead the nose along with a toasted note. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm palate exhibits ripe Morello cherry, licorice and espresso supported by taut, fine-grained tannins.
- Kerin O’Keefe
This sleek red is highlighted by a beam of macerated cherry. Reveals iron, juniper and shiso leaf accents, which add depth as this finds equilibrium and builds to a lingering finish. Firm, yet enjoyable now. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
- Bruce Sanderson
A soft and easy red with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Light-to medium-bodied. Delicious. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2023
- Wolfgang M. Rosam, Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
Preciso e di buona natura fruttata alterna note di fragole, prugne rosse, basilico e mirto selvatico. Corpo medio, tannini soffici di grana fine ed un finale davvero succoso e lineare. Bevi ora.
- Raffaele Vecchione -
Intense ruby red in colour. Distant violet floral aromatics and rose petal. Mixture of red and black berries, light notes of spice maybe pepper. A young Brunello so compact with a balanced fruity structure that plays to the finish.
- Tony Wood -
Guida 2024 - sezione "Vini da vitigni autoctoni"
Strahlendes Rubinrot mit purpurfarbenen Reflexen. Ansprechende Nase nach Zwetschken, schwarzen Oliven, im Nachhall dezent feine Würze. Am Gaumen mit guter Saftigkeit und festem Druck, eingewobenes Tannin in cremigem Fruchtschmelz, ausgewogen und anhaltend.
Brunello di Montalcino Trophy 2024
- Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler -
