Tenuta di Sesta, Brunello di Montalcino, 2020, Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG)

'One-Liner'
A traditionally styled Brunello with ripe red cherry, dried roses, tobacco and earthy spice – generous and savoury, yet lifted by freshness and fine, beautifully judged tannins.

Tasting Note
Pale ruby in the glass, opening with crushed rose petals, sour cherry, cranberry, redcurrant and ripe plum. With air, the fruit is joined by tobacco, liquorice, dried herbs, leather and a gentle woodland earthiness.
The palate is warm and generous without becoming heavy, combining juicy red fruit with saline freshness and supple, steadily building tannins. Long, savoury and well balanced, finishing with lingering cherry, almond and softly warming spice. Still youthful, so give it some time in a decanter when drinking now.

Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Sub-Region: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grape(s): 100% Sangiovese
ABV: 14.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
93 points – Wine Enthusiast
93 points – James Suckling
93 points – Falstaff
91 points – Wine Advocate
91 points – Vinous
90 points – Jeb Dunnuck

The Story
Tenuta di Sesta lies in the southern reaches of Montalcino, between the historic villages of Sant’Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate. The Ciacci family has owned the estate since 1850, although its place in Brunello history was secured in 1966, when it became one of just twelve producers bottling the newly recognised wine.
The estate remains closely associated with a traditional expression of Brunello. Sangiovese Grosso is grown on warm, south-facing slopes before being aged patiently in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing the grape’s natural perfume, red-fruited character and savoury complexity to remain at the forefront.
The 2020 vintage captures that approach beautifully. It has the generosity and depth expected from southern Montalcino, but there is freshness beneath the fruit and a graceful structure that keeps everything poised. Already expressive with time in the glass, it also has the balance and tannic framework to develop further in the cellar.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Tuscan pork ragù with pappardelle
- Vegetarian: Wild mushroom and taleggio risotto
- Vegan: Black olive tapenade with roast aubergine and warm flatbread