Altesino
Altesino
AboutAltesino
Altesino works from the northeastern hills of Montalcino, where the 15th-century Palazzo Altesi anchors the estate’s historic cellar. During the 1970s, the winery separated Montosoli for its cru bottling in 1975, developed its estate grappa in 1977 and began experimenting with barriques in 1979. Its vineyards span six named parcels around Montalcino, with Sangiovese forming the core of both Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino.
Rosso di Montalcino is made from Sangiovese and released after at least a year from harvest, retaining the estate’s emphasis on fresh fruit and balanced structure. Grappa di Brunello starts with fresh Sangiovese pomace, distilled within hours in a discontinuous copper system before a short period in wood. Together, the wine and grappa show two sides of Altesino’s Montalcino work: a younger red for earlier drinking and a distillate that carries the estate’s grape material into the glass.
Altesino Rosso di Montalcino 2016
Italian Red
Red cherry and redcurrant lead, joined by cinnamon and a light savoury note of leather. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with fine tannins giving shape to juicy berry fruit while earth, mineral and tobacco add quiet complexity. The finish is harmonious and persistent, balancing ripe fruit with a dry, gently structured close. Pair with roast pork, tomato-braised dishes, grilled mushrooms or aged pecorino, and allow a little air before serving.
Altesino Grappa di Brunello 500 mL
Italian Marc & Grappa
Fresh fruit and soft floral notes lead with a light touch of vanilla and oak. The palate is balanced and warming, carrying clear grape character through a rounded texture and restrained wood spice. Brief barrique ageing adds polish without masking the spirit’s youthful freshness. The finish is persistent and clean, leaving fruit, vanilla, gentle oak and a faintly sweet, savoury echo.