Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021

Wine Description for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021 by Salicutti

Character

Salicutti belongs to the artisanal small producers in Montalcino who follow the traditional path and interpret Brunello with patience and restraint. The 2021 vintage benefited from a cooler, balanced growing cycle that produced elegant, less opulent wines – precisely in the style of this house. Here Sangiovese reveals itself in its classically Tuscan expression: taut, mineral-driven, with fine fruit rather than lush sweetness.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyards of Salicutti lie in the south-eastern part of Montalcino, a zone known for its cooler temperatures and galestro-rich soils. This combination of calcareous stone and clayey elements gives the wines their characteristic tension and minerality. The altitude and exposure ensure slow ripening of the grapes, which is reflected in the freshness and precision of the wines – a counterpoint to the warmer, more powerful Brunellos from other parts of the appellation.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Sangiovese Grosso, as the local clone is called, is vinified at Salicutti with minimalist intervention. Spontaneous fermentation, long maceration periods and ageing in large wooden casks (Botti) rather than barriques preserve the varietal character: red cherry fruit, herbal spice, earthy notes and that distinctive acidity which makes Brunello one of Italy’s longest-lived wines. The style is rather purist than modern, emphasising transparency and drinkability despite its structural power.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This Brunello calls for Tuscan cuisine: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù (Cinghiale), aged Pecorino or Pappardelle with porcini mushrooms. The acidity structure makes it an ideal companion for rich braised dishes and game. It also shows its earthy side with truffle dishes.