Brunello di Montalcino Caparzo 2018

Description

Established in 1970, Caparzo is one of Montalcino's historic wineries, and is amongst those that contributed to the fame of Brunello di Montalcino. Purchased by the current owner Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini in 1998 after a period of dilapidation, she was determined to grow, improve, and develop the estate back to its former glory. Investment and modernisation of the vineyard, with the help of winemaker Massimo Bracalente, have all ensured that Caparzo is now enjoying a comeback as a top Brunello producer. 

The Caparzo estate covers 200 hectares, including 90 hectares of vineyards out of which 9 are designated for Brunello. The 9 hectares of Brunello are distributed throughout different hillsides in the DOCG, ranging from 220 to 300 metres above sea level. Owning vineyards in Caparzo, La Casa, La Caduta, Il Cassero, and San Piero Caselle, which constitute almost all of Montalcino's best areas, is a defining feature of the Caparzo estate. This selection of the best vineyards, allows Caparzo to draw the best fruit from every vintage.  

Found in the north east of the Brunello zone on the hill of Montosoli and with the famous galestro soils, La Casa is often considered to be one of the most prestigious sites in the appellation. In 1977, Caparzo introduced the concept of Cru to Montalcino, vinifying the grapes from the La Casa vineyard separately, to showcase their high-quality and uniqueness.

'Caparzo is one of two properties in Montalcino owned by the beautiful and charming Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini. The other property is Altesino. This wine, the Caparzo 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is a very classic interpretation that delivers the goods without any distracting bells or whistles. The wine opens to red and purple fruit aromas with background tones of dried herb, potting soil, cedar wood and light spice. Fruit comes from a site with heavier clay soils, and you get hints of that extra density and richness here. This vintage offers all you need in a model Brunello from a very beautiful and generous vintage. I always admire the wines of Caparzo for their accessible and immediate drinking style. Some 160,000 bottles were corked in August 2019, and the wine hit the market in January 2020.' 93 pts, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate