#6 on Hi-Time's Top Italian Wines of 2024
San Carlo is a small, traditional producer led by 3rd-generation winemaker, Gemma Marcucci. Their strip of vineyards lies on the broad, gently-sloping hillside above the hamlet of Tavernelle, southwest of Montalcino. With neighbors like the benchmark estates of Caprili and Soldera - Case Basse, this is a special place with a distinctive style of Brunello. You'll find that style shining in San Carlo's 2019 Brunello, with its streamlined mouthfeel, and expressive, sun-kissed aromas that are balanced across the spectrum of savory, fruity, spicy, herbal and gourmand. It's an outstanding value for an authentically classic taste of Montalcino!
This youthful wine gradually unwinds with time in the glass, revealing new leather, sunbaked, clayey earth, brambly blackberries and Morello cherry preserves, with hints of black and brown spices, bay leaf, lavender and walnut. The medium-full weight on the palate flows easily, its brooding flavors delivered with a classic Italian feeling of rustic elegance; the 2019 vintage especially shows in a distinctive, juicy acidity that gives life to its richer side, and an infusion of softly grainy, lightly smoky, crunchy minerality. There's an intriguing interplay of crispy, juicy and lightly chewy sensations on the palate, paired with swirling umami-tinged flavors that are reminiscent of nutty nougat, ripe forest berries and blood orange peel. The vinous warmth and lighter tannic structure on the finish makes this a great wine to serve cool to the touch, around 62 F. Enjoy it with peppercorn steak, grilled mushrooms, tagliatelle wild boar ragú, and Parmigiano Reggiano!
JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS - "A more saturated ruby color compared to 2018, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino opens to notes of blood orange, balsamic herbs, ripe blackberries, candied licorice, and lavender. Quite compelling, it more closely resembles the estate’s 2015 than their 2016, with a more robust feel. Offering rich velvety tannins, good mineral undertones, and a clean finish, it’s more full-bodied, with a long finish, and has wonderful freshness throughout."
"In 1965, Gemma Marcucci’s grandparents purchased land across the road from Soldera - Case Basse, and their first vintage of Brunello was released in 1974. Besides their 24 acres of forest and three acres of olive groves, they have eight acres (roughly three hectares) of vineyards in front of the winery that face southwest in an amphitheater and are surrounded by forest. Since the beginning, they have focused on the original property and have not expanded, but they have regularly made upgrades to the winery. With an average annual production of 10,000 bottles a year, they are one of the smallest producers in the region. While Gemma studied art history in college, her father retired from his job in banking in 2002 and kept the winery going, giving Gemma the space and time to learn in the winery and the vineyard. Two years later, she decided to become a farmer and dedicate herself to the land and the winery." - Audrey Frick, JEBDUNNUCK.COM
San Carlo is a small, traditional producer led by 3rd-generation winemaker, Gemma Marcucci. Their strip of vineyards lies on the broad, gently-sloping hillside above the hamlet of Tavernelle, southwest of Montalcino. With neighbors like the benchmark estates of Caprili and Soldera - Case Basse, this is a special place with a distinctive style of Brunello. You'll find that style shining in San Carlo's 2019 Brunello, with its streamlined mouthfeel, and expressive, sun-kissed aromas that are balanced across the spectrum of savory, fruity, spicy, herbal and gourmand. It's an outstanding value for an authentically classic taste of Montalcino!
This youthful wine gradually unwinds with time in the glass, revealing new leather, sunbaked, clayey earth, brambly blackberries and Morello cherry preserves, with hints of black and brown spices, bay leaf, lavender and walnut. The medium-full weight on the palate flows easily, its brooding flavors delivered with a classic Italian feeling of rustic elegance; the 2019 vintage especially shows in a distinctive, juicy acidity that gives life to its richer side, and an infusion of softly grainy, lightly smoky, crunchy minerality. There's an intriguing interplay of crispy, juicy and lightly chewy sensations on the palate, paired with swirling umami-tinged flavors that are reminiscent of nutty nougat, ripe forest berries and blood orange peel. The vinous warmth and lighter tannic structure on the finish makes this a great wine to serve cool to the touch, around 62 F. Enjoy it with peppercorn steak, grilled mushrooms, tagliatelle wild boar ragú, and Parmigiano Reggiano!
JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS - "A more saturated ruby color compared to 2018, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino opens to notes of blood orange, balsamic herbs, ripe blackberries, candied licorice, and lavender. Quite compelling, it more closely resembles the estate’s 2015 than their 2016, with a more robust feel. Offering rich velvety tannins, good mineral undertones, and a clean finish, it’s more full-bodied, with a long finish, and has wonderful freshness throughout."
"In 1965, Gemma Marcucci’s grandparents purchased land across the road from Soldera - Case Basse, and their first vintage of Brunello was released in 1974. Besides their 24 acres of forest and three acres of olive groves, they have eight acres (roughly three hectares) of vineyards in front of the winery that face southwest in an amphitheater and are surrounded by forest. Since the beginning, they have focused on the original property and have not expanded, but they have regularly made upgrades to the winery. With an average annual production of 10,000 bottles a year, they are one of the smallest producers in the region. While Gemma studied art history in college, her father retired from his job in banking in 2002 and kept the winery going, giving Gemma the space and time to learn in the winery and the vineyard. Two years later, she decided to become a farmer and dedicate herself to the land and the winery." - Audrey Frick, JEBDUNNUCK.COM
Overall Rating
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