Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2019

Born from high-elevation vineyards in the breathtaking rolling hills of the UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia, the 96-point Catiglion del Bosco 2019 Brunello di Montalcino captures the grandeur of Tuscany in a way that is both powerful and remarkably refined. The fact that it’s UNDER $50 (down from $110) is a delightful shock that can’t be ignored.

Castiglion del Bosco looks more like a preserved medieval countryside village than a modern winery – with weathered stone buildings, narrow cyprus-lined lanes, and a centuries-old church, all surrounded by dense forests, olive groves, and sweeping vineyard slopes. It dates back to the early 12th century, when it was built as a fortified settlement and church, and later became one of the 25 founding members of the Brunello di Montalcino consortium in 1967. Massimo Ferragamo (son of fashion mogul Salvatore Ferragamo) and his wife Chiara took over the estate in 2003, treating it to an extensive restoration of the vineyards and ancient buildings alike, and thus expanding its international reputation and reach.

The terrain of the vineyards is rugged and diverse, with rocky galestro and schist-rich soils with ample drainage and multiple exposures and micro-climates. The vineyards are mostly all planted above 400 meters elevation, with the rows of vines following the contours of the hillsides and bordered by forests, granting the land a stunning level of biodiversity. 2019 in Montalcino had a cool spring, moderate summer, and a breezy September, allowing for slow ripening and healthy fruit development with striking acidity.

It’s hard to argue with any of James Suckling’s points in his 96-point review: "This is really fine on the palate with wonderfully integrated tannins that give tension and focus. It’s medium-bodied with lovely berry, cherry, cedar and spice. Peaches and flower stems, too. Creamy texture. Extremely long and vivid. Structured, but showing beautiful drinkability with wonderful balance and form. One to drink or hold." Seriously, mouthwateringly divine, plus some tingly mint and black pepper on the finish. A true delight of a Brunello, especially given its friendliness in its youth, and its happy little price point. Do be sure to get three for free shipping!

FOOD PAIRINGS: This would be just swell with an antipasti plate of prosciutto di Parma, fennel salami, assorted olives, and roasted peppers, all helping the wine feel even more open and expressive.