Le Ragnaie Casanovina Montosoli Brunello di Montalcino 2021

Le Ragnaie, Montosoli at high altitude

At 600 meters of altitude, the Sangiovese of Montosoli takes its time: the grapes ripen late, then are harvested by hand once they reach optimal ripeness. The Le Ragnaie Casanovina Montosoli Brunello di Montalcino 2021 interests me for this precise origin and for a winemaking approach that lets the terroir speak without giving up oak aging. A Brunello to choose if you appreciate wines with character, built with patience.

A high-altitude terroir in the heart of Montalcino

Le Ragnaie is a 28-hectare estate located in the commune of Montalcino, in the province of Siena. Its plots are spread across three distinct terroirs, whose differences in soil, altitude and climate influence the profile of the wines. Casanovina Montosoli comes from the central zone of the estate, characterized by the highest vineyards in Montalcino. This location, at 600 meters, delays the ripening of the grapes. The estate works this Sangiovese organically, certified since 2009. The vines coexist with olive trees and pastures, in an agricultural landscape that is not limited to the vine.

The 2021 vintage is a monovarietal Sangiovese, under the DOCG Brunello di Montalcino appellation. The winemaking follows a traditional approach: maceration and fermentation with indigenous yeasts, then 18 months of aging in Slavonian oak casks. The wine then rests 12 months in bottle at the estate before being released. These steps give concrete markers of its making, without erasing the importance of the place: at Le Ragnaie, altitude and the diversity of the plots guide the work of winemaker Riccardo Campinoti.

The tasting notes available do not detail a color or precise aromas; I therefore prefer not to invent them. They place the wine halfway between fruity and spicy, and between youth and the imprint of wood. Its body is rated 6 out of 9: it thus sits on the side of wines with substance, although this scale does not allow us to specify its texture or length further. Oak aging is clearly present in its profile, but the description does not justify assigning it particular ratings. An expert tasting score of 96/100 is also reported for this vintage.

At the table, with robust flavors

I would serve it with red meat, game, or a fine charcuterie board, three pairings suggested for this Brunello. These dishes can accompany its full-bodied profile and its balance between fruit and spice, without trying to mask the wine. For a seasonal table or a meal where you want to take your time, open it and let everyone follow its evolution in the glass. This is a bottle to consider if you're looking for a Sangiovese from Montalcino tied to a high-altitude terroir, grown organically and aged patiently.