2020 Caprili Rosso di Montalcino Tuscany 750 ml

It seems unlikely that an estate just a few hundred yards from Soldera—a Brunello icon and producer of $600 collector-darling bottles—could fly under the radar.

But for years Caprili suffered from mismanagement and underperforming winemaking. Their outstanding terroir wasn’t enough, so Montalcino insiders would shake their heads and sigh—there just wasn’t a lot to pay attention to.

Not until Giacomo Bartolommei—the grandson of founder Alfo—took over in 2010 did things begin to change. The boyish dynamo started running the estate while still in his 20s, and now Caprili attracts the serious attention that’s merited when a legendary vineyard finally comes into the right hands.

Vinous’ Antonio Galloni commented last year that “I, for one, am very happy to see the potential of this property shining through in the finished wines, something that only started taking place over the last decade.” And with a 92-point score from Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe—who literally wrote the definitive book on Brunello—their 2020 Rosso is the perfect introduction to this star-on-the-rise. 

Stylistically, Caprili operates as traditionally as they come, favoring native yeasts, relatively long macerations, and large neutral botti casks for aging, allowing their stellar terroir to shine through. For the Rosso, they tone down the extraction some to ensure the wine’s tannins are less intense on release, making for a beautiful bottle that you can drink now or over the next five-plus years.

Whether you’re making a Tuscan white-bean stew with sage and garlic or simply popping a bottle with pepperoni pizza, this wine will make whatever you’re eating taste better.