Brunello di Montalcino 2021: Our expert’s 10 smart picks for discerning buyers

2026 is a great opportunity to venture beyond Montalcino’s best-known names and take a chance on lesser-known properties.

Well stacked with fleshy fruit, ripe girdling tannins and bolstering acidity, the newly released 2021 Brunellos deliver across the entire gamut of price points – you really don’t need to pay top dollar to experience the true pleasure of the vintage.

But if you do want to spend a little bit more, the superstar estates’ classic bottlings are well worth considering too, as many rise to the quality level of their higher-priced vineyard-selection stablemates.

Those from Le Ragnaie, Casanova di Neri and Canalicchio di Sopra over-deliver to such an extent that they more than merit the extra splurge.

‘You really don’t need to pay top dollar to experience the true pleasure of the vintage’.

Perennial picks

Perennial value picks from the region’s southwest include Castelgiocondo and Il Poggione, with Col d’Orcia boasting a particularly impressive showing. Other trusty houses like Talenti and Val di Suga show the elegant side of the vintage.

Castelgiocondo

One of the most widely available Brunellos out there, Castelgiocondo is as satisfying as it is dependable.

Col d’Orcia

Not just a perennial value but a serial over-achiever, with 2021 upping the ante on complexity and ageability. My top value pick.

Il Poggione

Emblematic of the vintage, Il Poggione turns up the volume with heady scents, sumptuous fruit and plush, layered tannins.

Emerging talents

Off the beaten track, I can highly recommend buying the Brunello 2021s from emerging talents like Caprili, La Palazzetta and Patrizia Cencioni – before they become the next icons.

Caprili

With no AdAlberto Riserva on the cards for 2021, this annata bottling incorporates the best of Caprili in 2021.

La Palazzetta

An up-and-coming property, La Palezzetta’s star continues to rise. Best to check it out before prices follow.

Patrizia Cencioni

With equal parts zest, chew and personality, this should charm on any occasion during its decade-plus lifespan.

More smart picks

Canalicchio di Sopra

Once again, Canalicchio’s ‘classic’ Brunello stands shoulder-to-shoulder in quality with the estate’s cru bottlings, while being easier on the wallet.

Carpineto

Possesses plenty of structure and stuffing for ageing – and for the price – making it a smart buy for the cellar.

Talenti

Poised to satiate those seeking elegance, fragrance and immediate gratification.

Val di Suga

One of the vintage’s lighter, finer-framed examples, while still delivering Brunello depth and tension.

Brunello di Montalcino 2021: Michaela’s top value picks

Related articles

• Two of Italy’s superstar wine estates launched their new vintages last week – read our editor’s opinion
• Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 2023 in bottle: A first look at a powerful vintage of great potential
• Willamette Valley 2023 vintage report: 20 of the year’s most polished and precocious Pinot Noirs