Best value Brunello di Montalcino 2020: 10 to buy

When it comes to a distinguished wine like Brunello di Montalcino, value is a relative concept. The challenge in 2020 is finding less expensive examples that deliver the structure and complexity the denomination implies.

As a reminder, value doesn’t simply mean the cheapest price. In this vintage, shelling out just a little bit more might result in a substantial increase in bang-for-your-buck.

Notes and scores for Michaela’s best value Brunello di Montalcino 2020 below

Familiarity

To start, I recommend trusting in familiar names. Dominating the zone’s southwestern quadrant, Montalcino’s medium- to large-sized estates boast production efficiencies as well as ample vineyards at their disposal to deliver consistent quality.

In particular, the latest releases from historic producers such as Argiano, Castelgiocondo, Col d’Orcia and Il Poggione lived up to their track record.

That said, smaller wineries needn’t be overlooked for well-priced gems. Look to less hyped labels. In 2020, post-sharecropping families Caprili and Fattoi, as well as more recently established estates Col di Lamo and Sassodisole, continue to prove their mettle.

While these may not be the highest scoring wines, they represent a sweet spot for affordable and satisfying Brunello di Montalcino.

Buy classic

Overall, the best value tends to be found among estates’ ‘classic’ Brunellos, rather than their selection bottlings which typically command a higher price.

Michaela’s Brunello di Montalcino 2020 best value picks:

Argiano

While prices may have gone up in recent years, the notable increase in quality justifies this – and the estate bottling is still relatively affordable.

Il Poggione

With ample parcels to choose from, including some at higher elevations, Il Poggione manages to create a balanced aggregate that still expresses Montalcino’s warm southern reaches.

Frescobaldi, Castelgiocondo

Among Montalcino’s most historic and largest estates, Castelgiocondo remains true to its munificent character despite a change of winemaker.

Col d’Orcia

Under ownership of the Cinzano Marone family since 1973, Col d’Orcia is a leader in research and development while continuing to produce traditional age worthy Brunello. The 2020 is no exception.

Val di Suga

With parcels in diverse pockets of the denomination, Val di Suga provides a sincere panoramic view of the 2020 vintage.

Villa Poggio Salvi

Fresh, perfumed gracious and approachable, Villa Poggio Salvi captures all that should be celebrated about the 2020 vintage at a highly accessible price.

Fattoi

A perennial pick, Fattoi is among my favourite wines of the vintage not just for the exceptional value it represents, but also for its palpable sense of place.

Col di Lamo

Boutique-size winery without exclusive pricing. The focus is on continued improvement which is manifested in the 2020.

Caprili

Giacomo Bartolommei is one of Montalcino’s bright young winemakers with a clear vision of the region’s future. His wines continue to go from strength to strength.

Sassodisole

Under-the-radar producer Roberto Terzuoli worked under Franco Biondi-Santi for several years. He now crafts characterful wines in the less touted area of Torrenieri.

The best value Brunello di Montalcino 2020

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