Under-the-radar Brunello producers in 2022

Michaela Morris tasted 130 wines for her latest reports on the wines of Brunello: Brunello di Montalcino 2017 and Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016.

While Brunello is dominated by well-established families and star winemakers, there is still room for up-and-coming producers to make a name for themselves in this prestigious denomination.

Scroll down to see a selection of eight wines from these five under-the-radar Brunello producers

This is especially true now that the available vineyard area has effectively increased due to the abolition of the maximum elevation legislation, which came into effect with the 2016 vintage; grapes grown above 600 metres can now be used for Brunello di Montalcino.

Below, see five under-the-radar producers making excellent wines that deserve more attention.

Under-the-radar Brunello producers

Cava d’Onice

Simone Nannetti has been working in vineyards since he was 14. He made his first Brunello in 2000. From less than 400 bottles, he has grown production to 15,000. Through the wines, one senses a self-assured hand and he coaxes more and more personality each vintage. The wines will be certified organic from the 2018 vintage.

Il Palazzone

Il Palazzone offers Brunello with a refreshing ‘lightness’ even in the hot, dry 2017 vintage thanks to parcels at lofty elevations. In 2021, the estate was purchased by American couple Kirsten and Peter Kern, who are investing further in high altitude plantings. They also plan on continuing the robust sustainability protocols established by former owner Richard Parsons.

Pietra

Longtime growers, the Ferretti family sold wine in bulk to large Montalcino brands until the 2016 vintage. Since then, 25-year-old Matteo Ferretti has been crafting just 4,000 bottles of Brunello under the Pietra label from the estate’s oldest vines. Potential shines through even in the challenging 2017 vintage.

Pietroso

Gianni Pignattai took charge of his grandfather’s tiny hobby estate 30 years ago. Today, vineyards total five hectares spread across three distinct parcels. Straightforward, sensible winemaking yields perfumed, earthy Brunello with lots of soul, and Pignattai managed to pull off quite a graceful 2017.

Podere Scopetone

After buying the La Melina farm in 2002, Loredana Tanganelli and Antonio Brandi started producing wine when they took over the neighbouring Scopetone estate in 2009. They make just 7,000 bottles of Brunello (along with a Rosso and IGT Toscana) with the help of top-notch consultant Maurizio Castelli. The hallmark here is buoyancy and transparency without lacking in depth.

Under-the-radar Brunello producers: tasted

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