Brunello di Montalcino - Canalicchio - Pacenti DOCG 2020

Brunello di Montalcino - Canalicchio DOCG 2020 / Franco Pacenti / Tuscany

Red wine from Italy

Since its founding in 1962, the Franco Pacenti family estate has stood for uncompromising quality and a deep-rooted devotion to the Sangiovese grape. Rosoldi Pacenti, the visionary founder, was among the first to recognise the variety’s immense potential. As a co-founder of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino in 1967, he helped shape the identity of the region. Today, the estate is led by Lorenzo, Lisa and Serena—third-generation custodians who continue the tradition with unwavering dedication and a clear focus on Sangiovese Grosso, the noblest clone of the variety.

The estate’s ten hectares of vineyards lie in Canalicchio, on the northeastern slopes of the Montalcino hill at 300 metres above sea level. The soils here are rich in magnesium, potassium, boron and manganese, offering ideal conditions for wines of character and depth. Grapes are hand-harvested, carefully destemmed and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by extended maceration. The wine then matures for 36 months in large Slavonian and French oak casks, with a further minimum of four months in bottle before release.

The Brunello di Montalcino Canalicchio DOCG is the estate’s flagship—powerful, complex and built to age. Its bouquet evokes ripe morello cherries, red berries, Mediterranean herbs and delicate spices. On the palate, it is dry, elegant and well-structured, with finely integrated tannins and a long, juicy finish. Its vibrant ruby hue gradually deepens into garnet with age, reflecting its graceful evolution.

Best served at 18–20 °C and ideally decanted, this Brunello reveals its full potential at the table. It pairs beautifully with grilled steak, lamb, and game such as venison or wild boar, as well as with aged cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino. Braised dishes such as Osso Buco or richly seasoned poultry also complement its depth. And as a contemplative wine, it shines on its own—an exceptional choice for discerning connoisseurs.

General properties

• Vintage: 2020
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Tuscany
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Azienda Agricola Pacenti Franco - Loc. Canalicchio di Sopra, 6 - 53024 Montalcino (SI) - Italia - +39 0577 849277
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
• Grape: 100% Sangiovese grosso.
• Training system: Spurred cordon with 4000 vines/ha.
• Vinification and Aging: Manual harvest between late August and early October. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with constant pumping over, followed by a long maceration on the skins. Aging in large Slavonian and French oak barrels for 36 months and at least 4 months in the bottle.
• Scent: The bouquet is layered and precise, with vibrant notes of lingonberry, cherry and pomegranate forming the aromatic foundation. Subtle hints of blood orange and dried flowers lend finesse, while complex, spicy elements such as leather, tobacco, tar and a touch of tomato paste add depth and character. Earthy undertones of forest floor and dried mushrooms round off the profile, imparting an elegant maturity and a distinctive sense of terroir.
• Taste: The wine opens with a juicy, well-defined presence, led by ripe, dark fruit with a subtly tart edge that lends depth and expression. Fresh, youthful tannins—already showing signs of maturity—provide structure and balance. The flavour profile is enriched by gentle smoky, earthy and tobacco notes, adding a layer of spicy complexity. In the background, saline hints and ethereal herbal tones subtly enhance the overall impression. Toasted and ashy nuances round out the composition, culminating in a persistent, firm finish marked by precise fruit and refined juiciness.
• Colour: Sparkling and intense ruby red with a delicate garnet hue.
• Alcohol content: 14.5 % Vol.
• Total acidity: 5.2 g/l
• Residual sugar: 1.7 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• How to serve: The robust Brunello di Montalcino pairs perfectly with meat dishes, game, and aged cheese. Its versatility extends from grilled steak to braised beef. Franco Pacenti's Canalicchio DOCG stands out as a connoisseur's delight, even as a wine for meditation.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 18 and 20°C [Room temperature]. Uncork 1-1.5 hours before being served.
• Ageing Potential: Thanks to its structural density, finely tuned tannins and layered aromatic profile, this vintage remains in an early stage of development, offering only glimpses of its future complexity. Under optimal cellaring conditions—cool, dark storage with stable temperature—the wine is expected to begin revealing its full maturity from around 2028. Over time, the fruit will integrate more harmoniously, the spicy and earthy notes will deepen, and the texture will become increasingly velvety. With ageing potential extending comfortably to 2040 and beyond, this Brunello promises growing elegance and depth, making it an outstanding prospect for long-term cellaring and a rewarding choice for lovers of mature Brunello.
• Allergens: Contains sulphites.
• EAN (bottle): 8032505950018
• Bottle type: Disposable (no deposit)
• Scope of supply: 1 disposable bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape variety

SANGIOVESE GROSSO (BRUNELLO)

The Sangiovese Grosso, also known as Brunello, stands among the most significant and noble grape varieties in Tuscany. Originating in the medieval era, the name "Sangiovese" is often traced back to "Sanguis Jovis," referring to the Roman designation for the "Blood of Jupiter." Since medieval times, the Sangiovese vine has proliferated in Tuscany, particularly in Montalcino, its original cultivation area. Over time, various clones and variations have emerged. The term "Sangiovese Grosso" specifically denotes a variant cultivated in Montalcino. The nickname "Brunello" derives from the characteristic dark colour of the berries. Wines exclusively crafted from Sangiovese Grosso, known as Brunello di Montalcino, gained prominence in the 19th century. The plant is characterized by medium to large, round, dark green leaves, with slightly woolly tips on the shoots. The berries are medium to large, oval-shaped, deep blue to black, and feature a thick skin that can contribute to a higher tannin structure in the wines. The growth characteristics of Sangiovese Grosso range from moderate to vigorous, tending to develop bushy and requiring ventilation to avoid fungal diseases. Meticulous care of the vines is crucial to ensure optimal sunlight exposure. Montalcino, owing to its unique geological conditions and microclimate, is particularly well-suited for cultivation. Sangiovese Grosso typically yields a moderate to low crop, enhancing concentration in the grapes. The ripening period varies depending on the vintage and climatic conditions, often occurring in late September or early October. These wines are distinguished by depth, complexity, and pronounced tannins. Brunello di Montalcino wines are renowned for gaining elegance and nuanced richness with age, featuring flavours of red fruits such as cherries and raspberries, accompanied by floral notes, spices, and a certain mineral quality.