Terroir
“Vecchie Vigne” (Old Vines) is sourced from Siro Pacenti’s oldest Sangiovese vineyards, with parcels in both the northern (Pelagrilli) and southern (Piancornello) sectors of Montalcino. The north contributes aromatic precision, elegance, and freshness, while the south adds depth, warmth, and powerful structure. The vines—planted between 1970 and 1980—are deeply rooted in mixed clay, galestro, and sandy soils, giving natural concentration and complexity to the fruit. The combination of differing exposures and microclimates yields a Brunello that is both expansive and finely chiseled, capable of long-term aging.

Vinification
Harvested entirely by hand in late September and early October, the grapes undergo meticulous double sorting to ensure only perfect clusters make it to the fermenters. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel with an extended maceration to extract aromatic compounds and velvety tannins. Aging is for 24 months in 225-liter French oak barriques—about one-third new—before the wine is bottled unfiltered. This slow, precise élevage allows the wine to integrate oak spice and build texture without losing Sangiovese’s purity.

94pts Vinous
The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne is tightly wound and inward, with an intense mix of savory herbs, cedar shavings, ground cloves and blood orange forming its bouquet. Velvety smooth and deep, yet surprisingly vibrant, it casts masses of spiced-cherry and wild berry fruits across the palate, complicated by a hint of sour citrus. The structure emerges through the finish, impossibly long and tannic, yet still fresh, leaving a tart blackberry tinge and violet inner florals. This mixes balance and power in a wildly attractive way. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2034

- By Eric Guido on November 2023

Tasting Notes
The 2020 Vecchie Vigne is a profound, age-worthy Brunello, showing a deep garnet core with ruby flashes. The nose is layered and complex—black cherry, wild plum, and ripe strawberry are interwoven with notes of violet, sweet tobacco, sandalwood, and a mineral, iron-tinged earthiness. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet impeccably balanced, with dense, ripe fruit framed by fine, assertive tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavors evolve toward dark chocolate, balsamic herbs, and a savory, stony minerality. The finish is long, resonant, and slightly saline, promising decades of evolution.

Serving & Pairing
Serve at 16–18 °C, ideally decanted for two hours if enjoyed in its youth. This wine’s depth and structure make it a superb companion to braised beef, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, hare pappardelle, or aged Tuscan pecorino. With proper cellaring, it will gain remarkable tertiary complexity and silkiness over 20+ years.