A refined and classically structured Brunello di Montalcino from Capanna's vineyards in the prestigious Montosoli area, north of Montalcino. Produced exclusively from Sangiovese selected from the estate's oldest vineyards, the 2020 combines generous ripe fruit with the freshness, savory character and firm structure associated with traditional Brunello.
Compared with the more powerful 2019, the 2020 is particularly attractive for its supple texture and earlier approachability, showing ripe cherry and plum alongside rose, Mediterranean herbs, licorice and subtle earthy complexity. Critics have responded positively, with 94 points from both Jeb Dunnuck and James Suckling, 93 from Vinous and 92 from Wine Advocate.
Region: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grape: 100% Sangiovese
Style: Dry, full-bodied, traditionally styled Tuscan red
Alcohol: 14.5%
Capanna's vineyards lie within approximately two kilometres of the winery in Montosoli, historically regarded as one of Montalcino's finest growing areas. The Brunello is made from carefully selected Sangiovese grown in the estate's oldest vineyards.
Nose:
Expressive and layered, opening with ripe red cherry, black cherry, plum and blackberry, followed by rose petals, violet and dried herbs. With air, notes of fennel, licorice, rosemary, mint, orange peel and subtle earthy spice emerge.
Palate:
Generous and beautifully textured, with ripe cherry, plum and wild berry fruit supported by refreshing acidity. Savory herbs, licorice and subtle balsamic notes provide complexity, while an earthy mineral character gives the wine distinctly Tuscan personality.
Structure:
Medium to full-bodied with fine, velvety tannins and lively acidity. There is ample concentration, but the 2020's strength lies in its balance: powerful enough for extended aging while already showing a softer and more accessible side than many young Brunellos.
Finish:
Long and persistent, with black cherry, dried herbs, licorice and subtle citrus notes lingering over finely textured tannins and a gently savory, mineral finish.
Capanna follows a traditional approach to Brunello. The Sangiovese undergoes 25–30 days of skin maceration, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Maturation takes place in large 10–32 hectolitre Slavonian oak casks for approximately 30–36 months, followed by at least six months of bottle aging before release.
The restrained use of large-format Slavonian oak allows the character of Sangiovese and the Montosoli terroir to remain at the forefront rather than being dominated by new oak.
Capanna Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is a beautifully balanced expression of traditional Brunello, combining ripe fruit, floral perfume, savory complexity and polished structure.
Where the excellent 2019 vintage emphasizes power, structure and long-term potential, the 2020 offers a slightly more generous and approachable personality without sacrificing the freshness and tannic backbone required for aging.
The critical reception reflects that quality:
94 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
94 Points — James Suckling
93 Points — Vinous
92 Points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
It is an excellent choice for Brunello lovers seeking a wine that can be enjoyed relatively young while still possessing the structure to develop beautifully in the cellar.
The 2020 vintage in Montalcino produced wines notable for ripe fruit and generous textures while maintaining good freshness. Capanna's 2020 displays this character particularly well, with its combination of plush fruit, silky tannins and energetic acidity.
Vinous highlighted the wine's energy and freshness, while Jeb Dunnuck noted its fine tannins, purity and balance. James Suckling found the fruit already expressive but recommended allowing additional time for the tannins to soften.
2026–2040
The wine can certainly be enjoyed now with 1–2 hours of decanting, particularly alongside food. However, another few years in bottle should allow the tannins to soften further and the wine to develop greater tertiary complexity.
With age, expect the fresh cherry and plum to evolve toward dried cherry, leather, tobacco, forest floor, balsamic herbs and truffle. Jeb Dunnuck suggests a drinking horizon through approximately 2040.
Beautiful with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, roasted lamb, braised beef short rib, duck, wild boar ragù, osso buco, porcini mushroom dishes and aged Pecorino Toscano.
Its combination of ripe fruit, acidity and structured tannins makes it particularly successful with slow-roasted meats, game and traditional Tuscan cuisine. Capanna itself recommends roast red meats, game and aged cheeses.
