A magnificent single-vineyard Brunello from the Montosoli area of northern Montalcino, Capanna “Nicco” 2019 represents a particularly distinguished expression of 100% Sangiovese from one of the estate’s finest vineyard parcels.
Produced in limited quantities and matured traditionally in large Slavonian oak casks, Nicco combines the power and longevity of Brunello with the elegance and aromatic definition associated with northern Montalcino. In the exceptional 2019 vintage, the wine shows beautiful wild raspberry, dark cherry and rose petals, complemented by nutmeg, savory herbs, earth and subtle spice.
Presented here in Magnum 1.5L, this is an especially compelling bottle for the collector, an important dinner or long-term cellaring.
Producer: Capanna – Cencioni Family
Region: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
Area: Montosoli, Northern Montalcino
Wine: Nicco
Grape: 100% Sangiovese
Vintage: 2019
Bottle Size: Magnum 1.5L
Alcohol: 14.5%
Maturation: 30–36 Months in Slavonian Oak
Style: Powerful · Elegant · Structured · Age-Worthy
Capanna confirms that Nicco is produced in 750 ml, 1.5L and 3L formats, making the Magnum an authentic estate bottling rather than a special aftermarket presentation.
Nose:
Elegant and expressive, opening with rose petals, wild raspberry and dark cherry, followed by subtle nutmeg. As the wine develops, expect additional nuances of dried herbs, earth, tobacco and savory Tuscan spice. Falstaff's tasting of the 2019 particularly emphasized the wine's fragrant rose, raspberry, dark cherry and nutmeg character.
Palate:
Powerful yet beautifully composed, with dark cherry and wild berry fruit supported by vibrant Sangiovese acidity. The fruit gradually gives way to savory herbs, earth, spice and a distinctive tea-like character.
Structure:
Full-bodied and firmly structured, with substantial, gripping tannins and excellent freshness. This remains a youthful Brunello, but the balance between fruit, acidity and tannin suggests considerable potential for development.
Finish:
Long and persistent, with dark berries, cherry, herbs and spice, finishing with a distinctive green-tea nuance noted by Falstaff.
Nicco is not simply another bottling of Capanna Brunello.
The estate's vineyards are concentrated within approximately two kilometres of the winery in Montosoli, north of Montalcino—an area Capanna describes as historically regarded among the finest parts of the appellation.
Nicco allows Capanna to present a more focused expression of this terroir, emphasizing structure, aromatic purity and longevity.
It therefore sits beautifully within the Capanna portfolio between the estate's classic Brunello and its more selectively produced Riserva.
Capanna follows a traditional approach to Brunello.
The Sangiovese undergoes approximately 25–30 days of fermentation and skin maceration, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Both take place in truncated-conical Slavonian oak vats.
The wine then matures for 30–36 months in 10–25 hectolitre Slavonian oak casks, followed by at least six months in bottle before release.
The emphasis is therefore on allowing Sangiovese and terroir to provide the personality rather than relying on overt new-oak character.
2019 is an outstanding vintage for Brunello di Montalcino, and Nicco is one of Capanna's strongest expressions from the year.
The wine received 96 points from Falstaff, which praised its fragrant aromatics, dark berry fruit and firm, savory tannins.
Wine Enthusiast awarded 95 points, highlighting sweet cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry alongside earthy and herbal characteristics.
That combination of concentration, freshness and tannic structure makes the 2019 particularly attractive for extended cellaring.
The 1.5L Magnum format makes this bottle particularly special.
A Magnum contains the equivalent of two standard bottles but has approximately the same amount of oxygen beneath the cork. As a result, fine wines generally evolve more slowly and gradually in Magnum, often preserving freshness and youthful fruit for longer.
For a structured wine such as Brunello—and particularly an excellent vintage such as 2019—that makes Magnum an especially desirable format for the cellar.
It is also an impressive bottle for the table, comfortably serving approximately 10–12 tasting pours or 8–10 generous glasses.
Capanna Nicco Brunello di Montalcino 2019 Magnum combines three characteristics collectors look for: a distinguished vineyard expression, an outstanding Brunello vintage and a large-format bottle.
The wine itself is classic Sangiovese—wild raspberry, dark cherry and rose petals, developing toward earth, herbs, tobacco and spice, with powerful tannins and excellent freshness.
The critical recognition reinforces its pedigree, including 96 points from Falstaff and 95 points from Wine Enthusiast.
In the 1.5L Magnum, this becomes much more than another bottle of Brunello. It is a compelling collector's bottle, celebration wine and luxury gift, with the potential to develop beautifully for many years.
2027–2050+
In standard bottle, the 2019 already has considerable longevity. In Magnum, I would be even more comfortable extending the drinking window.
For drinking young, allow approximately 2–3 hours of decanting and serve at 17–18°C.
I would ideally cellar the Magnum until 2030 or later, when the youthful fruit and tannins should begin developing the more complex dried cherry, leather, tobacco, forest floor, balsamic herb and truffle characteristics of mature Brunello.
A well-stored Magnum should evolve beautifully through the 2040s and potentially beyond 2050.
Capanna recommends Nicco with roasted red meats, game and very mature cheeses.
For a Magnum shared around the table, I would make the food equally celebratory: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, roasted rack of lamb, braised beef, venison or wild boar.
As the wine matures, dishes involving porcini mushrooms and truffle will become increasingly attractive.
PAIR WITH:
Bistecca alla Fiorentina · Roast Lamb · Braised Beef · Venison · Wild Boar · Porcini Mushrooms · Truffle · Aged Pecorino Toscano
