A prestigious single-selection Brunello from Capanna, “Nicco” represents a more concentrated and distinctive expression of the estate's vineyards in the celebrated Montosoli area, on the northern side of Montalcino.
Produced from 100% Sangiovese, the 2021 combines the exceptional energy of the vintage with Capanna's traditional approach to maturation in large Slavonian oak. It is powerful yet refined, with vibrant cherry and raspberry fruit, floral perfume, savory Mediterranean herbs and a distinctly mineral character. The tannins remain youthful and structured, pointing toward a long evolution in bottle.
Region: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Producer: Capanna
Cuvée: Nicco
Grape: 100% Sangiovese
Style: Dry, full-bodied, structured Tuscan red
Alcohol: Approximately 14.5–15%
Capanna's vineyards are concentrated within roughly two kilometres of the winery in Montosoli, historically considered one of Montalcino's most prized areas. Nicco is the estate's special selection, offering an even more focused interpretation of this terroir.
Nose:
Intensely aromatic, with fresh cherry, raspberry and blackberry accompanied by rose petals and delicate floral notes. As the wine opens, coriander, Mediterranean herbs, subtle balsamic nuances, smoke and earthy complexity begin to emerge.
Palate:
Deep and concentrated, with ripe cherry, blackberry and plum supported by vibrant acidity. Savory herbs, spice, smoke and a subtle tar-like character provide complexity, while the fruit remains beautifully fresh and energetic.
Structure:
Full-bodied and powerful, with firm, gripping tannins, excellent freshness and impressive concentration. The 2021 remains relatively closed in its youth, but the balance between fruit, acidity and tannin suggests considerable potential for development. Falstaff awarded the wine an impressive 97 points.
Finish:
Long, structured and persistent, with dark cherry, blackberry, dried flowers, herbs and earthy mineral notes lingering over youthful tannins.
Nicco is produced exclusively from Sangiovese. Fermentation involves approximately 25–30 days of skin maceration at controlled temperature, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation in truncated-cone Slavonian oak vats.
The wine is matured for approximately 30–36 months in large 10–25 hectolitre Slavonian oak casks, followed by at least six months of bottle aging. This traditional élevage preserves Sangiovese's purity and allows the character of Montosoli to remain at the forefront.
Capanna Nicco Brunello di Montalcino 2021 is a particularly compelling release from an excellent Brunello vintage—a wine that combines power, freshness, perfume and impressive structural precision.
Nicco sits above Capanna's classic Brunello as a more focused selection, making it especially appealing to collectors and lovers of traditionally styled Montalcino wines.
The critical reception has been excellent:
97 Points — Falstaff
95 Points — WinesCritic
94 Points — Decanter
This is a Brunello that will reward patience.
The 2021 vintage is regarded as an excellent year for Brunello di Montalcino, producing wines characterized by precision, freshness, aromatic intensity and substantial structure. The best examples combine concentration with vibrant acidity and refined tannins, giving them excellent long-term potential.
Nicco captures these qualities beautifully. The fruit is ripe and expressive, but the wine remains energetic and firmly structured rather than opulent. Falstaff's 2026 tasting found it still quite closed on the finish—another indication that this is a wine built for the cellar.
2028–2048+
Although it can be enjoyed young with 2–3 hours of decanting, I would ideally give the 2021 several more years in bottle.
From around 2028 onward, expect the vibrant cherry and raspberry fruit to develop toward dried cherry, rose, tobacco, leather, balsamic herbs, forest floor and truffle, while the substantial tannins become increasingly polished.
For collectors, I would have no hesitation cellaring well-kept bottles into the 2040s.
Exceptional with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, roasted lamb, wild boar, braised beef short rib, osso buco, duck, porcini mushrooms and aged Pecorino Toscano.
Capanna specifically recommends roasted red meats, game and mature cheeses, all of which complement Nicco's combination of concentrated Sangiovese fruit, acidity and firm tannic structure.
