2019 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Balthazar (12 liter)

the Canalicchio di Sopra estate and history in Montalcino

Canalicchio di Sopra is one of Montalcino's established names. Located in the northern part of the region, the combination of altitude, chalky soil, and fresh air creates a distinctive style. The family focuses on precision in the vineyard and has a clear vision of terroir. The estate's history dates back to 1962. Since then, Canalicchio di Sopra has grown into an internationally renowned producer. Their approach focuses on high-quality Sangiovese, sourced from two key zones: Canalicchio and Montosoli.

These two terroirs form the foundation of the style. Canalicchio provides strength and balsamic notes. Montosoli delivers tension, freshness, and mineral accents. The combination of these two terroirs forms the heart of the estate's classic Brunello.

the location of Canalicchio and Montosoli

The vineyards are situated at an altitude of around 300 meters. The soils consist of a mix of clay, magnesium, iron, and minerals in Canalicchio, and a galestro soil with silt and limestone in Montosoli. This combination gives the wines breadth and a clear mineral character. The north-facing location ensures cool nights, which helps the plants maintain tension and aromatic purity. The style remains refined yet structured.

the Melchior performance of the Brunello di Montalcino 2019

The 12-liter Balthazar bottle adds an extra dimension to this Brunello. Its large size allows the wine to age more slowly. This creates greater balance, complexity, and a longer period for the wine to reach its peak. The bottle has a more festive feel and showcases the wine in its prime. Only five 12-liter Balthazars were produced.

characteristics of the Brunello di Montalcino 2019 Canalicchio di Sopra

The 2019 Brunello comes from a year with ideal conditions. The harvest benefited from wide temperature variations and a growing season without extreme heat. According to the winemaker, the wine displays a style they describe as "elegant power." The combination of power and freshness defines the character of this vintage.

According to the fact sheet, the wine is made with Sangiovese from vines over ten years old. The grapes are sourced 50 percent from Canalicchio and 50 percent from Montosoli. These two terroirs complement each other. The wine has structure, balsamic notes, and mineral tension. This is a unique bottle, of which only a few are made in a 12-liter capacity – even more delicious, festive, and with a longer drinking window.

The 2019 review by The Wine Advocate

The Wine Advocate gives this Brunello 94 points. According to the review, the wine opens with notes of candied cherry, grenadine, purple flowers, dried blossoms, and balsamic herbs. The structure is precisely composed. The tannins feel dry yet remain taut and fine. The alcohol content is 15 percent. The review describes the style as elegant and harmonious with good balance.

The review also emphasizes that 2019 was an excellent year for the estate. The new releases demonstrate high quality. The wines have a clear identity and combine power with freshness.

harvest and vinification of the 2019 Brunello

The harvest took place under stable conditions. The grapes reached full ripeness without any heat spikes. Vinification took place in temperature-controlled steel tanks. The wine was gently pumped over daily. Skin maceration lasted approximately 25 days, according to the fact sheet.

The wine was aged for 36 months in 2,500- and 5,000-liter Slavonian oak barrels. This provides structure without overpowering oak notes. The style remains clear and precise, allowing the wine to maintain a natural balance between power and freshness.

color, aroma and taste of the Brunello di Montalcino 2019

The color is ruby red with deep nuances. The aroma reveals cherries, dried flowers, herbs, balsamic notes, and subtle medicinal hints. On the palate, the wine remains broad and complex with a tight tannin structure. The finish is long and layered. The wine is powerful yet retains its refinement thanks to the freshness of Montosoli.

the 2019 harvest year in detail

The 2019 vintage brought regular spring rainfall, warm but not extreme summer days, and cool nights. The grapes ripened fully and evenly. The facts from the technical sheet confirm this. The summer was relatively stress-free. A good rain shower in late July prevented the plants from drying out. Cool nights during ripening balanced the acidity. The result is a wine with aromatic depth, tension, and long aging potential.

Would you like to order Canalicchio di Sopra wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on choosing the right wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings with Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2019 Melchior

Beef tenderloin with rosemary and garlic complements the structure and dark cherry notes.

Guinea fowl with sage and pancetta pairs well with the balsamic style of the wine.

Mushroom risotto offers an earthy balance alongside the spiciness and length of Brunello.

Roasted leg of lamb with thyme complements the dry, fine tannins.

Ravioli filled with taleggio is a great choice because of its creamy texture and strong structure.

Braised aubergine with tomato and oregano works because of its acidity and fresh tension.