Product Description:
Fresh from the north side of Montalcino—structured, vibrant, unmistakably Canalicchio. The 2023 Rosso di Montalcino from Canalicchio di Sopra is anything but a second-tier offering. Sourced primarily from younger vines in the estate’s prized Canalicchio Cru, this wine delivers the energy, brightness and mineral backbone that define great northern Montalcino Sangiovese. A small portion from Montosoli adds layered depth and saline drive.
Fermented in steel, then aged in large-format Slavonian and French oak, this is a Rosso built for both pleasure and pedigree. It's a wine that honours the estate’s 60-year legacy—meticulously grown, classically vinified, and shaped by the same terroirs behind their Brunello.
Expect lifted aromatics, fine tannins and that nervy Canalicchio acidity. It’s drinking beautifully young but has the bones to go the distance. Ideal with chargrilled lamb, ragu or hard pecorino.
The Maker
Founded by Primo Pacenti in 1962, Canalicchio di Sopra has been a family-run estate for over six decades. In 1987, Primo was joined by his son-in-law Pier Luigi Ripaccioli, and since 2001, Pier Luigi's children—Francesco, Simonetta, and Marco—have taken the helm. The estate produces both Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino, drawing from the esteemed Canalicchio and Montosoli parcels on the northern side of Montalcino, which together total 19 hectares of vineyards.
The soils in the Canalicchio parcels are predominantly clay with pebbles and a strong mineral content, resulting in wines with aromatic intensity, opulence, and minerality. The Casaccia parcel is particularly notable for its extraordinary elegance, latent power, balance, and silky tannins, which often see it bottled separately. The Rosso di Montalcino is made from the estate's younger vineyards and represents the winery's calling card—a fresh, fruity, and versatile expression of Sangiovese. The first vintage was produced in 1975, when it was still referred to as "Red Wine from Brunello vines.
"The soils in the Canalicchio parcels are predominantly clay with pebbles and a strong mineral content, resulting in wines with aromatic intensity, opulence, and minerality. The Casaccia parcel is particularly notable for its extraordinary elegance, latent power, balance, and silky tannins, which often see it bottled separately. The Rosso di Montalcino is made from the estate's younger vineyards and represents the winery's calling card—a fresh, fruity, and versatile expression of Sangiovese. The first vintage was produced in 1975, when it was still referred to as "Red Wine from Brunello vines."
Philosophy
For over 50 years, Canalicchio di Sopra has pursued the quest for elegance, which lies at the core of their winemaking philosophy. From cultivating their own Cru vineyards to choosing unique microclimates that naturally limit grape yields, every step is taken with care and precision to highlight the distinctive characteristics of their terroir.
The estate focuses solely on Sangiovese, embracing the grape’s ability to express the unique traits of their Canalicchio and Montosoli vineyards. By working closely with these differences in terrain, exposure, and microclimates, Canalicchio di Sopra has built a strong identity, defined by their classical yet distinct wines. Their 19 hectares of vineyards yield wines that are elegant, powerful, mineral-rich, and refreshing, with notable acidity and purity—a true reflection of the land, climate, and people who shape them.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Red-fruited and mineral
Crisp cherry, blood orange and dried thyme with earthy undertones.
PALATE
– Linear and vibrant
Juicy red plum and sour cherry ripple over fine tannins with a saline lick of minerality.
FINISH
– Long and clean
A firm, refreshing finish with subtle spice and plenty of crunch.
Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Sangiovese
Country - Italy
Region - Montalcino, Tuscany
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 15%
Closure - Cork
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