The wonderful Brunello di Montalcinos from Argiano have built a following among our customers, regularly receiving scores high enough to make us think there must have been some mistake with the price!  The 2021 does it again, achieving 94+ points from Vinous, but priced at just £220 per six in bond.  2021 was a cool, classical vintage, but this Brunello still has lots of intensity and surpasses even the excellent 2020.

Established in 1580 (five years before the birth of Hamnet!), the Argiano estate boasts a palace described as a high point in Renaissance architecture.  History notwithstanding, the estate has been evolving rapidly since it was purchased in 2013 by André Esteves Robert, who set about restoring both the palace and the winery.

The 2021 is the first fully organic vintage at Argiano.  Parker's Italian wine expert Monica Larner describes the 2021 as "a classically styled, cellar-worthy expression of Sangiovese, distinguished by freshness, structural clarity and elegance. Lower alcohol levels did not go unnoticed and represent a step in a positive direction."  The growing season saw a mild winter, an early budbreak, and a severe spring frost.  Due to pronounced diurnal temperature swings and reserves of groundwater, the vines recovered from this tough start and produced perfectly ripe, concentrated grapes. 

Decanter's Alessandra Piubello also comments on the accessibility of the vintage:  "to the delight of those who love the typicality and character of Brunello...the 2021s are ready to be enjoyed now.  An expressive vintage, 2021 has an immediate charm. The well-defined, perfectly ripe fruit, not being excessively covered by oak, opens in a symphony of fragrant aromas. "

Alongside the 2021 estate wine, we offer 2023 Solengo, the estate's 'Super Tuscan' red, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, and 5% Sangiovese, made in a modern style and aged for 18 months in French barriques.  Capturing all the sunshine and warmth of the Brunello, the use of familiar French varieties makes this a more approachable rendition of Montalcino terroir, which should drink well soon after landing.  

Argiano's reasonable pricing means demand is always high and we never receive as large an allocation as we need, so please don't delay if you would like to place an order. 

Offered pre-landing, expected late spring 2026.