At a glance

Producer

Sesti

Region

Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese (100% - locally known as Sangiovese Grosso)

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$95-$120 (Wine-Searcher average retail, June 2024; confirmed from major U.S. and EU retailers for this vintage)

Tasting profile

Intense aromas of black cherry, dried rose, wild herbs, truffle, cedar, and subtle spice. The palate is powerful and concentrated, with deep red berry fruit, tobacco, forest floor, leather, cocoa, and savory mineral elements. Long, persistent finish with still-fresh acidity.

Evolution: With further aging, expect more pronounced notes of dried fruit, balsam, sous-bois, sweet earth, sandalwood, and complex umami nuances as tannins continue to soften.

At peak: Fully resolved tannins, lush secondary/tertiary bouquet with earthy, balsamic notes, dried flowers, and evolved fruit; harmonious, elegant structure with lingering savory length.

Structure

Acidity

High—bright and persistent, essential to the wine’s aging potential.

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained and well-integrated, with a grippy youthfulness now evolving into polished smoothness.

Alcohol

14.0%-14.5% (typical for Sesti Brunello; well-balanced and integrated)

Aging potential

Excellent; 25+ years from vintage, thanks to structure and producer’s classic style.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2032

Optimal window

2020 to 2035

Current status

Ready, can age further

Current condition

Showing beautiful aromatic complexity, ripe tannins, and fine acidity; drinking excellently now but will further evolve for many years.

The 2013 vintage in Montalcino is classic and structured, marked by vibrant acidity and firm yet fine tannins. Sesti’s traditional approach yields a wine that needs several years in bottle to harmonize. 2024–2032 represents the plateau where youthful fruit meets emerging tertiary complexity and all elements are balanced, though the wine will hold, and evolve, for much longer. After 2035, fruit will soften further, and tertiary notes will dominate—a treat for mature Brunello lovers.

Food pairing

Tuscan bistecca fiorentina, aged Pecorino cheeses, bistecca alla griglia, wild boar ragù pappardelle, truffled risotto, roasted lamb, porcini mushroom dishes, or robust vegetarian stews. Earthy flavors and protein-rich dishes will match the wine’s structure and depth, while the wine’s evolving profile will pair beautifully with game and aged cheeses in later years.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow full aromatic expression, integration, and to soften any remaining youthful tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Biodynamic viticulture, minimal intervention winemaking, no chemical herbicides or pesticides, low sulfites

Sesti is respected for its organic and biodynamic work in the vineyard, although not formally certified. Farming avoids chemicals and follows lunar cycles, emphasizing biodiversity and natural balances—ahead of broader sustainability trends in Montalcino.