At a glance

Producer

Canalicchio di Sopra

Region

Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$28-$38 USD

Tasting profile

Bright cherry, red currant, raspberry, hints of wild herbs, violets, dried roses. Lively acidity, subtle spice, polished tannins.

Evolution: Over the next few years, the wine will gain more notes of dried cherry, tobacco, leather, and forest underbrush while retaining freshness.

At peak: In peak drinking years (2025–2027), look for a beautifully integrated red with both vibrant and evolving flavors, soft tannins, and classic Tuscan earthiness.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus (vibrant, giving freshness and supporting food pairing)

Tannins

Medium, fine-grained (elegant Sangiovese tannins, not aggressive)

Alcohol

13.5–14% ABV (typical for the region and vintage)

Aging potential

Moderate (5–7 years from vintage; excellent quality Rosso, but designed for earlier consumption than Brunello)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2027

Optimal window

2024 to 2029

Current status

Young and vibrant, primary fruit-driven style typical for Rosso di Montalcino.

Current condition

Approachable; can be enjoyed now with 1–2 years of bottle aging rewarding with added complexity.

Rosso di Montalcino, particularly from top estates like Canalicchio di Sopra, offers its best aromatic complexity and harmony between 2–5 years after vintage. It retains freshness and red fruit vibrancy in youth, while developing subtle earthy and savory notes as it matures. While some examples can stretch beyond 7 years, they are typically crafted for early enjoyment in contrast to the more ageworthy Brunello.

Food pairing

Compatible with classic Tuscan fare—pappardelle with wild boar ragù, roasted pork loin, grilled vegetables, Pecorino cheese, mushroom risotto, or tomato-based pasta dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — Decanting opens youthful aromas, softens tannins and exposes subtle herbal complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Estate uses organic methods (no synthetic herbicides/pesticides), native cover crops, manual harvest, low-intervention vinification. Focus on biodiversity, soil health, limited irrigation (rain-dependent, dry-farming principles).

Canalicchio di Sopra is highly regarded for sustainable viticulture, combining traditional practices with modern energy and resource management. They use organic principles, limit chemical treatments, support local biodiversity, and have worked towards minimizing carbon emissions by investing in efficient winemaking equipment and lighter packaging. Estate vineyards are hand-farmed with an emphasis on minimizing tractor usage. For North American, Asian, or Australasia consumers, carbon footprint is higher due to shipping distance. Overall, practices are among the leaders in Tuscany for mid-sized estates, just short of full certification for all production.