february 28, 2024

Hidden gems in Montalcino

Discover the Caprili Winery

Reading Time: 5 mins

A few days ago I stumbled upon another gem in the heart of Tuscany, the Caprili winery.

A morning tour that left me enchanted by authentic beauty and craftsmanship, in the appellation that I love the most: Montalcino.

Visiting Caprili was a journey through years of winemaking tradition, an immersion into the history that has shaped the land and given birth to one of the world’s most renowned wines: Brunello di Montalcino.

As I stepped into the winery, guided through the expertise of Giacomo Bartolommei, third generation of the family, I felt enveloped in a magical atmosphere, where every detail tells a story of passion and dedication. The stone walls, marked by time, hold secrets passed down through generations, while the intense aroma of slowly maturing wines fills the air.

Founded in 1965 by Alfo Bartolommei, Caprili carries forward a precious legacy, tied to the land and its generosity. Through years of hard work and sacrifice, the Bartolommei family has turned a dream into reality, producing wines of extraordinary quality that capture the very essence of this territory.

Caprili winery is nestled in the enchanting landscape of Montalcino, spanning 58 hectares at altitudes ranging from 220 to 350 meters above sea level. Situated southwest of Montalcino, they manage 18 hectares under vine, including 16 dedicated to Sangiovese for the renowned Brunello di Montalcino D.O.C.G. At Caprili winery, they prioritize the use of indigenous yeasts, naturally present in the grapes, giving their wines a distinct terroir-driven identity that is both recognizable and traceable.

Aging takes place in Slavonian oak barrels, preserving the essence of Sangiovese Grosso’s flavor profile. Their winemaking philosophy embraces natural processes, avoiding the addition of external yeasts and additives. During a visit to Caprili, be sure to explore their historic vintages library, where the stone walls guard the secrets of their traditions and showcase every vintage, including the very first, lovingly preserved for all to admire.

As we approach the tasting session, I can’t help to be immediately captivated by their Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, vintage 2019, an elegant expression of great harmony and refinement, perfectly representing the classic tradition of this award-winning appellation. The long maturation of 36 months in large barrels gives the Sangiovese a slow evolution, softening the tannins and creating a remarkable complexity of taste.

Brunello di Montalcino Caprili 2019 stands out for its typical floral and fruity notes, enriched by a wide range of tertiary aromas that make the sip memorable. Aromas of undergrowth, sour cherries, gentian, and elegantly warm and balsamic tones. The taste is intense, robust, deep, and mineral, with a very long progression in the palate.