Review: Caparzo 2022 Rosso di Montalcino DOC and 2019 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

The first slap of winter has arrived: howling wind at the windows, a trace of snow on everything and the urge to pile under heated blankets until March. As if on cue, two bottles from Italy’s Caparzo have also arrived, perfectly timed for the seasonal shift. A small comfort and a reminder that while the days shorten, there’s still brightness to be found elsewhere.

2019 Caparzo Sangiovese Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Rich and composed, this Brunello leans into its classical heritage with a touch of modern finesse. Aromas of rose petal and cigar box unfold first, soon joined by black cherry and a trace of fennel and graphite at the core. The palate walks a fine line between generosity and restraint: dark fruit cushioned by subtle sweetness, then drawn taut by herbal and mineral tones. Refined tannins provide the wine shape, suggesting that a few unhurried years in the cellar should bring its depth and elegance fully into focus. A- / $54

2022 Caparzo Sangiovese Rosso di Montalcino DOC – Approachable from the first pour, this Rosso di Montalcino arrives with bursts of strawberry, orange zest, and a hint of vanilla. The palate balances that brightness with composed depth: textured, polished, and more substantial than expected, with notes of slightly dried cherry, cedar and faint mushroom adding complexity without extra weight. Medium-bodied and lively, it finishes clean and vibrant, making it an ideal companion for a rich and hearty pasta bake. B / $23

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