Conti Costanti 2017 Brunello di Montalcino 375ml

Conti Costanti is genuinely one of the original five producers of Brunello di Montalcino, with roots dating back to the 1870s, located next to — practically across from — Biondi Santi, the legendary estate credited with creating the Sangiovese Grosso clone that defines the entire category. This 2017 vintage carries a genuinely interesting backstory: proprietor Andrea Costanti chose not to bottle a Riserva that year at all, instead channeling all of that higher-quality fruit directly into the standard Brunello — giving this particular bottling unusually concentrated depth for its tier, a decision multiple critics singled out as a real success.

The vineyards sit near the town of Montalcino, between 310 and 440 meters elevation, with southwestern exposure on galestro soil, combining the power and intensity Montalcino is known for with genuine elegance from the vineyard's elevated position. Fermentation takes place on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel over roughly two weeks, and the wine ages a full 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels, an additional 18 months in French tonneaux, and at least 12 further months in bottle before release.

The critical reception has been genuinely outstanding. Wine Enthusiast awarded a remarkable 97 Points, and Decanter called it "one of the stars of the vintage," scoring it 94 Points. Vinous, through Eric Guido, scored the wine 93 Points, describing "an alluring, spicy and dusty mix of cherry and raspberry preserves, crushed stone and dusty flowers" lifted "by cedar shavings and dried citrus peels," the wine "fleshy yet delicate," with "pure ripe red berry fruit" contrasted "by salty mineral tones," concluding Andrea Costanti's decision to fold the Riserva fruit into this wine was a genuine success. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also scored the wine 93 Points, describing it as "extremely elegant and focused," a wine that "defies the heat of the vintage," opening with "a heady fragrance of ripe dark-skinned berries, violet, camphor, dark spice and whiffs of crushed herbs," the palate "linear" and "elegantly structured," with "tightly woven but extremely polished tannins" accompanying "juicy Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and white pepper," fresh acidity keeping it "balanced and fresh." This is genuinely one of the standout wines of a celebrated Brunello vintage — real concentration and elegance from one of Montalcino's founding estates.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Conti Costanti 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is produced by Conti Costanti, one of the original five producers of Brunello di Montalcino, with family history dating to the 1870s, located near the legendary Biondi Santi estate. The wine is made entirely from Sangiovese, sourced from vineyards near Montalcino at 310 to 440 meters elevation, southwestern exposure, on galestro soil.

In 2017, proprietor Andrea Costanti chose not to bottle a separate Riserva, instead blending that higher-quality fruit directly into the standard Brunello, giving this vintage unusual concentration for its tier. Fermentation takes place on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel for approximately two weeks. The wine ages 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels, 18 months in French tonneaux, and at least 12 months in bottle before release. Bottled at 14% ABV, 375ml half bottle.

Critics Reviews

Wine Enthusiast — 97 Points

Decanter — 94 Points ("one of the stars of the vintage")

Eric Guido, Vinous — 93 Points (Dec 2021):
"An alluring, spicy and dusty mix of cherry and raspberry preserves, crushed stone and dusty flowers is lifted by cedar shavings and dried citrus peels as the majestic 2017 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. This is fleshy yet delicate in feel, displaying pure ripe red berry fruit, nicely contrasted by salty mineral tones, and lacking only a bit of midpalate depth that might take it to the next level. It tapers off long while leaving the mouth watering for more, as a gentle tug of tannin slowly fades under rosy inner florals. Andrea Costanti didn't produce a Riserva in 2017, and so all of that juice was used to try to bolster the Brunello. From what I've tasted, I'd say he succeeded."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate — 93 Points:
"Extremely elegant and focused, this compelling wine defies the heat of the vintage, starting with a heady fragrance of ripe dark-skinned berries, violet, camphor, dark spice and whiffs of crushed herbs. On the linear, elegantly structured palate, tightly woven but extremely polished tannins accompany juicy Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and white pepper while fresh acidity keeps it balanced and fresh." Drink 2025-2032.

Michaela Morris (at Mastrojanni, Nov 19, 2021):
"Aromatically, the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino has found a lovely balance, dark and balsamic, with dried cherries, cloves, spiced citrus and lifting hints of cedar and pine. This is seductively soft-textured and round. A zesty, acidic, spicy core offsets a silken wave of ripe red berry fruits. Its minerality shines through in the finish as edgy tannins resonate and a pleasantly bitter sensation settles in."

Tasting Profile

Nose
Ripe dark-skinned berries and violet lead, joined by camphor, dark spice, and crushed herbs, alongside cherry, raspberry preserves, crushed stone, and cedar shavings.

Palate
Elegant and linear, with juicy Marasca cherry and blood orange carrying real concentration, developing licorice, white pepper, and potting soil, framed by tightly woven, polished tannin and fresh acidity.

Finish
Long, savory, and balsamic, closing with lingering salty minerality and a gentle, resonant tug of tannin.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Braised or roasted red meat
• Aged, hard cheeses
• Rich, savory ragù
• Truffle-based dishes