Triple 100pts: “Breathtakingly Gorgeous” Brunello

Conti Costanti is not about scores.

Collectors revere the mythic Tuscan producer because they make some of the finest Sangiovese known to man. And those who know Italian wine know that no matter the vintage, no matter the circumstances, opening a Costanti wine means youre in for something sublimeno matter what any critic says.

But when a Conti Costanti wine receives THREE 100-point scoresfrom Decanter, from Brunello expert Kerin OKeefe, and from eminent Italian-wine authority Ian DAgata (formerly of Vinous)well, thats when it graduates from an object of envy to a must-have.

Beautiful, elegant, mineral, suave, pretty and elegant Brunello sums this gorgeous wine up nicely. It is one of the Brunellos of the 2019 vintage, wrote DAgata. OKeefe called it breathtakingly gorgeous.

This is a legendary Brunello in the making, and its almost unfathomable that you can get it for a price that barely touches triple digits. Youll be glad you nabbed it for your cellar, whether you drink it soon or in two decades.

Imagine yourself in Andrea Costantis shoes in the early 1980s. Freshly graduated from the University of Siena with a degree in geology, he was contacted one day by Count Emilio Costanti, a doctor and winegrower. The count had no children, and in looking for a successor to take over his winery he had traced the family genealogy to Andreathe sole living descendant of the Costanti clan, which dates back to the 15th century.

Despite having zero background in wine, Andrea accepted the appointment as the counts successor and threw himself into the family business. The first Costanti vintage had been released in 1865, but the wines remained hidden from the public for generations. Count Emilio was the first to commercialize the operation, and Andrea engineered the estates brilliant debut on the global market.

With a geologists eye, he could see that Costantis 24-acre vineyard, owned by the family for 200 years, was pure gold. At nearly 1,500 feet above sea level, the high-altitude site regularly produces some of the greatest Sangiovese grown in the region.

The wines Andrea has made since taking over in 1983 are the standard against which many others get judgedand by which the quality of a vintage is often gauged. He achieves this level of ballet-like grace by maintaining a deep respect for the biodiversity of his familys land, where roughly 30 acres of vines grow alongside parcels of olive trees.

Costantis Brunellos age 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels, 18 months in French tonneaux, and at least 12 months in bottle, gaining depth and polish. Harnessing that remarkable terroir and expressing it through a meticulous winemaking regimen turned out a captivating Brunello in 2019, no doubt one of the best of the season.

Medium ruby at the center, with shades of garnet and crimson in the tears. Red and black currants, crushed rose petals, black plums, cranberry, and hibiscus make some initial impressions. The palate is utterly layered, with a svelte yet sophisticated profile and contained energy of extraordinary magnitude. Black tea and tan tobacco layer themselves amongst faint licorice root and dried orange peels. The energy is palpable, while being polished and elegant. The level of intensity and finesse here is something to behold. Be patient with this wine, as it will reward time in a decanter and years in the cellar. A true benchmark for the category. Drink 20252045.

Wine Access is committed to protecting your privacy.
Please read our privacy policy.
Copyright 2024 Wine Access, Inc. All rights reserved.

By law, this product may only be shipped to the following states:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
"Shipping included" offer does not apply to shipments to Hawaii and Alaska.
Special conditions apply for DE, MD, ME, NJ, NY, RI, SD, and TX.