Conti Costanti : Where Brunello Becomes History
The Costanti family has been linked to Montalcino since the 1400s.
In 1555, during the final siege of the Republic of Siena, the Costanti family took part in the defense of Montalcino. Among the heroes of that time stands Scipione Costanti, remembered for his courage.
From this moment begins the long and remarkable history of the Conti Costanti estate.
Over the centuries, the family’s lands gradually expanded from Colle al Matrichese to the Castle of Bibbiano, just a few kilometers from Siena. The historic name of this area is Contrada Matrichese. Only a few traces remain of the original settlement; even the present chapel was rebuilt in 1786. Originally, this site hosted the convent of Santa Maria di Mater Ecclesiae, from which the name Matrichese derives.
Today, Colle al Matrichese is home to the magnificent noble villa, surrounded by a historic Italian-style garden. Every corner of the estate bears witness to the family’s history, starting with the private chapel built in 1786, which preserves a precious 13th-century fresco depicting a Weeping Virgin.
The aging cellar is part of the historic villa and also houses the family’s private archive, another guardian of the memory of this extraordinary place.
Visiting the historic wineries of Montalcino is always deeply moving; at times, it truly feels like traveling back in time. I find it fascinating how, through these estates, one can piece together fragments of the great mosaic of medieval history in Montalcino and Tuscany. The historic Brunello producers have roots that are deeply and authentically embedded in the land.
Brunello and the Costanti Family
As centuries passed, the life of the family evolved through change and transformation. A decisive moment arrived in 1870, when Tito Costanti, taking part in a Wine Exhibition, chose to give his wine a precise and legendary name: Brunello.
Later, Emilio Costanti — a prominent figure in the region — became one of the founding fathers of the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium, playing a crucial role in shaping the history and identity of the denomination.
The Vineyards
The Conti Costanti vineyards are located in the south-eastern area of Montalcino, in the historic zone of Colle al Matrichese, one of the most prestigious areas for producing high-quality Brunello.
The soil is mainly galestro, ideal for drainage and for expressing the finesse of Sangiovese.
Another vineyard, about one hectare in size, lies in the north / north-east of Montalcino, on the slopes of Montosoli. Acquired in the 1990s, it faces west and is characterized by clay soils. Here, only Merlot is grown, used for the production of Ardingo Toscana IGT — a wine that blends Merlot and Sangiovese.
Tasting Notes
Vermiglio Rosso di Montalcino 2021
Aged for 12 months in 50 hl Allier oak tonneaux and 12 months in 30 hl Slavonian oak large casks.
On the nose, ripe red fruit, sour cherry, and a delicate hint of forest floor. On the palate it is fresh, fruity, and harmonious.
Brunello di Montalcino 2020
Aged for 48 months in tonneaux and 18 months in Slavonian oak casks.
Aromas of dark fruits, sour cherry, blackberry, and tobacco. A structured wine with a long, refined finish.
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2019
A fabulous vintage, the first after almost ten years.
A spectacular, opulent, and expressive year, capable of producing long-lived and vibrant wines.
In the glass, aromas of blackberry, wild cherry, aromatic herbs, sweet spices, and forest floor emerge. The tannins are fine and sandy, and the freshness promises long aging — at least 15 years.
A harmonious, deep, balanced, and intense wine, which will reveal its full beauty in about three years.
The aging lasts 48 months:
18 months in French oak tonneaux (Allier) of 3.5 and 6 hl
followed by aging in large Slavonian oak casks of 30 hl
and finally 24 months in bottle
A Brunello of rare elegance, combining power and grace, tradition and depth.
A wine that tells the story of Montalcino with an authentic and passionate voice.
