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Altesino Rosso IGT Toscana is a beautifully crafted Tuscan red wine from one of Montalcino’s most respected producers. Made predominantly from Sangiovese with a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this vibrant Italian red wine offers all the character and elegance associated with Tuscany whilst remaining approachable and excellent value. On the palate, expect vibrant notes of wild berries, black cherry, and a hint of spice, supported by smooth, velvety tannins.
It is produced by the renowned Altesino estate, most famous for its outstanding Brunello di Montalcino. This Toscana Rosso showcases the winery’s commitment to quality winemaking and is bright, fruit-driven and wonderfully versatile. This wine was first released in 1989 and is a perfect introduction to the Altesino range and an ideal everyday Italian red wine.
Grape Varieties: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Fermentation: Traditional
Altesino is one of the most historically important estates in Brunello di Montalcino, a genuine pioneer that helped shape the entire modern identity of the appellation. It was established in 1970 by Milanese entrepreneur Giulio Consonno as a greenfield project on the northeastern hills of Montalcino. Altesino is among a handful of Brunello producers who pushed for increased quality and recognition in the 1970s and 1980s, which would revolutionise the region.
In 1975, Altesino introduced the concept of single-vineyard cru wines to Montalcino with the release of Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli, the first designated single-vineyard Brunello in the appellation’s history. Four years later, in 1979, the estate became the first Montalcino producer to age wines in small French oak barriques, a practice then considered heretical by traditionalists but now widely adopted across the region.
Near the end of 2002, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, owner of nearby Tenuta Caparzo, purchased the Altesino winery. Today’s winemaking team, led by Simone Giunti and Alessandro Ciacci, is firmly committed to maintaining Altesino’s hard-won reputation.
The estate covers some 100 hectares, of which half, 50 hectares, are under vine. There are 6 key plots: one parcel in the north (Altesino), one in the northeast (Macina), two in the northwest (Cerbaia and Montosoli), one in the area of Sant’Angelo in Colle (Pianezzine), and one in Castelnuovo dell’Abate (Velona).
The range of wines produced includes Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, the single-vineyard Montosoli, a Riserva, and Super Tuscan IGT wines, including Alte d’Altesi and Palazzo Altesi. Jancis Robinson has described Altesino as “a standard-bearer for Montalcino.”
You can buy Altesino Rosso IGT Toscana online for UK delivery via farehamwinecellar.co.uk, or drop by our physical wine shop in Fareham town centre to browse our full selection of Italian wines.
Colour: Bright ruby red.
Aroma: Fresh aromas of ripe cherries, red berries, wild strawberries and violets, complemented by subtle spice and hints of Mediterranean herbs.
Palate: Medium-bodied and smooth with juicy red fruit flavours, soft tannins and lively acidity. Notes of cherry, raspberry, plum and gentle spice lead to a balanced and elegant finish.
Finish: Fresh, supple and persistent with classic Sangiovese character.
Altesino Rosso IGT Toscana is exceptionally food-friendly and pairs beautifully with:
