The Castello Romitorio 2021 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is one of the standout wines of the highly acclaimed 2021 vintage, earning praise from critics for its remarkable balance of power, elegance, and terroir expression. Produced from estate-grown 100% Sangiovese vineyards perched on some of the highest elevations in Montalcino, this wine captures the distinctive character of Tuscany's most prestigious appellation.
Founded by artist and visionary Sandro Chia, Castello Romitorio has become one of Brunello's benchmark estates. The winery's unique location, surrounded by forests and fossil-rich soils of galestro, clay, and albarese, creates wines of exceptional aromatic complexity, freshness, and longevity.
In 2021, Romitorio chose not to produce a Riserva, instead directing the estate's finest fruit into the Brunello, resulting in a wine of extraordinary depth, concentration, and harmony.
96+ Points – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"Castello Romitorio's 2021 Brunello di Montalcino channels much of the estate's fruit over seven plots, as no Riserva was produced, resulting in a wine of notable depth and cohesion. Whispered and delicate at first, the bouquet unfolds with white pepper, blue flowers and grilled herb before moving toward darker tones of sweet blackberry. The palate is open-knit yet powerful, showing juicy ripeness, layered complexity and a structured mid-palate that remains streamlined in classic Sangiovese fashion."
— Monica Larner
96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
"Beautifully chiseled and energetic, with redcurrants, preserved cherries, incense, chestnut, leather, anise, and sage. Nimble and fresh with polished tannins, brisk acidity, and a long saline finish."
95 Points – Vinous
"Elegant with a wildly appealing energy, displaying masses of ripe wild berry fruits, violet florals, and sweet tannins. This young, radiant Brunello is sure to have many fans."
95 Points – Wine Spectator
"Plush and expressive with cherry, plum, wild herb, iron and spice flavors. Terrific balance, texture and length."
Tasting Notes
Color: Brilliant garnet ruby with vibrant youthful reflections.
Aromas: Layers of black cherry, wild blackberry, red currant, violet, white pepper, grilled herbs, cedar, tobacco, leather, anise, and crushed stone.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with exceptional precision and energy. Rich red and dark fruits unfold across a structured palate framed by polished tannins, vibrant acidity, and pronounced mineral tension. Notes of cherry, blackberry, dried flowers, sage, iron, and spice lead to a long, elegant finish.
Finish: Persistent, savory, and beautifully balanced with remarkable freshness and aging potential.
Vineyards & Terroir
The vineyards of Castello Romitorio are situated on the northwestern slopes of Montalcino at elevations reaching over 450 meters above sea level. Surrounded by untouched forests and cooled by mountain influences, these sites produce Sangiovese of extraordinary finesse and aromatic purity.
The combination of:
- Galestro
- Clay
- Albarese limestone
- Fossil-rich soils
creates wines that seamlessly unite concentration, minerality, freshness, and longevity.
Winemaking
- 100% Sangiovese
- Hand-harvested and double sorted
- Fermentation in cement tanks
- Extended maceration tailored to each vineyard parcel
- Aged 24 months in oak
- 90% large Slavonian oak casks
- 10% second- and third-use tonneaux
- Additional bottle aging before release
The winery's philosophy emphasizes purity of fruit and transparency of terroir, allowing Sangiovese to remain the focal point.
Food Pairing
Outstanding with:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina
- Braised short ribs
- Wild boar ragù
- Lamb shank
- Truffle pasta
- Porcini mushroom risotto
- Aged Pecorino Toscano
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
Cellaring Potential
Drink: 2026–2045+
This is a serious Brunello built for long-term aging. While approachable with decanting today, it will continue to evolve beautifully for two decades or more.
Why You'll Love This Wine
- 96+ Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
- 96 Points Jeb Dunnuck
- 95 Points Vinous
- 95 Points Wine Spectator
- Produced from seven estate vineyard parcels
- No Riserva produced in 2021, concentrating top fruit into the Brunello
- One of Tuscany's benchmark Brunello producers
- Exceptional aging potential
- Classic high-elevation Montalcino expression
