Canalicchio di Sopra Collection

About

A Founding Pillar of Modern Brunello di Montalcino Founded in 1962 by Primo Pacenti, Canalicchio di Sopra is one of the foundational estates of modern Tuscan winemaking. Located on the prized northern slopes of Montalcino, the family was among the 12 original founding members of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino in 1967. Today, under the third-generation stewardship of the Ripaccioli family (siblings Francesco, Marco, and Simonetta), the estate is globally acclaimed for producing Sangiovese Grosso of intense mineral precision, vibrant natural acidity, and transparent site expression. Spanning over 20 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, Canalicchio di Sopra's winemaking philosophy balances traditional large Slavonian oak aging with precise parcel-by-parcel micro-terroir vinification. The resulting wines represent a masterclass in Northern Montalcino terroir—delivering depth, verticality, and remarkable longevity without sacrificing purity or freshness. Dual Crus & Micro-Terroir Expression The signature complexity of Canalicchio di Sopra stems from the harmonious interplay between two distinct cru locations on Montalcino's northern slope: Cru Canalicchio: Characterized by high-clay soils rich in magnesium, iron, and calcium carbonate. This terroir imparts texture, velvety tannins, balsamic aromatics, and generous mid-palate volume. Cru Montosoli (Le Gode di Montosoli): Famous for its well-drained galestro (marly schist) and pebbly limestone soils. Montosoli contributes striking sapidity, mineral drive, floral top-notes, and structural acidity essential for multi-decade cellar aging. Portfolio Highlights & Key Bottlings Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (Flagship): The estate's core expression, traditionally blending fruit from both the Canalicchio and Montosoli crus to achieve seamless balance. Aged for 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks, it offers wild red berries, crushed violet, crushed gravel, licorice, and fine-grained tannins. Brunello di