Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino "Pelagrilli" DOCG 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 96] [VM 94+] [WA 94] [WE 94]

About the Winery:
Siro Pacenti started his eponymous estate in 1970 with the purchase of a five-hectare vineyard in the Canalicchio district just to the north of Montalcino. Named Pelagrilli, this vineyard also gives its name to their flagship wine. Since then the estate has grown to 60 hectares, but less than a third of that is given over to vineyards. The rest is olive groves and cereal fields, as has been the tradition here for literally thousands of years.  Less than 50,000 total bottles are produced in a given year, an absolutely tiny quantity by Montalcino standards, almost all (95%) is exported. 

Siro’s son Giancarlo Pacenti took the reins in 1988 and quickly established the estate as one of the leading names in the region.  Trained in Bordeaux, he fuses the best of modern cellar technology with progressive farming techniques, including biodynamic practices. The aim here is to arrive at the purest possible expression of the land.

Giancarlo insists on new oak for reasons of cleanliness: he emphatically does not want vanilla or clove flavors in his wines. The wood for his barrels is seasoned at least twenty years and barrels are given a very light toast. The Brunelli are bottled after 2 years in barrel to preserve freshness and avoid excessive oak influence (the Rosso spends 1 year in barrel).

About this Wine:
Pelagrilli is the name of the original vineyard purchased by Siro in 1970 as well as the name of the winery's flagship Brunello. Originally made with only grapes from the Pelagrilli vineyard, it now includes grapes from both Pelagrilli and the newer Piancornello vineyard located in the southern part of the appellation. The winery only uses grapes from vines that are between 25-40 years old. The winery's banner item, "Pelagrilli" receives delicate attention on the sorting table (in multiple tries) and in the cellar. Pelagrilli walks the razor's edge between elegance and power with uncommon depth and complexity.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - James Suckling: 
"A round and juicy red with berry, cherry, mushroom and wet-earth character on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with integrated tannins that are soft and luscious. Long, flavorful finish. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years." (Sep 2024)

94+ Points - Vinous Media: 
"Plum sauce and sage combine with crushed black cherries and balsamic spice to create a darkly seductive bouquet as the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli comes to life in the glass. It's silken in feel with cool-toned acidity and racy wild berry fruits that flow across the palate with ease. Incredibly long and expertly balanced, the 2020 leaves hints of black raspberry and sour cherry pits over a layer of sweet tannins. Patience will be required but also rewarded. (Drink between 2028-2038)" – Eric Guido (Nov 2024)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Showing an especially bold bouquet and rich concentration, the Siro Pacenti 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli is a big expression of Sangiovese by all means, but the wine is also balanced. The intensity is played up with aromas of baked fruit, toasted spice, sweet herb and grilled rosemary, and there is a hint of redwood and cedar or barbecue smoke. To the palate, the wine is very round and fleshed out. It covers all corners of the mouth. This is a big-boned wine with powdery young tannins and a velvety finish. Aging takes place in French barrique, which has always been the stylistic choice favored by this estate. Production is 26,000 bottles." – Monica Larner (Nov 2024)

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The floral, saline nose features aromas of peonies, Mandarin blossoms, wild cherries, and crushed rocks. Raspberries join the cher ries to headline the palate, but more flowers and an earthy salinity keep you on your toes. Grippy tannins keep vibrant acid in check." - Danielle Callegari (Dec 2025)