There is something special about seeing wines finnaly arrive in Québec (almost 1 year later) after tasting them in Montalcino. Having attended Benvenuto Brunello in 2025, I am happy to revisit the 2021 vintage as new bottles reach the SAQ.
For me, 2021 is fruity, elegant and often approachable. Bright red fruit runs through many of the wines, with a pleasant sense of ripeness and warmth. Some are already a pleasure to drink, while others show the structure and concentration that make patience in the cellar worthwhile.
Understanding the vintage “2021“
The Consorzio describes 2021 as “fragrant, refined, slender.” These words come from Brunello Forma, the evaluation approach that replaces the former star-rating system. Combining climatic data, chemical analysis and blind tasting by an international panel of Masters of Wine, it offers a more detailed picture of the vintage’s character.
The season brought challenges: a severe April frost affected yields in some vineyards, and rainfall from March to September was 36% below the historical average. Yet summer avoided prolonged extreme heat, with rainfall from June to August slightly above average.
In the Consorzio’s assessment, 2021 combines floral and fresh-fruit aromas with balanced tannins and an elongated structure. My own tasting experience also underlined the differences between producers, with wines offering both immediate pleasure and the promise of further development.
Inside Benvenuto Brunello 2025 in Montalcino.
Explore the SAQ selection
Discover the Brunello di Montalcino releases at the SAQ, and browse SAQ.com for current vintages and availability.
Tasting impressions from Benvenuto Brunello
The following notes are drawn from my tasting of the 2021 vintage at Benvenuto Brunello in 2025, with producers presented alphabetically. Having tasted most of the wines in this release, I believe the vintage offers excellent quality across the board. While I cannot review them all, I encourage readers to explore the full selection on the SAQ website.
Argiano
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021
CAD $107.00 · 750 ml · 14.5% ABV
Fruit and freshness give this Brunello an inviting sense of ease. Delicate and approachable, it offers a clear, accessible expression of the vintage, with enough charm to enjoy already. I would happily open it now; its appeal does not depend on a long wait in the cellar.
Banfi
Poggio alle Mura — Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021
SAQ price: $82.75 · 750 ml · 15.5% ABV
An intense nose sets the tone for a Brunello of considerable structure, fruit concentration and complexity. There is plenty to discover here, with the depth to reward patience in the cellar. For those opening it younger, a substantial steak would be a fitting partner.
Carpineto
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021
CAD $69.75 · 750 ml · 15.0% ABV
An expressive nose draws together fruit, spices, liquorice, Mediterranean herbs and tobacco. Rich and dense on the palate, it carries its concentration with appealing tannins and a satisfying sense of balance. Enjoyable already, with room to develop in the cellar; for me, a very good value Brunello.
Casisano
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021
SAQ price: $57.00 · 750 ml · 14.0% ABV
Freshness and precision define this elegant, balanced Brunello. The fruit is clear and focused, supported by a lean structure that gives the wine direction. Initially reserved, it opens with aeration and finishes long on fruit and spice. Another wine that stood out to me for its value.
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona
Brunello di Montalcino 2021
SAQ $119.50 · 750 ml · 14.5% ABV
Intensity and complexity are apparent from the first impression. Ripe, precise fruit meets a fresh backbone, with generous concentration on the palate and a persistent finish. Very enjoyable on its own or alongside meat dishes, ragù and Tuscan cooking, it also has considerable potential for the cellar.
Col di Lamo
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021
SAQ price: $82.00· 750 ml · 14.0% ABV
A delicate, inviting Brunello, with fruit and spice held in a pleasing balance. Its approachable character makes it easy to enjoy already, offering a gentle expression of the vintage in which elegance and drinking pleasure take the lead.
Collemattoni
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021 - only 2020 available now at SAQ
SAQ price: $70.00· 750 ml · 14.5% ABV
The nose is expressive and seductive, bringing intensity together with delicate, pure fruit and spice, the bright cherry and floral lift really impressed me. Freshness carries through a well-balanced structure, giving the wine an appealing sense of poise. Already enjoyable, it also has the depth to reward further time in the cellar.
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Prime Donne
Brunello di Montalcino 2021
SAQ price: $117.00· 750 ml · 14% ABV
A generous expression of the vintage, with very ripe fruit moving towards plum and the darker end of the spectrum, accompanied by oak notes. A substantial structure supports the concentration. I would give it time in the cellar, or allow it to aerate before serving alongside a steak or tomahawk.
San Felice
Campogiovanni — Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021
CAD $85.75 · 750 ml · 14.5% ABV
Intensity and complexity come together with striking elegance. Ripe fruit and sweet spices unfold over fine tannins, while the balance keeps the wine poised and enjoyable. A particularly pleasurable expression of the vintage, offering depth without losing its approachable character.
Tenuta La Fortuna
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2021
CAD $160.25 · Magnum, 1.5 L · 15.0% ABV
Ripe red cherries and spices are lifted by a touch of tobacco leaf on the nose. The palate is rich in fruit yet remains juicy, carrying its generous character through to a pleasing, fruit-led finish. An inviting Brunello whose appeal rests on the quality and persistence of its fruit.
At Benvenuto Brunello 2025, where I tasted the 2021 vintage ahead of its release.
