Cortonesi

Summary:

• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Location: Montalcino
• Founded: 1970s (La Mannella estate); first commercial vintage 1985
• Winemaker: Tommaso Cortonesi (3rd generation)
• Classification: Brunello di Montalcino producer (“King of Wines”)
• Estate: La Mannella (138 acres; 19 acres dedicated to Brunello)
• Flagship Wine: Brunello di Montalcino
• Single Vineyard: Poggiarelli (~5 acres, southeast Montalcino; Grand Cru site)
• Wine Style: Structured, mineral-driven Sangiovese with depth, freshness, and age-worthiness
• Winemaking Approach: Traditional roots combined with modern precision
• Accolades: Consistently highly rated; Tommaso Cortonesi recognized by Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate as part of a new generation of technically trained Brunello producers

Cortonesi is synonymous with excellence in Brunello di Montalcino—widely regarded as the “King of Wines.” The family established the La Mannella estate in the 1970s on 138 historic acres in the heart of Montalcino, dedicating prime vineyard land to crafting world-class Brunello. Since their first commercial vintage in 1985, Cortonesi has refined its approach, blending tradition with modern winemaking.

Today, third-generation winemaker Tommaso Cortonesi leads the estate with a rigorously technical and quality-driven philosophy. Recognized by Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate as part of a group of “technicians” shaping modern Brunello, Tommaso represents a new generation of producers—combining formal enological training, analytical precision, and a deep understanding of global wine markets.

A crown jewel of the portfolio is the Poggiarelli vineyard, a rare Grand Cru site of just under five acres on the southeastern slopes of Montalcino. This vineyard produces a powerful yet refined Brunello, defined by signature minerality, bright red fruit, layers of dark fruit and balsamic herbs, firm tannins, and vibrant acidity.

Cortonesi wines capture the depth, structure, and enduring appeal of Tuscany’s most iconic appellation—delivering Brunello di Montalcino that balances heritage, precision, and long-term ageability.