Italy En Primeur

Italy 2024 & Benchmark Recent Vintages

Italy continues to demonstrate why it remains one of the world's most compelling sources of fine wine, with recent releases combining exceptional site expression, increasing precision in the vineyard and a renewed emphasis on freshness and balance. From the coastal vineyards of Bolgheri to the historic slopes of Montalcino and the great crus of Piedmont, the latest vintages offer collectors both immediate appeal and impressive long-term potential.

Tenuta San Guido – Bolgheri 2024

The 2024 season marked a welcome return to classical growing conditions after a run of warm, dry vintages. Winter and spring rainfall replenished groundwater, while a cooler summer slowed ripening and preserved acidity. Increased mildew pressure was offset by Tenuta San Guido's meticulous viticulture, ensuring healthy fruit at harvest. Bolgheri's maritime climate again moderated temperatures, letting Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc reach full phenolic ripeness without excess sugar. Early reports point to elegance over concentration, with refined tannins, bright acidity and pure aromatics. Inevitably compared to the monumental 2021, 2024 instead offers a classical expression favouring finesse, precision and longevity over opulence.

Brunello di Montalcino 2021

Few recent vintages have generated as much excitement as Brunello di Montalcino 2021. A balanced growing season - generous winter rainfall followed by warm, stable summer conditions - allowed Sangiovese to ripen slowly and evenly. Cool nights late in maturation preserved acidity and aromatic definition, while favourable harvest weather let growers pick at optimal ripeness. The resulting wines combine concentrated red cherry and wild berry fruit with floral perfume, subtle spice and Montalcino's hallmark savoury character. Tannins are abundant yet polished, lending exceptional harmony and precision. Already regarded as a benchmark vintage of the modern era, 2021
offers both immediate charm and the structure to reward decades of cellaring.

Piedmont 2021/2022/2024/2025

For these traditional family estates, recent vintages offer a ascinating study in Nebbiolo's ability to reflect seasonal variation while retaining its unmistakable identity. 2021 is widely regarded as a modern classic. A long growing season, supported by healthy winter moisture and cool autumn nights, produced wines of exceptional fragrance, vibrant acidity and integrated tannins - remarkably pure, precise and age-worthy across Barolo and Roero.

By contrast, 2022 brought prolonged heat and drought, sharply reducing yields. Timely pre-harvest rainfall proved decisive, allowing vines to complete ripening while preserving freshness. The finest wines are generous and expressive, with ripe fruit, supple tannins and earlier accessibility than the more structured 2021s.

The cooler, wetter 2024 season demanded rigorous vineyard management but rewarded patient growers with slow, even ripening. Early indications point to elegant, classically roportioned wines marked by lifted aromatics, bright acidity and moderate alcohol, where finesse takes precedence over power.

Still maturing in barrel, 2025 is already generating considerable optimism. A well-balanced growing season and favourable harvest conditions produced healthy fruit with excellent phenolic maturity and natural freshness. While final judgement awaits bottle age, all signs point to another outstanding Piedmont vintage, combining purity, structure and long-term potential.