The 2019 Castello Romitorio Filo di Seta Brunello di Montalcino is one of Tuscany’s most celebrated single-vineyard wines, sourced from a secluded high-altitude vineyard in the north-western corner of Montalcino. The name Filo di Seta (“silk thread”) reflects both the vineyard’s narrow shape and the wine’s remarkable texture. Planted on rocky galestro and schist soils surrounded by native forest, the site consistently produces Brunello of extraordinary elegance, precision and longevity. The 2019 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in recent memory, combining concentration, freshness and perfect balance.
The nose is intensely aromatic, revealing wild cherry, raspberry and blood orange layered with rose petal, lavender, tobacco leaf, crushed stone and exotic spice. On the palate, it is both powerful and weightless, with finely detailed red fruit, vibrant acidity and impeccably polished tannins. Layers of liquorice, savoury herbs, ironstone and mineral complexity unfold through an extraordinarily long finish. James Suckling awarded the wine a perfect 100 points, while Wine Advocate scored it 99 points, praising its transparency, finesse and profound sense of place. The wine is often considered one of the benchmark Brunellos of the vintage.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A truly exceptional Brunello that combines the grace of Burgundy with the structure and soul of great Sangiovese. Refined, complex and profoundly age-worthy, it pairs beautifully with bistecca alla Fiorentina, venison, wild boar ragù, truffle dishes, aged Pecorino and slow-braised meats. While breathtaking with extended decanting today, this is a wine destined for a long life in the cellar. Drink from 2028 onwards, with peak enjoyment likely between 2032 and 2055+.
