Tenuta Caparzo

Tenuta Caparzo was established in the late 1960s by a group of friends, making it one of 30 historic Montalcino wineries. Its first Brunello di Montalcino vintage came in 1970, a time when just 13 producers existed across the entire appellation. The estate's early ambitions were clear from the outset: in 1977, Caparzo introduced the cru concept to Montalcino by showcasing the La Casa vineyard on Montosoli hill as a standalone bottling, and it was also the first estate in the region to adopt barriques for aging. In 1998, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini purchased the property and initiated a radical transformation, expanding the vineyard holdings from 46 to 90 hectares and constructing one of the most technologically advanced underground cellars in the region.

• Founded late 1960s by a group of friends; one of 30 recognized historic Montalcino estates
• First Brunello vintage in 1970 when the appellation had only 13 producers
• Pioneered single-vineyard Brunello (cru concept) in Montalcino in 1977
• Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini purchased the estate in 1998, doubling vineyard size and modernizing facilities

Caparzo's 90 hectares sit at elevations between 200 and 300 metres above sea level across multiple geographic areas of the Montalcino appellation. This spread of sites gives the estate access to a diverse range of microclimates and soil types, from sandy-stony galestro (slate) to soils ranging from sandy to clayey with sandstone. The La Casa vineyard on Montosoli hill is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious sites in the entire appellation. The Mediterranean climate of Montalcino governs the overall growing season, though site-specific microclimates add further complexity to each parcel.

• Vineyards at 200-300 metres elevation across multiple Montalcino geographic zones
• Soils include sandy-stony galestro (slate), sand, clay, and sandstone
• La Casa on Montosoli hill is one of the appellation's most prestigious single-vineyard sites
• Mediterranean climate with varied microclimates across different parcels

Sangiovese Grosso is the backbone of Caparzo's portfolio, forming the basis for its Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Rosso di Montalcino DOC bottlings. The estate produces two single-vineyard Brunello crus, La Casa and La Caduta, in addition to its appellation-level Brunello. White varieties including Moscato Bianco, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Traminer are also grown, supporting production of Moscadello di Montalcino DOCG (a sweet white wine) and Toscana IGT wines. The full range spans DOCG, DOC, and IGT classifications.

• Sangiovese Grosso anchors the Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino programs
• Single-vineyard Brunello crus: La Casa and La Caduta
• Moscato Bianco grown for Moscadello di Montalcino DOCG sweet white
• White varieties (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer) support IGT Toscana production

Following the 1998 acquisition, Caparzo invested heavily in its physical infrastructure. The new underground cellar ranks among the most technologically advanced in all of Montalcino. The estate has also led on sustainability within the appellation, becoming the first Montalcino producer to install solar panels. Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini brings experience from three other prestigious Tuscan estates she also operates: Borgo Scopeto, Doga delle Clavule, and Altesino, giving Caparzo the benefit of a broad, well-resourced ownership group committed to quality across Tuscany.

• Underground cellar built post-1998 is among the most technologically advanced in Montalcino
• First Montalcino estate to install solar panels
• Owner Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini also runs Borgo Scopeto, Doga delle Clavule, and Altesino
• Recent Brunello releases have scored 95-96 points with James Suckling