The Canalicchio site is located on the north side of Montalcino.
In a belt between 250–500 meters above sea level, you will find some of the best fields in Montalcino on the north side. The wines in this area often possess a great elegance combined with a good concentration. At the height of approx. 300 meters, Franco Pacenti – Canalicchio has a total of 38 ha, of which 10 ha are under wine. From here, 5,000–10,000 bottles of Rosso di Montalcino and 15,000-20,000 bottles of Brunello are produced annually. Clearly below what could potentially be made under the law.
The fields were planted in 1980 to 2002 – only with Sangiovese. The soil is mixed, rich in clay and lime (argilla). The binding is “cordone speronato bilateral” (double cordon) with grass planting between the rows. The family has lived in Montalcino since the beginning of the last century.
The first vintage of their wine was 1968. Azienda Agricola Franco Pacenti took its current name and brand Canalicchio in 1988 when Franco and Carla took over the company. Today, the children, Lisa, Serena, and Lorenzo, also participate in the company.
In the small but well-disposed basement stand the large Botti. Fermentation is done on steel tanks with rather long macerations.
The wine is stored in large Slavonic oak (27–50 hl). Brunello must store a minimum of four years in total and five years for Brunello Riserva. The wines from Franco Pacenti – Canalicchio possess a delicate brick color. With a classic and traditional expression of red berries, cherries, tobacco, leather and minerality. Powerful and yet elegant. The streams are usually allowed to shine clearly through. Cool aisles often have a fruit of raspberries, strawberries and red cherries. Slightly warmer vintages can most often have a fruit of red and dark cherries and a touch of mint. The style is often a bit understated, quite precisely in its fruit, which is a distinguished way balances the most often lively acid. Can in cool vintages actually well remind a bit of a Piedmontese. A consistent traditional style that wins with a bit of bottle storage.