Castello Giulio might just be located in the most prestigious locale in all of Tuscany, the medieval village of Villa Santa Restituta. This is hallowed ground, home not just to Soldera but also to Angelo Gaja’s Brunello project, Poggio Antico, and Caprili. Those names might be more famous (and expensive) than Castello Giulio nowadays, but Giulio’s been crafting Sangiovese for centuries longer than any of them. In fact, vineyard land that now gets bottled under the Soldera name used to belong to Castello Giulio. Like those blue chip bottles, Giulio’s Brunello di Montalcino benefits from Villa Santa Restituta’s high elevation, and combines deep, soulful Tuscan power with uncommon freshness and ageability. Pop it now, pop it in five years, or leave it alone for a decade. Castello Giulio’s Brunello will be pure luxury whenever you open it, even if it doesn’t come with a luxury price tag!

Why You’ll Love It:

• As great of Tuscan terroir as you could ask for; with its high elevation and south-facing vineyards, Castello Giulio produces wines of elegant power that’s now hard to find in Montalcino these days.

• It’s just flat-out gorgeous Brunello: full-bodied, packed and bursting with red berries, plums, cedary spice, and deep Tuscan soul. And it’ll be gorgeous for years to come.

• Did we mention the price? If ever there was a Brunello whose quality demanded you grab a six-pack, Castello Giulio is it. And it’s priced to let you do just that.

How to Serve It:

• Age it for up to 10 years, or drink it now. The sinuous structure means it’ll go the distance and that it’s already primed to be poured alongside a special meal. 

• Decant for an hour and serve at 60°F in Bordeaux stems.

• Keep it classic with the pairing, and go the Tuscan route with a ribeye steak basted in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.