About this wine
Named after the holm oak (Quercus ilex, 'ilex' in Latin) that stands prominently on the Caprili estate, this Toscana IGT Rosso is made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso sourced from various estate vineyards, vinified naturally without added yeasts. It shows aromas of cherry, raspberry, licorice, and spice, with present acidity and a generous, medium-bodied palate, and can be enjoyed young or cellared for up to about eight years.
An approachable, everyday Sangiovese from a serious Brunello producer — great for exploring Caprili's style without the Brunello price tag.
Sommelier's Note
"Ilex shows that Caprili's purity of fruit and natural winemaking philosophy carries through even to its most everyday, unpretentious bottling."
Food Pairings
An everyday red that pairs well with beef, venison, roasted vegetables, and mild aged cheeses.
When to drink it
Casual weeknight dinners, everyday pairing with red meat dishes.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Sangiovese Grosso
- Style
- Red
- Alcohol
- 14%
- Price Range
- $14-19
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Sangiovese Grosso from various estate vineyards. Vinified using a natural process without added yeasts. Toscana IGT designation, giving Caprili flexibility outside the strict Brunello/Rosso di Montalcino production rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is this wine called 'Ilex'?
- It is named after the holm oak (Quercus ilex), a landmark tree standing on the Caprili estate; 'ilex' is Latin for holm oak.
- What classification is Ilex, and how does it differ from Brunello?
- Ilex is a Toscana IGT Rosso, a more flexible classification than the DOCG rules governing Brunello di Montalcino, though it is made from the same Sangiovese Grosso grape.
- How long can Ilex be aged?
- It can be enjoyed young but develops well for up to about eight years from vintage.
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ブルネッロ・ディ・モンタルチーノ
Brunello di Montalcino
RedSangiovese Grosso
Caprili's flagship Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, produced from Sangiovese Grosso grown on the estate's sandier soils in the southwestern sector of Montalcino. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine is aged roughly three years in large, neutral Slavonian oak casks (30, 40 and 60 hl) followed by further bottle aging before release, in keeping with the estate's traditional, non-interventionist style. Vintages regularly draw praise for their purity and old-school character, with the 2019 ranking No. 15 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2024.
ブルネッロ・ディ・モンタルチーノ・リゼルヴァ アドアルベルト
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva AdAlberto
RedSangiovese Grosso
Caprili's top-tier Riserva bottling, named 'AdAlberto' in tribute to Alberto Bartolommei, father of estate founder Alfo Bartolommei. Crafted from a rigorous selection of the finest Sangiovese Grosso parcels in top vintages only, it undergoes extended barrel and bottle aging beyond the standard Riserva DOCG requirements, producing a deeper, more concentrated expression of the estate's traditional style.
モスカデッロ・ディ・モンタルチーノ
Moscadello di Montalcino
SweetMoscato Bianco
Caprili produces a small quantity of Moscadello di Montalcino DOC, a historic sweet white wine made from Moscato Bianco that is considered one of the oldest wine styles of the Ilcinese tradition, now made by fewer and fewer Montalcino producers. Caprili is among the estates keeping this local heritage wine alive alongside its Sangiovese-based range.
ロッソ・ディ・モンタルチーノ
Rosso di Montalcino
RedSangiovese
Caprili's Rosso di Montalcino DOC offers an earlier-drinking expression of the estate's Sangiovese, sourced from younger vines and aged for a shorter period than the Brunello. It shows the same purity and bright acidity that define the house style, with notes of black cherry, blackberry, and wet stone, and is regarded as one of the best-value wines in the Caprili range.
セッティミア
Settimia
WhiteVermentino
Settimia is Caprili's pure Vermentino, grown in the Fornacina vineyard at around 300 meters of elevation. Named for Settimia, the mother of estate founder Alfo Bartolommei, the wine represents continuity between the estate's past and present. Vinified using indigenous yeasts, it shows notes of sage, rosemary, and Mediterranean flowers with a mineral, slightly savory character, and a fresh, aromatic profile.