Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s flagship red wines, hailing from the hills around the town of Montalcino in southern Tuscany. The region enjoys a warm, relatively dry Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sunshine and significant day-night temperature swings, ideal for ripening Sangiovese grapes. The area’s elevation and the shelter provided by Mount Amiata help ensure steady, even ripening.

The soils in Montalcino are varied but generally rich in limestone, clay, and galestro (a crumbly marl), which lend structure and minerality to the wines. Vineyards are found at altitudes typically ranging from 250 to 500 meters above sea level, with subtle differences in soil and microclimate contributing to complexity in the wines.

By DOCG law, Brunello di Montalcino must be made exclusively from 100% Sangiovese grapes—here referred to as Brunello. The wines must age for at least five years before release, with at least two years in oak and four months in bottle; Riserva versions require six years of aging. Other grapes are not permitted in Brunello itself, though they may be grown locally for other blends.

Brunello wines are known for their deep color, vibrant aromas of cherry, leather, spice, and a hallmark earthy undertone. Youthful Brunellos are powerful, structured, and tannic, but with age, they evolve remarkable complexity, elegance, and longevity. They are famously paired with game, roast lamb, hearty stews, mushrooms, and aged cheeses.