Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most prestigious wines. Originating in the hilly region around Montalcino in Tuscany , Brunello is known for its deep structure, ripe Sangiovese aromas, and exceptionally long lifespan. This wine belongs to the highest Italian quality category (DOCG) and is loved worldwide for its power, elegance, and complexity.

What is Brunello di Montalcino?

Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine from Tuscany, made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso. The wine must age for years according to strict regulations before being released and is considered one of the most prized Sangiovese varieties in the world. Brunello varies depending on the house and the vintage: powerful, intense, structured, and combines deep aromas with a striking freshness (enhanced by the acidity of Sangiovese) thanks to Montalcino's warm yet breezy climate.

Origin and vineyards

Brunello comes from the area around the medieval town of Montalcino, south of Siena. The region is higher and drier than many other parts of Tuscany, allowing Sangiovese to reach its full ripeness more consistently.

Key features of the region:

• Altitude – vineyards between 250 and over 500 metres ensure temperature balance and aromatic intensity.
• Soils – a mix of galestro (schist), limestone, clay, and sand; each plot expresses itself uniquely.
• Climate – warm days, cool nights and constant ventilation thanks to the proximity of Monte Amiata.
• Subzones – Northern vineyards often produce more elegant wines, southern vineyards richer and more powerful styles.

The combination of warmth, altitude and soils gives Brunello its unique balance between power and finesse.

Styles and vinification

Brunello is always 100% Sangiovese Grosso, but style differences arise from location, barrel choice and maturation.

Classic Brunello

• Long maturation in large Slavonian oak barrels
• More elegant, traditional profile with red cherry, spices, leather and structure

Modern Brunello

• More use of French oak (barriques or tonneaux)
• Deeper color, riper fruit and round tannins

Vinification

• Strict selection of grapes
• Longer maceration for colour and structure
• Slow maturation on wood
• Many producers work with plot selections for refined micro-styles

Red of Montalcino

Brunello's “little brother”:
• Also 100% Sangiovese
• Shorter maturation
• More accessible, fruitier and drinkable sooner

Maturation and legal requirements

Brunello di Montalcino has some of the strictest aging requirements in Italy:

• Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
  A minimum of 5 years of aging, including at least 2 years in oak and 4 months in bottle . This is often 3 years in barrel and 2 in bottle. The wine may not be released onto the market until January 1st of the fifth year after the harvest.
• Brunello Riserva
  A minimum of 6 years of aging , including at least 2 years in wood and extended bottle rest. The release rule applies here, plus 1 year.
• Red of Montalcino
  No fixed wood obligation, much faster on the market.

These rules create powerful wines with impressive longevity.

Storage and serving

Brunello is known for its ageing potential.
• Basic Brunello: 10–20 years
• Riserva: 20–30 years or more
• Rosso di Montalcino: 3–6 years

Serving temperature: 17–18 degrees.
Decanting young Brunello (1–3 hours) helps to fully open up the aroma and structure.

Buy Brunello di Montalcino at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Brunello from both traditional estates and modern top producers. From powerful, sun-drenched styles to elegant wines from higher sub-zones: each Brunello is selected for depth, quality, and authenticity of the terroir.