Brunello di Montalcino Wines

Brunello di Montalcino sits at the pinnacle of Italian fine wine. Produced in the hills surrounding the town of Montalcino in southern Tuscany, these wines are made exclusively from Sangiovese, locally known as Brunello. The region’s warm days, cool nights and diverse soils create wines of intensity balanced by freshness and structure.

Strict production rules govern Brunello di Montalcino, including extended ageing before release. This ensures the wines develop complexity, polish and longevity. As a result, Brunello has built a reputation as a wine for collectors, special occasions and those who appreciate depth and patience in the glass.

The Sangiovese grape in Montalcino

Sangiovese expresses itself differently across Tuscany, and in Montalcino it reaches one of its most powerful forms. Brunello wines typically show flavours of cherry, plum and dried red fruit, layered with notes of leather, tobacco, spice and earth. Firm tannins and bright acidity provide the backbone that allows the wine to age gracefully over many years.

Oak ageing adds structure and savoury complexity rather than overt sweetness, supporting the fruit rather than dominating it. Over time, Brunello evolves into a wine of remarkable harmony and nuance.

Why Brunello is built for ageing

Brunello di Montalcino is designed to age. The combination of concentrated fruit, high acidity and structured tannins allows the wine to develop slowly. Young Brunello can feel powerful and tightly wound, but with time it softens and gains aromatic complexity.

While many bottles benefit from extended cellaring, Brunello can also be enjoyed earlier when paired with rich food and given time to open, often helped by decanting.

Food pairing with Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello pairs best with hearty, savoury dishes that match its structure. Slow cooked meats, game, roasted lamb, mushroom based dishes and aged cheeses all work beautifully. The wine’s acidity cuts through richness, while tannins complement protein, making it a natural choice for robust meals.

Understanding Brunello styles

While all Brunello follows strict rules, styles can vary between producers and vineyard sites. Some wines emphasise power and concentration, while others focus on elegance and aromatic lift. This diversity allows drinkers to explore different expressions while staying within the unmistakable Brunello framework.

Why Brunello remains iconic

Brunello di Montalcino represents tradition, discipline and place. It is a wine that rewards attention and time, offering a sense of occasion with every bottle. For those seeking one of Italy’s great red wines, Brunello remains a benchmark.

FAQs

What grape is used to make Brunello di Montalcino?

Brunello di Montalcino is made exclusively from Sangiovese.

Does Brunello need ageing?
Most Brunello benefits from ageing, but it can also be enjoyed younger with food and decanting.

How is Brunello different from Chianti?
Brunello is more concentrated and structured, with longer ageing requirements and greater longevity.

How should Brunello be served?
Serve at cellar temperature and consider decanting, especially for younger wines, to allow aromatics and texture to develop.