Brunello

Quality commits, Brunello tastes

The Brunello di Montalcino is, alongside the Barolo from Piedmont and the Amarone from Veneto, one of the truly great wines from Italy. This claim is entirely proven by the fact that the wine-growing region around Montalcino was granted Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1966, making it one of the first areas to receive this recognition. Then, 14 years later, the region became the first growing area ever to attain the newly created quality level DOCG, Denominazione d’Origine Controllata e Garantita.

Accordingly, strict regulations apply to the cultivation of the Sangiovese clone Brunello in the creation of this Tuscan icon. More on that later; first, let’s talk about the multifaceted Brunello wine itself, which year after year collects points and awards and settles dust in every well-kept cellar until optimal drinkability is reached.

The Brunello wine profile

The Brunello red wine is characterized in the glass by its ruby-red sheen, accompanied by slight brown hues. These come from the lightly brown skin of the Sangiovese Grosso grapes, hence the name Brunello, which means “the little brown one” in Tuscan dialect. 

The nose perceives the typical varietal aromas of ripe red fruits along with a distinct spiciness, resulting from the long aging in barrels made of Slavonian oak or chestnut. Dominant are notes of cherry, plum, and forest berries, lushly complemented by vanilla, pepper, and citrus fruits. 

The palate also enjoys a multifaceted experience, thanks to the rich and spicy flavor. A robust trace of tannins lays over the typically full-bodied body, completed by an acid-driven finish. The interplay of all facets is extremely elegant and aromatic and ensures a warm and long-lasting finish on the palate.

The terroir around Montalcino

The exquisite aromatics are primarily due to the terroir around the village of Montalcino, located between the rivers Asso, Orga, and Ombrone. The wine region extends over the hills of Val d’Orcia and is geographically located north of Maremma, the hottest area in Tuscany. The wine gains alcohol and longevity from the abundant sunshine, making it ideal for long-term storage of Brunello di Montalcino wines. 

The vines receive beneficial cooling from the cool winds from the Tyrrhenian Sea, which create a wonderful balance to the high temperatures. Excellent conditions for the Brunello grape variety flourish on the rocky, dry, and calcareous soils. Here, grapes thrive until late September or even mid-October. Only then does the harvest begin, which poses a risk for the winemakers, as the weather change from summer to autumn, with cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, can damage the Sangiovese Grosso grapes and diminish the quality of the potential wine. 

Not the only hurdle that winemakers around Montalcino must overcome to ultimately produce Brunello. 

The regulations for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 

The rules for the DOCG Brunello di Montalcino designation are set out in 10 articles of the Disciplinare Brunello di Montalcino, drafted by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, a voluntary association of winemakers and producers of the renowned red wine from Tuscany. Each of these articles deals with an aspect of production and summarizes numerous subpoints. 

In simplified form, the regulations can be summarized as follows

• The area for the production of Brunello di Montalcino encompasses the historic boundaries of the municipality of Montalcino.
• Only the grape variety Sangiovese Grosso, known locally as Brunello, may be used.
• The grape yield per hectare may not exceed 8 tons.
• The wine must age for at least 2 years in oak or chestnut barrels and undergo four months of bottle aging. For the “Riserva” designation, the bottle aging is extended to 6 months.
• Characteristic for Brunello is a ruby to garnet red color, an intense aroma, and a dry, tannin-driven harmonious flavor in youth.
• The alcohol content is at least 12.5% Vol.
• The wine may only be bottled in Bordeaux bottles in the Montalcino region.
• Brunello di Montalcino may only be sold 5 years after the harvest, and for Riserva, not until 6 years after the harvest.

The Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino

The Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, founded in 1967, is committed to preserving the quality and integrity of the Brunello di Montalcino. It is an association of small and large wineries and producers with a shared vision of the past, present, and future of the wine region and the wines produced here.

There have always been voices from a few individuals who wanted to achieve a relaxation of the strict guidelines. On the other hand, the opposition saw a potential relaxation as the downfall of the wine-growing region and the reputation of the wines. Thus, in 2008, a vote was held within the consortium, which overwhelmingly supported maintaining the rules with 97%. 

The day-to-day business revolves around the marketing and public image of Brunello di Montalcino red wines as well as other wines, namely Rosso di Montalcino, Moscadello di Montalcino, and Sant’Antimo. 

Furthermore, the consortium is responsible for the qualitative classification of the vintages. Outstanding vintages are awarded 5 stars. Since 1991, beautiful tiles documenting all vintages have been artistically crafted and presented each year in the town hall.

Interesting facts about Brunello

What defines a Brunello di Montalcino?

In addition to its ruby red color and spicy notes of red fruits, the label Brunello di Montalcino provides clarity. In the bottle, you will find pure Sangiovese Grosso wine, aged fairly long and suitable for long storage. 

Food pairing for Brunello wine

Braised and grilled meats with strong sauces, as well as aromatic cheeses, are optimal companions for Brunello. The Brunello red wines also pair well with mushroom dishes and truffle garnished foods.

Drinking temperature for Brunello wines

Brunello di Montalcino red wines have an ideal drinking temperature of 18°C. Additionally, it is advisable to give a Brunello red wine some time to breathe, whether in a decanter or in the bottle. Approximately 1 to 2 hours suits the multifaceted red wine well.

Storage potential of Brunello di Montalcino red wine

Thanks to the abundant tannins in Brunello, aging for up to 10 years is no problem. A potential storage place should offer a cool, dark, and temperature-stable environment.

How long does an open bottle of Brunello last?

An opened bottle of Brunello can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, provided it is resealed. If the level is at half, the shelf life decreases to 3-4 days. Always remember the rule of thumb: the less content, the shorter the shelf life.

Buy Brunello di Montalcino online

For a special occasion or great enjoyment - a Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany meets the highest demands and simply tastes wonderful.

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