About Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is undoubtedly one of the most famous Italian red wines in Italy and the world. Since 1980, the appellation enjoys the highest recognition in the Italian system, so it is designated as a DOCG (Denomination of Controlled Origin and Guarantee).

Brunello di Montalcino comes from the hills in Siena province, exclusively from the town of Montalcino, over an area of 24,000 hectares, of which only 15% is planted with vines. With a typical Mediterranean climate, mostly dry, Mount Amiata in the south protects the area and limits the effects of thunderstorms and hail storms.

The only grape variety allowed is Sangiovese, historically recognized in the region under the name of Brunello, hence the name of the appellation. While elsewhere in Italy the wines were from blends of different grape varieties, Clemente Santi Brunello conducted experiments in the 1870s that allowed the vinification of Brunello alone, and thus creating this varietal wine.

The maximum yield allowed per hectare is 8 tonnes with a minimum alcohol content of 12.5%. The specifications of the appellation require that Brunello di Montalcino has at least two years of aging in oak barrels, and then 4 months in bottle. It is sold 5 years after the harvest. Brunello di Montalcino can be labeled “Riserva” if it spends 6 months in the bottle. In this case, it is sold 6 years after the harvest.