Brunello di Montalcino

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Montalcino 001

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Montalcino 002

Brunello di Montalcino vines

Brunello e Tegolato

Antinori pian delle vigne Brunello

Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino in the Tuscany region of Italy. Brunello, a diminutive of Bruno ("brown"), is the name that was given locally to what was believed to be an individual grape variety grown in Montalcino. In 1879, the Province of Siena's Amphelographic Commission determined, after a few decades of controlled experiments, that Brunello and Sangiovese were the same grape variety. This realization contributed to the development of the modern Brunello di Montalcino, which is now one of Italy's best-known and most expensive wines.

History

The history of Brunello di Montalcino is closely linked to the Biondi-Santi family, particularly Clemente Santi and his nephew Ferruccio Biondi-Santi. They were instrumental in isolating the Sangiovese clone that thrives in the Montalcino area and in developing the aging techniques that give Brunello its longevity and complexity. The first recorded mention of Brunello dates back to the early 14th century, but it was in the late 19th century that the wine as we know it today began to take shape.

Production

Brunello di Montalcino is made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, specifically from clones suited to the local terroir. The wine must be aged in oak for at least two years and cannot be released for sale until five years after the harvest. This aging process contributes to its robust character and potential for further aging, often upwards of 10 years.

The production zone for Brunello di Montalcino is strictly limited to the municipality of Montalcino, with a climate that varies significantly from north to south. The northern slopes receive less sunlight and are generally cooler, leading to wines with higher acidity and more pronounced tannins. Conversely, the southern slopes, which receive more sunlight and warmth, produce wines that are richer and more opulent.

Characteristics

Brunello di Montalcino is known for its brilliant garnet color, complex aromas of red fruits, earth, and spice, and a robust structure with high tannins. These characteristics make it a highly sought-after wine, capable of aging and evolving for many years. The wine's flavor profile includes notes of cherry, blackberry, chocolate, and leather, developing greater complexity as it ages.

Regulations

The Consortium of Brunello di Montalcino Wine oversees the production and quality of Brunello, ensuring adherence to strict regulations. These include controls on the yield of grapes, the minimum alcohol content, and the aging process. The DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status, the highest quality level for Italian wines, was awarded to Brunello di Montalcino in 1980, further cementing its reputation as a wine of exceptional quality.

Culinary Pairings

Brunello di Montalcino pairs well with rich, savory dishes. It complements red meats, game, hearty stews, and aged cheeses, making it a versatile wine for fine dining and special occasions.

See Also

• Sangiovese
• Tuscany wine
• Italian wine
• DOCG