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Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Are you a fan of fine Italian wines? Discover the excellence of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG with Vinatis’s selection. Succumb to these exceptional red wines, which are both powerful and elegant, offering an authentic and unique expression of Sangiovese. An excellent choice for discerning wine lovers and collectors!

What Is Brunello di Montalcino? A Prestigious Italian Red Wine

For lovers of fine Italian wines, certain appellations are considered the gold standard. As one of the most prestigious red wines from the Italian peninsula, Brunello di Montalcino is one such example. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, in the hills of the province of Siena, this appellation offers one of the finest expressions of the Sangiovese grape variety.

From a Light, Approachable Wine to a Powerful One: the Birth of an Exceptional Vintage

The history of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is, however, relatively recent compared to that of many of Italy’s great appellations. Until the 19th century, Montalcino’s winegrowers produced high-quality but little-known wines, in a lighter style than the one we are familiar with today.

The turning point came thanks to Clemente Santi, who aspired to produce completely different wines from a single grape variety, aged for long periods in oak barrels. Later drawing inspiration from his grandfather’s work, his grandson Ferruccio Biondi-Santi selected a local variety of Sangiovese, the Sangiovese Grosso, known locally as Brunello. He revolutionised the world of Montalcino wine by creating a powerful, tannic red wine, aged for a long time in oak barrels.

For nearly a century, only a handful of pioneering winemakers, including the Biondi-Santi family, produced wine in this style. Dubbed ‘Italy’s rarest cru’, this exceptional wine enjoyed great success from the 1950s and 1960s onwards, before being awarded the highest level of protection for Italian wines in 1980: the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita).

Symbolising the excellence of Tuscan viticulture, the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG now produces prestigious wines that are sought after by wine lovers and collectors worldwide.

A Unique Terroir in Montalcino

A flagship of fine Italian wines, Brunello di Montalcino derives its unique character from an exceptional terroir. The vineyards cover some 3,000 hectares within the municipality of Montalcino alone, south of Siena. The vines are planted on hillsides at altitudes ranging from 120 to 600 metres, allowing them to benefit from a wide variety of exposures and microclimates. The soils are composed of clay, schist, marl, limestone and even pebbles.

This diversity of terroirs lends the wines great aromatic complexity and allows the Sangiovese to express different characteristics depending on the plot. Produced on high-altitude slopes, the wines are distinguished by their finesse and elegance. In the lower, clay-rich areas, they reveal greater power and structure.

The vineyards of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG benefit from climatic conditions favourable to the production of high-quality grapes. The vines thrive in a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, which promote optimal ripening of the grapes. They also benefit from the influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea, which brings freshness to the berries. Mount Amiata, an ancient volcano rising to over 1,700 metres, shields the vines from inclement weather, particularly hail. These conditions promote slow, optimal ripening of the grapes whilst preserving their acidity, lending the Brunello di Montalcino wines remarkable intensity and longevity.

What Grape Variety Is Used to Make Brunello di Montalcino? A Pure Expression of Sangiovese

Brunello di Montalcino is made exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso, the favourite grape variety of Tuscan winegrowers. Generally associated with deep, lively and fruity wines, this variety reveals here greater concentration, a unique aromatic complexity and exceptional ageing potential. On this Tuscan terroir, Sangiovese produces rich, structured wines, balanced by lovely acidity. This purity of expression is the hallmark of Brunello di Montalcino, contributing significantly to its reputation as a prestigious wine.

The Characteristics of Brunello di Montalcino Wine

For a rich and unique sensory experience, Brunello di Montalcino remains a safe bet.

In the glass, it displays an intense ruby-red colour, developing a garnet hue over time. Highly expressive, this great Italian wine reveals intense aromas of black cherry, violet and plum on the nose. With age, and following barrel ageing, the bouquet is enriched with notes of vanilla, liquorice, leather, pepper, tobacco and even truffle. Power and elegance characterise the sensations on the palate. In its youth, it is distinguished by firm tannins, giving it an austere character. With time, the tannins soften, lending this red wine a velvety texture. Brunello di Montalcino also captivates with its natural acidity, which brings freshness and balances its power.

Its long ageing period, mandated by the appellation’s specifications, also plays a major role in shaping the wine’s identity and developing its complexity. Indeed, this wine must age for at least 5 years before being released for sale, including at least 2 years in oak barrels and 4 months in the bottle. In its ‘Riserva’ version, this great Tuscan wine is aged for at least 6 years, including at least 2 years in barrels and 6 months in the bottle. These requirements play a major part in giving this wine its exceptional ageing potential.

Brunello di Montalcino: a Great Red Wine for Collectors

Are you a collector of fine Italian wines? The Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is one of the best choices you could make. With its powerful tannins, this prestigious wine benefits from being cellared for several years. Wines from this appellation have excellent ageing potential of 15 to 20 years, and up to 30 years for exceptional vintages. They are therefore an excellent choice for enjoying a rich tasting experience in the future. Simply ensure you store your bottles in the best possible conditions.

Brunello di Montalcino, the Perfect Wine for Special Occasions

With its rare elegance, Brunello di Montalcino is the perfect accompaniment to life’s most precious moments. Rivaling the great red wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy, the wines from this appellation are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Whether at a wedding, a birthday or a business dinner, they will lend prestige to your event. Its rich aroma and structure allow it to bring out the best in full-flavoured dishes: game, slow-cooked beef, grilled rib steak and roast leg of lamb, amongst others.

Il Poggione, Poggio Antico… Who Are the Best Producers of Brunello di Montalcino?

To discover the best of Brunello di Montalcino, certain estates – which clearly reveal their terroir and bring out the full expression of Sangiovese – are not to be missed. Adopting a minimalist winemaking approach, Poggio Antico is renowned for its structured and complex wines, which express the aromas of Sangiovese with purity. A historic estate within the appellation, Il Poggione stands out for the precision of its techniques, producing exceptional wines with great ageing potential. Fattoria dei Barbi is also one of the appellation’s iconic names, offering full-bodied and powerful wines.

2010, 2018, 2019… Which Are the Best Vintages for Brunello di Montalcino?

Regarded as legendary vintages, 2010 and 2015 produce wines that are at once powerful, fresh and elegant, to be enjoyed now or left to age in the cellar to develop greater velvety smoothness and finesse. Characterised by mild temperatures, the Brunello di Montalcino 2018 vintage produces more approachable wines, which are already ready to drink, whilst retaining excellent ageing potential. The 2019 and 2020 vintages are balanced, elegant and refined wines that will develop gracefully over the years.

What Is the Average Price of a Brunello di Montalcino Wine?

The Brunello di Montalcino DOCG offers wines across a wide price range, catering to all budgets. Prices for these wines start at around £29, reflecting the appellation’s prestige. Exceptional wines, from renowned estates, great vintages or the Brunello di Montalcino ‘Riserva’, can easily reach £100 or more. Good news! At Vinatis, regular promotions mean you can enjoy great discounts on the finest Brunello di Montalcino wines.

Where Can You Buy Your Brunello di Montalcino at the Best Price?

As the leading online wine retailer, Vinatis is committed to offering you a seamless shopping experience. Your online wine merchant offers a fine selection of Brunello di Montalcino wines, all tasted and approved by our experts for their excellent balance of quality, value and enjoyment. Thanks to regular promotional offers and great deals such as sales and clearance events, you can buy your Brunello di Montalcino at the best price online. By choosing Vinatis, your bottles will arrive at your door in perfect condition, ready to complete your collection or accompany your special occasions. Each bottle is stored in our climate-controlled warehouses before being delivered quickly in shatterproof packaging. Whether you’re looking for a Brunello di Montalcino to give to a connoisseur, a vintage to add to your collection, or to enjoy on special occasions, take advantage of the expertise of a renowned online wine merchant at Vinatis.

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