Brunello di Montalcino is a popular choice for Italian wine lovers and for good reason. The overall quality is very high and there are enough styles to please a variety of tastes. The “old school” producers tend to be more earthy and subtle and then there are the exciting “new school” producers. The new school producers lavish your tastebuds with juicy fruit and oak. Even with the variety of expressions of Brunello di Montalcino, it is hard to go wrong.
What is Brunello di Montalcino?
Montalcino is a village in Tuscany and Brunello is the local name for Sangiovese in this area. It is essentially Sangiovese of Montalcino. The clone of Sangiovese used in Montalcino has naturally smaller yields and a smaller berry. The smaller berry ensures a higher skin to juice ratio. There are strict rules that all of the producers must follow. They must age the wine for at least two years in barrel and four months in bottle. Additionally, there are maximum allowable yields. This means that quality is placed above quantity. The Italian authorities take the rules regarding quality measures very seriously.
Brunello di Montalcino tends to have more body than Sangiovese from Chianti. And yet, the wines still have enough balance and refreshing qualities to pair with lighter fare than Cabernet Sauvignon. Brunello can handle a ribeye steak, but really shines with traditional Italian food. Anything with tomatoes and cheese is ideal. It might be a big wine for fish, but the refreshing characteristics of the grape allow it to work. These aren’t inexpensive wines, but they still are a value compared to top wine examples of France and the USA.
Would you like to try a Brunello?
If you are in the market for a Brunello di Montalcino, please check out these great options that we have in stock right now at the Princeville Wine Market.