Region
Montalcino
Montalcino is a hilltop town in southern Tuscany with an unusual discipline: its flagship wine, Brunello di Montalcino, is not allowed to reach you in a hurry. Everything here is built around Sangiovese and time.
Key facts
- Where
- Southern Tuscany, around the hilltop town of Montalcino.
- The grape
- Sangiovese, known locally and historically as Brunello.
- Brunello ageing
- A minimum of two years in oak and at least four months in bottle, six months for Riserva.
- Release
- No earlier than 1 January of the fifth year after harvest, with Riserva a year later.
- Rosso di Montalcino
- The same Sangiovese, made for earlier drinking.
Known for
- Long lived Sangiovese
- Structured, savoury reds that reward decanting and food
- A clear two wine system: Brunello for patience, Rosso for now
Stories
Regions
Brunello di Montalcino: why patience is part of the wineMontalcino built waiting into its rules, and you can taste the reason in the glass.
Grapes
Sangiovese: Tuscany's grape, in more than one voiceOne variety, several personalities, and why the grape name is only the beginning of the story.
Travel
How to plan a wine day in TuscanyOne area, two visits, a long lunch and a driver. The rest is detail.
Pairing
What to drink with Tuscan foodSalt, fat, char and bitterness on one side. Acidity, tannin and savour on the other.
Related
Region
TuscanyGrape
SangiovesePairing
Tuscan food and wine
Sources and further reading