brunello di montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is a DOCG red wine , whose production territory is entirely included within the municipality of Montalcino , in the province of Siena. Despite being recognized for a long time as an area highly suited to viticulture, Montalcino owes its fame and prestige to Clemente Santi of the Biondi Santi winery which around 1865 produced in the Greppo il Brunello estate as we know it today, at those times under the name of “chosen red wine”, giving luster to the entire Montalcino hill , today renowned and known all over the world.

Afterwards, other local families started the production of Brunello, which however remained in extremely limited quantities until the whole of 1950. Among the winemakers who distinguished themselves during this period there were Ferruccio Biondi Santi, nephew of Clemente and son of the Florentine doctor Jacopo Biondi who set particularly rigid production standards, Paccagnini, Anghirelli, Angelini and Padelletti.

As foreseen by its production disciplinary , Brunello di Montalcino can be obtained only from Sangiovese grapes, a variety which in Montalcino is called juxtaposed Brunello. In particular, we refer to a clone of Sangiovese characterized by clusters that are on average larger and more vigorous than the common one, which for a time acquired the name of Sangiovese or Sangioveto Grosso. The specification also establishes important yield limits to guarantee the very high quality of this prestigious Tuscan wine.

The part of wine that exceeds the yield can be destined for the production of another red wine therefore coming from the same production area: Rosso di Montalcino . It is a wine not subject to aging, less structured and drinkable in which the young aromas of Sangiovese emerge intact and defined. The Brunello di Montalcino is one of the oldest among Italian red wines, which can be sold only after being aged for five years, of which at least two years in oak barrels. After six years he receives the mention Riserva.

Great wines of great caliber such as Brunello di Montalcino are recognized from their organoleptic characteristics . Its color is intense ruby red which tends to garnet with evolution. It has an intense and characteristic aroma of red flowers and sour cherry, often accompanied by balsamic notes. On the palate it is robust and tannic, powerful, dry and warm, with great harmony and aromatic persistence.

Among the most suitable combinations we find game, both from fur and feather, fine cuts of red meat and medium-long aged cheeses.

The choice of vintage , as well as of the producer, is fundamental for wines like Brunello. Apart from rare cases of excellent vintages in absolute terms, almost all vintages have positive and negative sides. Sometimes the wines are richer, mature and harmonious, other times they are fresher, finer and more vibrant.

The Brunello di Montalcino Consortium has drawn up a ranking of the best vintages in this regard, in which the "stars" evaluation criterion is applied , with votes ranging from one to five. In any case, before accepting this vote as an identification of quality for the single vintage relating to the entire production area, it is good to keep in mind that the Montalcino hill has slopes with different exposures, altitudes and microclimates. Therefore, in a fresh vintage, it is possible to find the best expressions in the south, south-west area, with a more Mediterranean climate, on the contrary in a hot vintage, most probably the most balanced wines could be those from the north, north- east with a cooler and continental climate.

The most significant years of the denomination are:

2013 . For the Consortium 4 stars. It was a strange year, with a fresh spring and a summer that started late, but it was very hot. The wines express this unresolved climatic tension and have retained a pleasant freshness.

2012 . For the 5 star Consortium. Warm year with intense and mature rich wines, with a Mediterranean profile, in many cases ready to drink.

2011 . For the 4 star Consortium. A rather warm year that gave a Brunello with a rather mature profile, pleasant to drink even when young.

2010 . For the 5 star Consortium. One of the best vintages of the last decades, to buy and keep in the cellar. Elegant and balanced wines.

2007 . For the 5 star Consortium. Classic and balanced vintage. Elegant and harmonious wines destined for long aging.

2006 . For the 5 star Consortium. Another notable vintage, especially for the wines of the cooler areas.

Those who can afford to buy old vintages can orient themselves on the vintages 2004, 1997, 1995, 1991, 1990, 1988, 1985, 1975, 1970.