Brunello

23 products

Brunello di Montalcino – Structure, complexity and longevity Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most prestigious red wines and is made exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso. The wine is known for its intense structure, acidity, tannins and a...

Read more

Andre kategorier du måske vil kunne lide

Spanish Red Wine
Spanish Red Wine
Sicily
Sicily
Gaja
Gaja
Veneto
Veneto
Wine from Piedmont
Wine from Piedmont

Brunello

Brunello di Montalcino – Structure, complexity and longevity

Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most prestigious red wines and is made exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso. The wine is known for its intense structure, acidity, tannins and ability to develop over decades. It is produced around the town of Montalcino in southern Tuscany and is classified as DOCG – the highest quality designation in Italian wine law.

Origin and grape variety

Brunello is produced in the hilly zone around Montalcino, where the warm, dry climate and altitudes (up to 500 m above sea level) provide perfect conditions for ripening and acid retention. The Sangiovese Grosso grape – a local clone of Sangiovese – produces fuller, more structured wines than those from Chianti or Montepulciano. No other grapes are allowed in Brunello – the wine must be 100% pure Sangiovese.

Vinification and aging

Brunello is subject to strict storage requirements:

  • Brunello di Montalcino: Minimum 2 years in wooden barrels and 4 years in total before release (5 years for Riserva).
  • Brunello Riserva: Released at the earliest after 6 years with a minimum of 2 years of barrel aging.

The wines are typically aged in Slavonian oak, but modern producers also use French barriques. The result is wines with depth, tertiary aromas and a firm, tannic structure that mature beautifully over 10–30 years depending on the style and vintage.

Rosso di Montalcino – Brunello's little brother

Rosso di Montalcino is made from the same grape and in the same area, but has a shorter aging period and more immediate fruit. It is a younger, lighter version, often expressing the Montalcino terroir in a more accessible form. Rosso is usually released 1 year after harvest and is typically drunk young, but can also be aged for 5–10 years if of good quality.

Frequently asked questions about Brunello

How long can Brunello be stored?

Brunello di Montalcino has a high aging potential – typically 10–30 years. Riserva versions and wines from large vintages can develop tertiary notes for several decades.

What does Brunello taste like?

Classic aromas include cherry, forest floor, leather, tobacco and dried herbs. The wine has high acidity, clear tannins and a long finish – often with aging-developed notes of mushrooms and spices.

What is the difference between Brunello and Chianti?

Both wines are made from Sangiovese, but Brunello is more concentrated, aged longer and produced from a specific clone in Montalcino. Chianti is typically lighter and may contain other grapes.

© 2025 DH Wines ApS