There is something profoundly captivating about Brunello di Montalcino, which is more than just a wine: it is a symbol of tradition, passion, and a deep connection to its land. For wine enthusiasts, talking about Brunello means embarking on a journey through centuries of history, a journey that tells the story of men and women who, with great dedication, have been able to interpret the character of a unique territory. But what makes Brunello so special, and how has it become one of the most appreciated wines in the world?
In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover its origins, the characteristics that distinguish it, and the secrets behind every bottle, thanks to the production regulations.
Denomination of Origin of Brunello di Montalcino: the beginning of a centuries-long story
To discover where the history of Brunello di Montalcino as a wine of excellence begins, we must go back in time, as the vocation of the Montalcino territory for producing high-quality wines has been known for many centuries. As early as the Middle Ages, people mentioned "the good wines that come from those pleasant hills", and in 1744 Charles Thompson said, "Montalcino is not very famous except for the goodness of its wines".
However, it is around the 19th century when a young local oenologist, Clemente Santi, began experimenting with the production of a red wine made from pure Sangiovese grapes, that we trace the history of Brunello. In 1869, one of his wines from the 1865 vintage was awarded a silver medal by the district assembly. The success of these experiments was such that, by the mid-20th century, Brunello di Montalcino was already recognized as one of Italy's great wines.
The official consecration came in 1966 with the establishment of the Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC). This recognition marked an important step forward in protecting the quality and identity of Brunello, setting strict and precise criteria for its production.
In 1980, Brunello di Montalcino became the first wine in Italy to receive the prestigious Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG), a title that certifies absolute excellence. This means that every phase of production, from vine cultivation to winemaking, from aging to bottling, must adhere to strict standards to ensure that every bottle is a true ambassador of the Montalcino territory. With this recognition, Brunello not only solidified its status as a high-quality wine but also contributed to defining the image of Italian wine worldwide.
Brunello di Montalcino: all the characteristics
What are the characteristics that make this wine so iconic? According to the production regulations, Brunello di Montalcino must be made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, locally known as “Brunello". The wine must age for at least 5 years, with a minimum of 2 years in oak barrels and 4 months in the bottle. This long ageing gives Brunello its typical organoleptic characteristics: it is a visually clear, brilliant wine with a ruby color that tends toward garnet with aging; the aroma is intense and complex, with notes of underbrush, aromatic wood, small fruits, slight vanilla, and mixed jam. On the palate, it is distinguished by its dry, elegant, and persistent flavor, with well-present but soft tannins.
Due to these characteristics, Brunello di Montalcino is a wine that withstands long aging, improving over time. If stored correctly, it can be kept for a minimum of ten years and up to thirty years, depending on the vintage's characteristics, but it can also be held in the cellar for even longer.
Vinification
The vinification of Brunello di Montalcino is a long and delicate process. After harvesting, the grapes are crushed, and the resulting must is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel containers. During this phase, the must is regularly pumped over and punched down to promote the extraction of tannins and aromatic substances. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to oak barrels, where it begins its long aging period of at least four months for the Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin “Brunello di Montalcino" and at least six months for the “Riserva" designation.
Finally, Brunello is bottled—exclusively in dark Bordolese glass bottles sealed with a single-piece cork—and allowed to rest for several more months before being released for sale. There is a specific regulation stating that the maximum yield of grapes into finished wine, ready for consumption, must not exceed 68%. If the yield exceeds this limit—but does not exceed 75%—the excess is not entitled to the controlled and guaranteed designation of origin. If it exceeds 75%, the right to the controlled and guaranteed designation of origin is lost for the entire product.
A unique territory: the Brunello production area
When talking about wine, one cannot overlook the territory where the vines are cultivated. Because, especially in this case, it is precisely the unique combination of natural factors—soil and climate—with human factors that defines the interaction reflected in the characteristics of Brunello di Montalcino wine.
Brunello di Montalcino is produced exclusively in the municipality of Montalcino, in the province of Siena. This hilly area, with its mild climate and soils that are low in organic matter but rich in galestro, clay, and limestone, provides the ideal habitat for cultivating Sangiovese. The vineyards are located at altitudes ranging from 120 to 650 meters above sea level, benefiting from optimal sun exposure and good ventilation, key elements for producing high-quality grapes. Viticultural techniques have evolved over the centuries, and today's planted vineyards are the result of knowledge gained through observations and experiments conducted over the last few decades.
How to pair Brunello di Montalcino?
Brunello di Montalcino is a harmonious yet complex wine, perfect for pairing with equally rich and structured dishes. It pairs beautifully with red meats, game, roasts, aged cheeses, and even mushrooms and truffles. It is also ideal for accompanying typical Tuscan dishes, such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Cinghiale alla Cacciatora, or pici with wild boar ragu. Thanks to its elegance and depth, it is a wine that can be enjoyed on its own, as a "meditative" wine, to fully appreciate all its nuances.
For those wanting to savor all the elegance of Brunello, it can be enjoyed at Poderina, located in Montalcino, in the Castelnuovo dell'Abate area, where Brunello is produced in two versions: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Riserva. It is an excellent starting point to visit the beautiful vineyards, enjoy a tasting, and then explore a magnificent territory, beginning with the enchanting Abbey of Sant'Antimo and, of course, Montalcino and all its hidden treasures.
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