Region Guides · Tuscany

Brunello and its little brother

Tenuta di Sesta Brunello di Montalcino DOCGBrunello from the 2019 vintage$39.99Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCGClassic Brunello from a historic estate$70Tenuta Fanti Rosso di Montalcino DOCRosso di Montalcino: Brunello's early-drinking sibling$22Istine Chianti Classico DOCGChianti Classico for comparison$32

Shop Tuscany →   Shop Sangiovese →

What grape is Brunello made from?

Brunello is made entirely from Sangiovese, Italy's most planted red grape. In Montalcino, local strains of Sangiovese were historically called "Brunello" ("little dark one") for their darker, thicker-skinned berries. The Biondi-Santi family is credited with first bottling a Brunello di Montalcino in the late 1800s, and the wine became one of Italy's first DOCGs in 1980.

What are the rules for Brunello di Montalcino?

Rosso di Montalcino comes from the same vineyards and is often made from younger vines or declassified lots. It's the best value in Montalcino: a Brunello preview for a fraction of the price.

Brunello vs. Chianti: what's the difference?

Both are Sangiovese from Tuscany. Chianti Classico, from the hills between Florence and Siena, can include up to 20% other red grapes and is usually lighter, brighter and more floral. Montalcino, farther south, is warmer and drier, so Brunello is riper, fuller and more tannic, and it must be 100% Sangiovese and aged much longer. See our guide to Chianti Classico for the northern side of the story.

Which Brunello vintages are best?

Recent vintages widely praised by critics include 2010, 2015, 2016 and 2019, with 2016 and 2019 often singled out for their balance and aging potential. Warmer years such as 2017 give riper, earlier-drinking wines. Vintage matters less with top producers, who make good wine in most years, but it's a useful guide when buying to cellar.

When should you drink Brunello?

Young Brunello, on release, is powerful and tannic. Give it at least 8 to 10 years from the vintage for the tannins to soften and the dried-cherry, leather and tobacco notes to emerge. If you open one young, decant it for 2 to 3 hours. Serve at 60 to 65°F in a large glass.

What food goes with Brunello?

Tuscan classics: bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragù, pappardelle with meat sauce, roast lamb, porcini mushrooms and aged pecorino. It needs rich, savory food to match its structure.

Is Brunello worth the price?

For a special bottle to cellar, yes. Good Brunello starts around $40 to $70, far less than comparable Bordeaux or Burgundy. For everyday drinking, Rosso di Montalcino and Chianti Classico deliver much of the same character for $20 to $35. For the whole country, read the 20 regions of Italy and their wines.

Header photo: Claudio Grande on Unsplash