Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most prestigious red wines and a symbol of Tuscan winemaking excellence. Born on the hills of Montalcino, in the province of Siena, this wine is produced solely from Sangiovese grapes and stands out for its elegance, complexity, and aging ability. With a history dating back to the 19th century, Brunello has become synonymous with quality and tradition, recognized worldwide for its unique character and aromatic richness, featuring fruity, spicy, and earthy notes.

Origins and History
The history of Brunello di Montalcino officially began in 1865, when Clemente Santi experimented with the vinification of Sangiovese Grosso, a specific Sangiovese variety cultivated in the area. His work was continued by his nephew, Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, who perfected the winemaking and aging methods, creating the first "modern" Brunello in 1888. This wine quickly stood out for its remarkable aging potential, which made it unique in the winemaking landscape of the time.
During the 20th century, Brunello production remained limited to a few wineries, with Biondi-Santi among the most prominent. However, starting in the 1960s, there was a significant boom in Tuscan wine, driven by growing international recognition and advances in viticultural and vinification techniques.

Recognitions and Designation
In 1966, Brunello di Montalcino obtained Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status, becoming one of the first Italian wines to receive this designation. In 1980, another milestone was reached: Brunello became the first Italian wine to receive the prestigious Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), affirming its excellence and the stringent regulation of its production.



Today, the production guidelines for Brunello di Montalcino require the exclusive use of Sangiovese grapes (locally known as Sangiovese Grosso) and an extended aging period: at least 5 years for standard Brunello and 6 years for the Riserva version, with part of the aging in oak barrels and part in the bottle.

International Fame and Quality
Brunello di Montalcino is globally known for its distinctive character: an elegant and complex wine with aromas of red fruits, spices, and earthy notes. Its tannic structure and balanced acidity make it suitable for long aging, improving with time. Numerous accolades have been awarded to this wine, which frequently appears in rankings of the world’s top labels, attracting enthusiasts and collectors alike. Today, the Montalcino area is one of the most sought-after destinations for wine tourism, thanks to its scenic beauty and the renown of its signature wine.

Brunello Today
Today, Brunello di Montalcino is produced by over 200 wineries that strictly adhere to guidelines to ensure quality. The Brunello Consortium promotes and protects this wine, solidifying its role as an ambassador of "Made in Italy" around the world.
Brunello di Montalcino is thus more than just a wine; it embodies the essence of Tuscan tradition—a perfect balance of history, culture, and nature.

Among the most renowned labels: Banfi, Fattoria dei Barbi, Biondi-Santi.



OUR SUGGESTION FOR A BRUNELLO TOUR/TASTING:
https://www.eurocasa.com/en/experiences/wine-tour-brunello-and-nobile/

Photos: Montalcinonews.it / Lacortedeiventi.it