Brunello red wine: a Tuscan classic at Ritschard Weine
Brunello di Montalcino, a famous red wine from Italy, is not only a symbol of Tuscany, but also one of the most prestigious wines in the world. With a rich history and a unique production process closely linked to the Montalcino region and the Sangiovese grape, this Brunello wine offers an unrivalled taste experience.
History of Brunello di Montalcino
The story of Brunello di Montalcino begins in the 19th century, when the winemaker Ferruccio Biondi Santi laid the foundation for this outstanding wine in the Tuscan region of Montalcino. He recognised the potential of the Sangiovese grape, which thrives particularly well in this area, and began experimenting with different clones. Biondi Santi, considered the father of Brunello, focused on growing a special Sangiovese clone that became known as Sangiovese Grosso. This experiment led to the creation of the first Brunello, a wine that impressed with its longevity and complexity.
The Biondi Santi family and the Il Greppo winery
The Il Greppo winery, which is still run by the Biondi Santi family today, played a central role in the history of Brunello. Ferruccio Biondi Santi and his successors preserved traditions and developed Brunello di Montalcino into the fine wine we know today. The wines of the Il Greppo estate are known for their longevity and are often considered the benchmark for Brunello reds.
The Montalcino region and the Val d'Orcia
Montalcino, a small municipality in the province of Siena, is located in southern Tuscany and is the home of Brunello di Montalcino. The region extends over the picturesque landscape of the Val d'Orcia, known for its rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards. The area around Montalcino offers ideal conditions for viticulture: Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano, protects the vineyards from the cold north winds, while the southern exposure of the slopes ensures optimal sunlight. These unique climatic and geographic conditions give the Brunello wines their special finesse and complexity. Brunello wine is made from Sangiovese grosso grapes grown in the Montalcino region according to strict rules, including a prescribed aging period in barrels and bottles.
The importance of the acreage
The total area under cultivation for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is around 2,100 hectares, where about 250 wineries cultivate their vines. The wide variety of soil types and microclimates within the area helps to ensure that each Brunello di Montalcino has its own character. The vines grow on limestone and slate soils, which give the wines structure and minerality, while sandier soils provide a finer texture.
The Sangiovese grape: the heart of Brunello
Brunello di Montalcino is made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, one of the oldest and noblest grape varieties in Italy. The clone used in Montalcino, Sangiovese Grosso, differs from other Sangiovese clones in that its skin is thicker and its berries smaller. These characteristics contribute significantly to the intensity of the wine's colour and tannins.
Characteristics of the Sangiovese grape
The Sangiovese grape is known for its versatility and ability to reflect the characteristics of the terroir. It is at its best in Brunello di Montalcino: the wines are characterised by a deep ruby red colour, strong tannins and a complex range of aromas. Hints of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and plums, mingle with notes of spices, tobacco and a fine minerality.
Production and ageing of Brunello di Montalcino
The production of Brunello di Montalcino is subject to strict rules laid down in the DOCG regulations. These guarantee the high quality of the wine and at the same time protect the traditions of the region.
Strict rules for production
Brunello di Montalcino must be aged for at least four years before it comes onto the market, with at least two years of this in wooden barrels. For the particularly high-quality Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wines, the ageing period is even five years, with storage in wood also playing an important role. This long ageing period gives the wine its characteristic structure and complexity.
Ageing in wood
The maturation in wooden barrels is crucial for the development of the aromas and the integration of the tannins in Brunello di Montalcino. Traditionally, large barrels made of Slavonian oak are used, which give the wine subtle, spicy notes without covering the fruit aromas. Some winemakers also use French barriques to give the wine additional complexity and vanilla notes.
The best wineries and wines from Montalcino
Montalcino is home to some of Italy's most prestigious wineries, all offering their own interpretations of Brunello di Montalcino. Each winery brings its own philosophy and unique terroir to the wine, resulting in a remarkable diversity of styles.
Caparzo is one of the most well-known estates in Montalcino and has been producing Brunello di Montalcino since the 1960s. The estate owns vineyards in different parts of the region, which allows it to produce wines of remarkable complexity and depth. Caparzo's Brunello di Montalcino is characterised by intense fruit flavours, a solid structure and a long ageing potential.
Castelgiocondo, owned by the Frescobaldi family, is another important winery in Montalcino. Castelgiocondo's Brunello di Montalcino is regularly among the highest-rated wines in the region. With ripe fruit flavours, soft tannins and an elegant finish, this wine offers a classic Brunello experience.
In addition to Caparzo and Castelgiocondo, there are many other vineyards that produce Brunello di Montalcino of the highest quality. These include the Tenuta Greppo vineyard of the Biondi Santi family, who are famous for their traditional and long-lasting wines, as well as smaller family vineyards that work with great dedication and craftsmanship.
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG: a symbol of quality
The designation Brunello di Montalcino DOCG stands for the highest quality and strict controls. The ‘DOCG’ seal (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) guarantees that the wine comes from the defined growing area and has been produced according to the established rules. This designation is a symbol of the high standard that Brunello wines must meet.
The price for top quality
Brunello di Montalcino wines is among the highest of any Italian red wine. Prices vary depending on the winery, vintage and quality of the wine, but the best vintages and the sought-after Riserva wines in particular can cost a pretty penny. Despite the high prices, Brunello wines are highly sought after by collectors and wine connoisseurs for their quality and potential for aging.
Enjoying Brunello di Montalcino wine
Brunello di Montalcino is a wine that is meant to be savoured. It offers remarkable depth and structure on the palate, which continues to develop over the years. The tannins are strong but well integrated, giving the wine a long lifespan. The nose is filled with complex aromas ranging from fruity notes to spicy and earthy hints.
Serving suggestions, food pairings
Brunello di Montalcino is an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes, especially game, lamb and beef. The wine's strong structure harmonises perfectly with rich, flavour-intensive dishes. It also goes well with aged cheese and traditional Tuscan dishes such as ‘Bistecca alla Fiorentina’. The wine should be decanted before serving to fully bring out its aromas.
Storage and ageing
Brunello di Montalcino has exceptional ageing potential. All in all, the best wines can easily mature for 20 years or more, developing even greater depth and complexity. It is important to store them properly under constant conditions, preferably in a cool, dark cellar at a temperature between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius.
Rosso di Montalcino: Brunello's little brother
In addition to Brunello di Montalcino, the region also produces Rosso di Montalcino, another wine made from the Sangiovese grape. This wine is also produced under the strict DOCG rules, but with a shorter ageing period and less complex requirements. Rosso di Montalcino is more accessible and drinkable when young, while still carrying the typical characteristics of the Sangiovese grape and the terroir of Montalcino. It offers a more affordable alternative for those who want to enjoy the flavours and character of the region without having to wait as long as for Brunello di Montalcino.
Brunello di Montalcino in the international wine world
Brunello di Montalcino has earned a permanent place in the international wine world. Experts and critics regularly praise the quality and aging potential of these wines. The renowned wine critic James Suckling once described Brunello di Montalcino as ‘one of the best wines in the world’, which further enhanced the wine's reputation. Wine Spectator also regularly ranks Brunello among the best Italian wines.
Brunello di Montalcino has earned a status as one of the most prestigious red wines in the world. This status is reflected not only in its high ratings and prices, but also in the esteem in which it is held by wine connoisseurs and collectors. Many Brunello wines are among the most sought-after bottles in private collections and at auctions.
The future of Brunello di Montalcino
Despite its long tradition, Brunello di Montalcino is a wine that is constantly evolving. Winemakers are experimenting with new techniques, while maintaining traditional methods and the authenticity that makes this wine so special. Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in this, as wineries strive to protect the environment while producing wines of the highest quality.
Challenges and opportunities
Like many other wine regions, Montalcino is also facing the challenges of climate change. Winemakers must adapt to changing climatic conditions while ensuring that the quality of the wines is maintained. At the same time, these challenges also offer opportunities to break new ground and introduce innovations that will keep Brunello di Montalcino at the forefront of the international wine world in the future.
Conclusion
Brunello di Montalcino is a wine that inspires with its complexity, longevity and deep-rooted tradition. As one of the best red wines in Italy, it has made a name for itself worldwide and is a symbol of Tuscan winemaking. The combination of the unique Sangiovese grape, the special terroir of Montalcino and the strict production rules make Brunello di Montalcino a true classic that should not be missing from any wine collection.
With its rich history, renowned vineyards and constant development, Brunello di Montalcino will remain a wine that meets the highest standards in the future. Whether as an accompaniment to a festive meal, as an investment for the future or simply as a moment of pleasure – this wine is and remains a legend in the world of wine.
Frequently asked questions and their answers about Brunello red wine
What type of wine is Brunello?
Brunello is made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, which is often also referred to as ‘Brunello’. Like Barolo and Amarone, Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's top wines. It is a real storage wine that improves in quality with age.
Why is Brunello so expensive?
Brunello di Montalcino is so expensive because it is subject to strict regulations. Only the Sangiovese Grosso grape may be used, and cultivation is only allowed in Montalcino. In addition, the yield per hectare is limited to a maximum of 52 hectolitres.
What does Brunello di Montalcino taste like?
In contrast to Chianti Classico, which impresses with cherry aromas and violet scents, Brunello is characterised by a more diverse fruit spectrum, a characteristic floral note of the Sangiovese grape and a tart, almost ethereal herbal spice.
What type of wine is Brunello?
Brunello was once thought to be a varietal in its own right, but it is actually a clone of the more common Italian Sangiovese grape. Brunello, which was awarded DOCG status in 1980, must be made entirely from Sangiovese grapes.