The Wines of Montalcino are an authentic expression of the Tuscan territory. Among them, the famous Brunello di Montalcino stands out, a great red DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) that has captivated the palates of wine lovers around the world.
Brunello di Montalcino is made from pure Sangiovese Grosso grapes, a variety that excellently represents the Tuscan territory and, along with the famous Barolo, is one of the most long-lived Italian reds.
The Territory of Montalcino: A Unique Landscape
The production area of Brunello is relatively small, with just over 2000 hectares of vineyards, but its quality is undeniable. The lands of Montalcino present a rich complexity and diversity.
The southern areas, warm and humid, are made up of marl and limestone, while the western zones are composed of clay and sand. This diversity of soils contributes to giving Brunello a wide range of unique aromas and flavors.
The History of Brunello di Montalcino: A Wine with Deep Roots
The history of Brunello di Montalcino has deep roots dating back to the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1865, Clemente Biondi Santi first introduced a wine called “Brunello” at a fair in Florence, the Exhibition of Natural and Industrial Products of Tuscany. Since then, other local families followed Santi’s example, initiating the production of this extraordinary wine.
Brunello di Montalcino: A Long-Lasting Wine
According to the regulations of Brunello, the maximum grape yield per hectare is 80 quintals, but many producers prefer to reduce it to 60 quintals to further elevate the quality of production.
The wine requires a long aging period to reach its peak quality, which is why it is refined in oak barrels for at least two years and put on sale five years after the harvest.
The Producers of Brunello di Montalcino: A Tradition of Excellence
Among the most renowned producers in the Montalcino territory, in addition to Biondi Santi, the Mariani family stands out, owners of Castello Banfi.
In the ’70s, brothers John and Harry Mariani came to Montalcino with the goal of finding a Brunello that could expand their selection of wines imported into the United States.
They founded Castello Banfi, a prestigious estate of 2830 hectares that indissolubly links the name Banfi to the territory of Montalcino.
The Taste of Brunello di Montalcino: A Unique Sensory Experience
Beyond the different organoleptic interpretations that each bottle may present, a good Brunello di Montalcino is distinguished by its aromas of small red fruits, vanilla, and jam.
On the palate, it is warm, dry, elegant, and persistent, with a color that ranges from ruby to garnet with aging, and a tannic, harmonious, and robust note.
In conclusion, the Wines of Montalcino represent a winemaking tradition of excellence that, thanks to Brunello and other wines of the territory, has earned an honored place in the global viticultural landscape.
The passion and experience of local producers have contributed to making these wines an undisputed symbol of Tuscany, offering palates around the world a unique and unforgettable sensory experience.
Other Wines of Montalcino: A Variety of Flavors
In addition to Brunello, Montalcino offers a variety of wines that deserve to be discovered.
Rosso di Montalcino
Rosso di Montalcino, for example, is another wine made with 100% Sangiovese grapes. Unlike Brunello, it is a wine intended to be drunk and tasted “young.”
It represents a valid option compared to Brunello, more prestigious and complex, offering a “harmonious and dry, fresh and vigorous taste, with remarkable persistence.”
Moscadello di Montalcino
Before the advent of Brunello, Moscadello di Montalcino DOC had already gained fame.
This wine, praised by numerous prominent personalities, was recognized both in Italy and abroad as an excellent wine product, a witness to the winemaking history of the region.
This white wine, made entirely from white muscat grapes, comes in three variants: still, sparkling, and vinsanto.
Sant’Antimo DOC
Sant’Antimo DOC is a wine that can be produced with any type of white or red grape authorized to grow in Tuscany as a single varietal wine or blend (from white or red label).
To obtain this denomination, it is essential that the grapes are grown in the Montalcino area and that bottling takes place exclusively in the province of Siena.
This denomination embraces a wide variety of wines, both red and white, including vinsanto.
Other Notable Producers
Among the producers of Montalcino wines, the wineries of Altesino, Castello di Banfi, Bartoli Giusti, Paradiso di Frassina, Azienda Agricola Uccelliera, Tenuta Fanti, and Máté Winery also stand out.
These wineries, while maintaining the winemaking tradition of Montalcino, offer a variety of wines that go beyond Brunello, including award-winning Merlots and Syrahs, further enriching the winemaking landscape of this region.
Purchasing Wines of Montalcino
The digital age has revolutionized the way we buy wine, making the experience simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Thanks to the wide selection offered by Italian online wine shops, it is now possible to explore and purchase a wide range of wines without leaving the comfort of your own home.
ENOTECA DI PIAZZA by Fedolfi Andrea s.a.s., located at Piazza Garibaldi, 4 in Montalcino, Siena, is an excellent example of how online wine purchasing can be a rewarding experience.
Their website, https://enotecadipiazza.com/, offers a wide selection of high-quality wines, making wine purchasing a pleasant and convenient experience.
