Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine from Tuscany, made entirely from Sangiovese. In Montalcino, the grape is called Brunello. The wine is aged for at least five years, which is a big part of where its name comes from.
Wine by type
Brunello is just one corner of the red wine shelf. Read more about its neighbors here.
Red wine
From Merlot to Malbec, what oak aging does to a wine, and how warm to serve it.
About red wine →Valpolicella
Another Italian ladder, from light Classico through Ripasso to Amarone made from dried grapes.
About Valpolicella →
Merlot
The dark grape used in Chianti Classico, and which takes center stage on its own elsewhere.
About Merlot →
Rioja
Spain’s best-known red wine region. There, too, reserva tells you how long the wine has been aged.
About Rioja →One grape, a small area and five years of waiting
Brunello di Montalcino comes from the area around Montalcino, a small town in Tuscany about a hundred kilometers south of Florence. You may also see it called Brunello Montalcino or Brunello de Montalcino, but the label always says di. The grape is Sangiovese, called Brunello there, and nothing else may be added. The region is fifteen times smaller than Chianti. It’s drier and warmer than its neighbor, allowing Sangiovese Grosso to ripen well. The wines have DOCG status, the highest Italian classification. In the nineteenth century, winemaker Clemente Santi wanted to use this one local grape to make a powerful red wine that could age well. His grandson Ferruccio Biondi-Santi brought the first modern Brunello to market in 1888.
The name is mainly due to the aging rules. Brunello di Montalcino ages for five years, including at least two years in oak barrels and at least four months in the bottle. A Riserva takes six years, also with at least two years in oak and six months in the bottle. Waiting five years for each vintage across two thousand hectares says a lot. Nothing else may be added either. Chianti may contain Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Brunello is made only from Sangiovese. If you want wine from the same region without the wait, look for Rosso di Montalcino. It’s the little brother, with more flexible aging rules and often made from younger vines.
In brief
Six bottles, from Rosso to Riserva
We’ve arranged them in order. First the little brother, then three Brunellos, then the Riserva, and finally a Chianti Classico for comparison.
Piccini Rosso di Montalcino
Brunello’s little brother. Same grape, more flexible aging rules. This bottle spent six months in oak barrels and tastes of red cherries and chocolate, with lively acidity.
Piccini Brunello di Montalcino
From Montalcino itself, where Sangiovese is called Brunello. Rich and powerful, with black cherries and bite.
La Poderina Brunello di Montalcino
Sangiovese at its best, or Brunello, as they call the grape in Montalcino. Powerful and full-bodied, with plenty of layers, cherries, chocolate, and high acidity.
Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino
Made in Castelgiocondo and a real powerhouse. Firm and bold, yet with plenty of layers and a lovely balance. You can taste cherry, pepper, and coffee.
Piccini Brunello Riserva
A riserva ages for six years, including at least two years in oak barrels and six months in the bottle. This one spent 36 months in oak and then another six months in the bottle. Dried fruit, dark chocolate, and double espresso.
Piccini Chianti Classico
Chianti is made from the same grape, but other varieties can be added. This one is Sangiovese with fifteen percent Merlot. After nine months in oak, it's smooth and rounded. The riserva next to it aged for three years in oak.
The region is fifteen times smaller than Chianti, only one grape variety is allowed, and every vintage ages for at least five years.
Cherry and violets, with notes of leather underneath
Red fruit and violets
You smell red fruit and flowers, especially violets. With a riserva, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and espresso join in.
Full and firm
Cherry and blackcurrant on the palate. Firm, with fresh acidity that can sometimes be quite pronounced. Because of that acidity, Sangiovese is a wine for eating with, especially dishes with tomato.
Leather, hazelnut, and anise
Leather, hazelnut, and anise linger after each sip. With a riserva, the finish lasts a long time. The longer the wine aged in oak and in the bottle, the more of these notes you'll find.
This is what an average Brunello tastes like. A Rosso di Montalcino is less powerful, while a riserva is a little more so.
How to serve Brunello
It comes down to two things. Don't serve it too warm, and give a young bottle some air.
Cooler than room temperature
For powerful, full-bodied red wine, aim for 18 degrees. So chill the bottle for fifteen minutes before serving. At room temperature, you mostly taste the alcohol. Slightly cooler, the aromas, acidity, and sweetness come together better.
The right glass →Decant young bottles
Decanting is simply pouring the wine into another vessel to expose it to more oxygen. Young, tight red wine needs this to open up. Do it half an hour to three hours beforehand. If there's sediment in an older bottle, stand it upright a day in advance.
Decanters →With pasta, red meat, and game
The bottles speak for themselves. Piccini pairs well with pasta in tomato sauce or grilled tournedos. La Poderina goes well with beef and steak, Frescobaldi and the riserva with game. With its fresh acidity and firm structure, Sangiovese is a wine for the table either way.
The six bottles →Cocktails near Brunello
There are no cocktails made with Brunello or Rosso di Montalcino. These wines are simply enjoyed from a glass. These four come closest: two with still red wine and two Italian classics with bubbles.
Sangria
Red wine with pieces of fruit and plenty of ice, served by the pitcher.
Tinto de Verano
Red wine with sparkling lemon soda, served over lots of ice.
Aperol Spritz
Aperol, prosecco, and sparkling water in a large glass with ice and an orange slice.
Bellini
Peach purée at the bottom of the glass, topped gently with prosecco.The right glass for Brunello
Red wine benefits from a little extra oxygen. That’s why the glass is larger and wider than one for white or rosé, with a bowl that lets you swirl the wine easily. Pour to just below the widest point, so nothing sloshes over the rim. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything you still wanted to know about Brunello
Can’t find your question here? Check out our cocktail recipes or get in touch.
To the cocktail recipes →What is Brunello di Montalcino?
Why is Brunello an expensive wine?
Which grape is Brunello made from?
How long does Brunello di Montalcino age?
What is the difference between Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino?
What is the difference between Brunello and Chianti?
What temperature should you serve Brunello at, and what glass should you use?
Buy Brunello
Want the bottle delivered right away? Order Brunello online from Gall & Gall. Gall & Gall has 6.
Piccini Brunello di Montalcino
La Poderina Brunello di Montalcino
Piccini Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino
Prices as of November 5, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.
