Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino wines are produced around the beautiful Tuscan village of Montalcino. Both are made entirely from a local variant of the Sangiovese grape known as Brunello—translated as the ""little dark one," referring to the size and color of the grape.
There’s nothing little about the bold and rich Brunello di Montalcino, one Italy’s most sought-after and collectable wines. It has plush aromas of spice, earth and raisins. Its complex flavors include the classic cherry notes of Sangiovese, earth and sometimes leather, cedar or spice. Italy’s DOCG regulations require that Brunello di Montalcino age for four years before release. Riserva Brunello must age for five years, the longest such requirement in Italy.
A glimpse of Brunello’s greatness is available at a fraction of the cost with Rosso di Montalcino wines. These are produced from the same grape and the same vineyards as Brunello, but the grapes for Rosso di Montalcino are typically harvested from younger vines and spend less time in fermentation. Categorized as a DOC wine, Rosso di Montalcino requires just one year of aging. Rosso di Montalcino can suggest the power and intensity of Brunello, but it’s a younger, fresher and lighter-bodied wine.
Pronunciation
[Broo-NELL-oh dee Mon-tahl-CHEE-no]
[ROH-so dee Mon-tahl-CHEE-no]
Recommended food pairings
Beef, pork, game, lamb, pasta in red sauce
Serving temperature
65°
