Brunello di Montalcino

Montalcino, in the province of Siena, is situated at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. Around 1870 a wine maker, Ferruccio Biondi Santi, started to plant in its vineyard a clone of Sangiovese (grosso), called Brunello. This young wine maker had noted that it was stronger against phylloxera, and so was born the first Brunello di Montalcino. The first great vintage arrived in 1888.

Brunello di Montalcino is Tuscany's most famous wine. Produced from 100 percent Sangiovese grapes (Brunello is the local name for this Sangiovese), it comes onto the market five years after the harvest (6 years for the riserva); it must remain at least 2 years in wooden barrels and then 4 months in bottles (6 months for the riserva).

The 1997 vintage is considered to be the region's best ever. Top vintages in the last 10 years include 1997, 1995, 1993, 1990 and 1988. Brunellos from great vintages age very well.

Alcohol By Volume: 12.5% minimum

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