Brunello di Montalcino is one of the most renowned red wines on a global scale, often considered an authentic Holy Grail. But what are its characteristics, history, and suggested price? You will find all the relevant information in this article!
Territory and History of Brunello di Montalcino
The history of Brunello di Montalcino is relatively recent, having its origins in the 19th century thanks to Clemente Santi's initiative. He was the first to use Sangiovese Grosso grapes, from which he managed to obtain a red wine suitable for aging. The production territory includes all the hills within the Municipality of Montalcino, with its mild climate favoring lush plant growth.
How Brunello di Montalcino is Produced
The grapes needed for producing Brunello di Montalcino belong to the Sangiovese Grosso variety. However, the name should not be misleading, as the grape berries aren't significantly larger than traditional Sangiovese grapes. The term "grosso" is used to distinguish it from Passerino (small Sangiovese), which is no longer used. With this clarification, let's discuss the vinification and production method of this prestigious wine.
The grapes are carefully selected, often by hand or using sophisticated machinery to ensure the perfect integrity of each grape, which is crucial for achieving exceptional results. The key to Brunello di Montalcino lies in the long maceration process and extended aging in oak barrels (as stipulated by regulations, a minimum two years for the vintage production. A minimum three years for the Riserva production). This aging is followed by several months of bottle aging. Each bottle must also bear the special label provided by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, subjecting them to rigorous quality controls.
Characteristics and Curiosities of Brunello di Montalcino
All Brunello di Montalcino wines are evaluated annually by the Consorzio di Tutela del Brunello di Montalcino, which awards the
best vintages with five stars for excellence. In the last ten years, the standout vintages have been 2004, 2010, and 2012, due to highly favorable weather conditions. Additionally, the older the wine, the higher its quality, with some wines having aging periods of twenty or even thirty years.
Distinctive features include intense ruby red color and complex aromas of jam, coffee, vanilla, and red fruits. The ideal serving temperature for Brunello di Montalcino is around 18°C. It's perfect for meditation but also pairs well with hearty pasta dishes, moderately aged cheeses, and meat-based mains like braised, stewed, and roasted dishes. When served with dessert, blueberry biscuits are a recommended accompaniment.
For proper tasting, a wide tulip-shaped glass is ideal, capturing aromas correctly and guiding them towards the wider base. The flared rim allows the wine to reach the tip of the tongue, ensuring all flavors, especially the sweet ones, are perceived.
Quotation of Brunello di Montalcino
The quotation of Brunello di Montalcino is usually determined by the homonymous Consortium established in 1967. It depends on four main factors: the vintage year (affected by weather and climate conditions), the producing winery, the storage condition (single location storage avoids damaging organoleptic properties), and rarity. Scarcer wines command higher values.
Suggested Price of Brunello di Montalcino
The price of a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino can vary based on the vintage and winery. A good product typically costs around thirty to thirty-five euros. However, bottles with several years of aging can cost thousands of euros, making it a valuable investment. For a single glass, such as in a restaurant or wine bar, the price can be around eight to ten euros..
How to Store Brunello di Montalcino
Perfect storage of Brunello di Montalcino requires specific care to preserve its organoleptic characteristics. To maintain the bottle's integrity, follow these guidelines:
- Keep the bottle at a constant temperature between 16°C and 20°C to avoid cork and glass expansion.
- Store the bottle horizontally to ensure the cork remains moist, preventing drying and subsequent oxygen ingress.
- Keep the bottle away from direct light and heat sources. Dark velvet covers can be helpful.
- Store the bottle away from strong odors like oils, plastics, tires, cheeses, and cured meats.
If you're interested in tasting Brunello di Montalcino at its place of origin, read the article
Where to buy wine in Montalcino: the best wine shops.
For more curiosities about Brunello and its origin territory, visit
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