Characteristics of Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine with DOCG status (name and quality controlled by origin) produced in Tuscany, Italy, in the vicinity of Montalcino, 80 km south of Florence. The name is a diminutive form of Bruno – “brown” and is due to the color of the grapes. For a long time, Brunello grapes were considered an autochthonous unique variety, until in 1879 its identity with Sangiovese was proved.

Features

Brunello wine is 100% of the eponymous variety, has DOCG status since 1980, is considered one of the best and most expensive representatives of Italian wines. Differs in a full body, saturated color, rich bouquet with pronounced tannins, high acidity. The aroma has tones of blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, chocolate, leather and violets. Brunello is often compared to Burgundy Pinot Noir. The wine goes well with grilled meat, game, hearty meat dishes.

History

Brunello’s predecessor was a red wine made in Montalcino in the early 1831th century. In 1861, the Marquis Cosimo Ridolfi publicly extolled the virtues of local wines, calling them the best in Tuscany. In 1888, Brunello’s red wine won first place at the city’s agricultural fair. Since the middle of the XNUMXth century, local winemakers have been experimenting with aging and varietal composition, so in XNUMX a modern version of Brunello di Montalcino appeared.

By the end of World War II, the drink had already earned a reputation as an elite and exclusive alcohol. The only official producer was the Biondi-Santi company, owned by the descendants of Clement Santi, the winemaker who largely determined the style of this wine. By 1945, only four millesimes had been produced: 1888, 1891, 1925 and 1945.

The success of the brand gave impetus to other winemakers, and by the 1960s there were already 11 producers in the region, and by 1980 their number had grown to 53. In 1968, the region received the status of DOC, in 1980 – DOCG. At that time, it was the first and only Italian region that guaranteed quality by origin. By the beginning of the 330st century, more than 200 thousand bottles of Brunello appeared on the market a year from XNUMX different manufacturers.

Features of the region

The Montalcino region has a hot and dry climate, the grapes here ripen about a week faster than in neighboring areas. The amount of annual precipitation is 700 mm. In the northern part of the berries are more aromatic, but the wine in the south of Montalcino has a more complex bouquet. The best winemakers often blend crops from southern and northern plantations to achieve the perfect balance of flavor.

The city of Montalcino is located at an altitude of 564 meters above sea level, the vineyards are located in a hilly area, the highest point of the zone is Mount Amiata. Brunello grapes are cultivated in a relatively small area of ​​​​only 1200 hectares, terroirs are distinguished by a variety of soils and microclimates. Accordingly, the characteristics of the finished wine are highly dependent on the location of the economy, year, weather conditions.

Регион делится на 8 субзон: Montalcino North, Montalcino South, Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Camigliano, Tavernelle, Bosco, Torrenieri, Sant’Angelo.

Technology and types

Traditionally, the berries are macerated longer than in the production of other wines, so that the drink acquires the most intense color and aroma.

After fermentation, Brunello wine is aged for at least 2 years in oak barrels and at least 4 months in bottles.

There are two main types:

• Normale – exposure 50-61 months after harvest.
• Riserva – aging for at least 62 months after harvest.

It is believed that Brunello wine takes at least 10 years to completely get rid of harsh notes and acquire a harmonious, balanced taste.

Rosso di Montalcino can be called a separate subspecies – this wine is made from the same variety and using the same technology as Brunello, but is aged for only 6 months in a barrel and the same or less in a bottle. The drink has DOC status and was created specifically so that Brunello producers could at least make money on something, while the best samples are waiting for decades in the wings. Rosso is a “young Brunello”, fresher, lighter and, of course, cheaper – its cost is a third or half the price of aged wine.

Скандал

In 2008, a scandal erupted, called Brunellopoli by the press. Italian authorities suspected several reputable producers of counterfeiting Brunello – quality control authorities said that grapes of other varieties were added to the wine of these brands in order to soften the taste of the drink and make it more commercially attractive. These accusations were subsequently not confirmed, but the US imposed a ban on the import of Brunello, the composition of which may be in doubt.

Brunello vs Barolo

Brunello competes with Barolo for the title of “king of Italian wines”.

Brunello’s analogues

The following wines are similar to Brunello:

• Nobile di Montepulciano. The appellation is located 20 miles from Montalcino and wines are also made from Sangiovese.
• Chianti Classico Riserva. Chianti acquires a similar flavor with age.
• Monefalco Rosso. A wine with a rich fruity bouquet and distinct tannins.