Brunello di Montalcino is Tuscany's most prestigious red, made entirely from a local Sangiovese clone ('Brunello') around the hilltop town of Montalcino. Warmer and drier than Chianti, it produces powerful, concentrated, age-worthy wines of dark cherry, leather, tobacco, dried herbs and balsamic, with firm tannin and bright acidity. Long mandatory ageing makes it one of Italy's grandest, most collectible wines.
Structure
| Body | Brunello must age at least four years (five for Riserva) before release, including time in oak. Its fuller body and structure set it apart from Chianti, and the diverse soils and altitudes around Montalcino give a range of styles. The best vintages reward 20–30 years. |
|---|---|
| Acidity | High, firm. |
| Tannin | High, structured. |
| Finish | Long and savoury, with dark cherry, leather and balsamic. |
| Aroma | Dark cherry, leather, tobacco, dried herbs and balsamic. |
Serving: 16–18°C (60–64°F). · Decanting: 1 hour for young Brunello.
Brunello di Montalcino drinking window
| Tier | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| Rosso di Montalcino | Drink within 2–6 years. |
| Brunello | Best 6–20 years. |
| Riserva | 12–30 years. |
| Vintage | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Drinking well now. |
| 2016 | Hold; superb, to 2041. |
| 2019 | Cellar to 2039. |
Track every Brunello di Montalcino in your cellar
Know what to open tonight — and never miss a wine at its peak.
Drinking-window alerts for each bottle you own.
Free Taster: up to 100 bottles · 20 AI scans · 10 pairings / month
Free forever · No credit card
Best dishes to pair with Brunello di Montalcino
Check a bottle or vintage
Brunello di Montalcino — questions answered
How is Brunello different from Chianti?
Both are Sangiovese, but Brunello uses a local clone in warmer Montalcino, with longer mandatory ageing, making fuller, more powerful, more age-worthy wine.
How long must Brunello age before release?
At least four years (five for Riserva), including a minimum two years in oak — among Italy's strictest ageing rules.
What is Rosso di Montalcino?
Brunello's younger, more affordable sibling, released sooner with less ageing — great earlier drinking from the same vineyards.
What food pairs with Brunello?
Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised and grilled red meats, and game match its power and structure.