Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
100% Sangiovese from the Montalcino hill town. Created in the 1880s by Ferruccio Biondi-Santi using a particular Sangiovese clone. Among Italy’s most age-worthy red wines.
About Brunello
Brunello di Montalcino was created in the 1880s by Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, who isolated a particular Sangiovese clone (now known as Sangiovese Grosso or BBS-11) and pioneered the extended-aging style that became the foundation for the appellation. Modern Brunello requires 100% Sangiovese (no blending grapes permitted, unlike Chianti Classico), minimum 24 months in oak (mostly large Slavonian botti, increasingly French barrique among modernists), and minimum 4 years total aging before release (5 years for Riserva). The result is among Italy’s most age-worthy red wines — traditional Biondi-Santi Riserva from strong vintages remains drinkable 50+ years later. The appellation’s editorial range spans traditional producers (Biondi-Santi, Soldera, Conti Costanti) and modernist producers (Casanova di Neri, Le Macioche, Banfi); both schools produce excellent wine. The 2008 Brunellopoli scandal (some producers blending non-Sangiovese into the wine, which is illegal under DOCG rules) created lasting editorial scrutiny.
Terroir & regulation
Principal producers
- Biondi-Santi
- Soldera
- Conti Costanti
- Casanova di Neri
- Poggio di Sotto
Editorial notes
Brunello cellars 15-30+ years from strong vintages; Riserva 25-50+ years. The 2008 Brunellopoli scandal (illegal blending) caused reputational damage to some producers. The 1990, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2016 vintages are landmark.