Brunello di Montalcino DOCG: The Rules (and Why They Matter)

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG: de regels (en waarom ze ertoe doen)

Brunello di Montalcino is among Italy's most prestigious wines. This status stems not only from the quality of the terroir, but also from the strict DOCG regulations that guarantee every bottle.

What does the disciplinare (official production rules) say?

  • Grapes: 100% Sangiovese (local biotype 'Brunello'). No other varieties permitted.

  • Vineyard location: hilly, with an altitude limit of 600 metres above sea level and suitable exposure.

  • Yields: max. 8,000 kg of grapes per hectare ; the yield-to-wine may not exceed 68% .

  • Mandatory aging (Brunello): minimum 2 years in wood + minimum 4 months in bottle ; market launch on January 1 of the 5th year after the harvest (so harvest 2020 → release 1 January 2025).

  • Maturation (Riserva): minimum 2 years in wood + at least 6 months in bottle ; release January 1 of the 6th year after the harvest.

  • Minimum alcohol content: 12.5% ​​vol. (normal and Riserva).

  • Vinification, storage, oak aging, bottling and bottle maturation: must take place within the DOCG zone of Montalcino.

  • Bottle & Closure: Dark Bordeaux with natural cork ; permitted sizes include 0.375 / 0.5 / 0.75 / 1.5 / 3 / 5 L. The vintage must be indicated on the label.

In practice this means: long-term maturation (classically in large Slavonian foudres, sometimes partly in barriques) and a clear style profile: structured, lively acidity, ripe tannins and potential for long bottle ageing.

When can a Brunello be marketed?

A "normal" Brunello is released no earlier than January 1st in the fifth year after harvest; a Riserva is released a year later. This makes Brunello one of Italy's longest-aging wines—a key part of the magic in the glass.

Rosso di Montalcino: the younger brother

Many producers choose to bottle a portion of the harvest as Rosso di Montalcino (DOC) . This offers flexibility in years when some of the wine is ready to drink sooner, while top-quality grapes can age for extended periods as Brunello.

The Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino

The Consorzio is the trade association that monitors the quality and reputation of Brunello.

  • Founded: 1967 , one year after being awarded DOC status; in 1980 Brunello became one of the very first Italian wines to be awarded DOCG status .

  • Role: promotion of the area, monitoring compliance with the discipline, organising events (such as Benvenuto Brunello) and communicating with the market and the media.

  • Why is it important for you as a wine enthusiast? The Consorzio ensures that every bottle bearing the DOCG seal complies with regulations—from vineyard to bottling—so you can buy with confidence.

Quick overview (cheat sheet)

  • 100% Sangiovese (Brunello)

  • Max. 600 m altitude; hillsides

  • Max. 8,000 kg/ha; max. 68% juice yield

  • Min. 2 years wood + 4 months bottle (6 months for Riserva)

  • Release: Jan 1 V+5 (Riserva V+6)

  • Min. 12.5% ​​alc.

  • Everything (vinification through bottle maturation) within the DOCG zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Brunello often more expensive than other Sangiovese wines?
The combination of strict yield, mandatory long maturation and limited provenance makes Brunello scarce and expensive to produce.

What is the difference between Brunello and Brunello Riserva?
Riserva is given a longer total maturation period (market introduction in the 6th year) and often comes from the best plots or barrels with extra structure and aging potential.

Can Brunello be bottled outside of Montalcino?
No. Bottling is mandatory within the zone of origin .

Buying advice from brunolovini

Are you looking for classic Brunello (larger casks, more pure terroir) or more modern (partly barrique, slightly softer tannins in their youth)? Check the product descriptions for the aging and plot information ; this often provides a clear indication of the style.

Discover our selection of Brunello di Montalcino wines at the best price and quality . Or explore our entire range of Brunello di Montalcino wines. Naturally, all our Brunellos meet the requirements of the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium and all bottles carry the DOCG quality mark. This way, you can be sure you're buying a genuine Brunello di Montalcino. Want to know how to verify your Brunello di Montalcino? Find out in our Knowledge Base article.