Warm summer evenings, grilled meat on the barbecue, and good company: the perfect moment for a special wine. But is a powerful red wine like Brunello di Montalcino suitable for summer temperatures? The surprising answer: yes – if served properly. Even in scorching Tuscany, Brunello is enjoyed in July and August. The secret? A slight cooling to 16°C.

---

Why Brunello can also be enjoyed in summer

Brunello di Montalcino is known as a powerful, complex red wine, with firm tannins and a generous amount of structure. Not exactly the wine you'd expect to enjoy on a terrace in 30-degree weather. Yet, Brunello is also enjoyed in Montalcino itself in the summer. Locals know exactly how to approach this king of Sangiovese wines on warm days: by chilling it slightly.

At a serving temperature of around 16°C, the aromas of red fruit, herbs, and leather are beautifully preserved, while the wine's freshness is more pronounced. The result is an elegant, lively Brunello that's perfect for a summer evening.

---

Serving tips for Brunello in warm weather

• Chill to 16°C: Refrigerate the bottle for 20 to 30 minutes before opening. Then let it warm up slowly in the glass.

• Use wine glasses with a wider bowl: This allows the aromas to develop fully despite the lower temperature.

• Decant lightly: A young Brunello often benefits from some oxygen. If necessary, decant it into a carafe, even if it's chilled.

• Store the bottle in a wine cooler: Especially outdoors, it's helpful to use an insulated wine cooler with a cooling element. This keeps the wine at the right temperature.

---

Perfect summer wine and food pairings

Brunello is surprisingly versatile in summer cooking. Try these combinations:

• Grilled entrecote or bistecca alla fiorentina: Classic, robust, perfect with the structure of Brunello.

• Pasta with wild mushrooms or truffle: Umami + Brunello = magic.

• Aubergine alla parmigiana: A vegetarian dish with deep flavors that harmonize beautifully with a ripe Brunello.

• Aged hard cheeses: Think Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano. Simple and irresistible.

---

Brunello should be drunk with care – even in July

While many people automatically reach for rosé or white wine in the summer, they forget that a red wine like Brunello can also provide a refreshing drink – if served properly. The fine acidity, subtle oak, and elegant tannins make Brunello surprisingly refreshing when served at 16°C.

So no, you don't have to put your Brunello away until autumn arrives. Open it on a summer evening with friends or family, cool it gently, and enjoy.

---

Conclusion

A Brunello di Montalcino isn't a seasonal wine, but an experience that impresses year-round. Serving it slightly chilled makes it the perfect accompaniment to summer evenings and Mediterranean cuisine. This way, you'll get the most out of this Tuscan classic, even in warm temperatures.