Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most prestigious wines. But with that status comes a risk: counterfeits, deception, or bottles that are simply not what they seem. How can you be sure you're buying a genuine Brunello—one with the quality and provenance you expect?

Fortunately, there are several ways to verify the authenticity of a Brunello. In this article, we'll explain what to look for – from the DOCG seal of approval to the list of producers from the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino . We'll also give you tips for buying with confidence.

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1. Check the DOCG quality mark on the neck of the bottle

Every true Brunello di Montalcino must bear a DOCG seal – a controlled and guaranteed designation of origin:

• On the neck label of the bottle you will see a small strip with a unique number , often with the abbreviation DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita).

• This strip is issued by the Italian government and is a guarantee that the wine meets all official requirements.

Please note: a wine without a DOCG strip, or with only a DOC (without the G), is not an official Brunello di Montalcino.

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2. Check the producer on the Consorzio website

The Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino is the official organization of producers in the region. They oversee the quality, regulations, and promotion of Brunello wines.

👉 Go to www.consorziobrunellodimontalcino.it and click on “ Members ” or “ Aziende associate ”.

There you can search for:

• Name of the winery

• Location

• Producer code

If you don't find the producer on the official list, it's not a recognized Brunello producer.

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3. Check the origin and labeling

A real Brunello:

• Always made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso (locally often called "Brunello")

• Comes from the demarcated area around Montalcino in Tuscany

• Must mature for at least 4 years , of which at least 2 years in oak barrels (in the case of Riserva even 5 years)

• Must clearly state on the label: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

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4. Buy from reliable sources

There's a growing selection of wine on marketplaces, obscure websites, or auction sites. Our tip:

• Buy your Brunello only from specialist wine shops , recognised wine importers or directly from the producer.

• Check whether the store imports and stores the wines themselves – this is often a sign of quality and commitment.

• Check whether the webshop is transparent about vintages, producers and origin (as on our website).

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5. Pay attention to the price (too good to be true?)

Brunello is never cheap. If you find a "Brunello" for €15 or €20, you should be suspicious:

• Could it possibly be a Rosso di Montalcino ? They are younger and less expensive (but also delicious).

• Is it another wine from Tuscany masquerading as Brunello?

A true Brunello starts at around €30-€35 , but top wines can cost hundreds of euros per bottle.

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Bonus: use the unique bottle code

For several years now, each Brunello has been provided with a unique identification code (on the DOCG strip), which allows you to trace the wine via the Consorzio website:

• Harvest year

• Producer

• Bottling date

• Number of bottles produced

This traceability makes it easier for consumers and merchants to prevent fraud.

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Summary: How to recognize a real Brunello

Feature	What you must see
DOCG seal	On the neck of the bottle, with a unique number
Producer	Can be found on the Consorzio website
Label	Mention “Brunello di Montalcino DOCG”
Region	Must come from the Montalcino area
Grape	100% Sangiovese Grosso
Price	Realistic price: from approx. €30
Reliable source	Specialty store or importer

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Buy with confidence at Brunolo.nl

At Brunolo.nl, we import all Brunello wines directly from producers affiliated with the Consorzio. We store the wines ourselves, know the producers personally, and guarantee you're buying a genuine Brunello—with complete provenance information, vintages, and even details about the vineyard and soil type.

💡 Every wine on Brunolo.nl carries the DOCG quality mark and comes from certified producers in Montalcino.

Do you have any questions? Let us know, we're happy to help. Send an email to info@brunolo.nl or call: +31 (0)850 431 140.