Why Chianti Classico lovers should try Brunello di Montalcino

Chianti Classico is a staple for many wine lovers: a beautiful, versatile Tuscan wine with lively acidity, fruity notes and a refined structure. But for those who want to take Sangiovese one step further, there’s Brunello di Montalcino. Often considered the ultimate expression of the grape, Brunello offers an even deeper, riper and more complex experience. In this article, we’ll explore why lovers of Chianti Classico – including the Riserva and Gran Selezione – should definitely try Brunello.

Experience: Depth, complexity and drinking moments

Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino share a common base: they are both made from 100% Sangiovese. But the experience of both wines is fundamentally different.

Chianti Classico is often an everyday wine – fresh, lively and approachable. Even in its higher quality levels, such as Riserva and Gran Selezione , Chianti remains a relatively easy-drinking wine, which goes well with Italian dishes and can be combined smoothly with a variety of meals. Riserva offers extra depth due to its longer maturation, while Gran Selezione goes a step further, with extra concentration and complexity thanks to the stricter selection of grapes.

Brunello di Montalcino, on the other hand, is a wine to sit down and enjoy. With its long maturation and powerful structure, Brunello is often a wine for special occasions. The deep, layered aromas and firm tannins make it a wine that only really opens up after a few years of bottle ageing – a wine that you don’t just pour, but that you consciously enjoy.

Flavor Profile: Character and Structure Comparison

Chianti Classico has a lively and fresh character, with bright notes of red cherries, violets and herbs. The high acidity makes it very suitable as a food wine, especially with dishes with tomato sauce and grilled meat. Riserva and Gran Selezione add extra depth to this, with subtle wood tones, more complex aromas and a slightly fuller body.

Brunello di Montalcino has a more robust and mature flavor profile. The fruit notes tend more toward dark cherries and plums, while long oak aging creates secondary aromas such as leather, tobacco, and spice. The tannins are firmer and often require longer aging to fully balance out. Brunello also tends to have a higher alcohol percentage than Chianti Classico, which contributes to the power and fullness of the wine.

Maturation Requirements: How Long to Wait for Perfection?

One of the biggest differences between Chianti Classico and Brunello lies in the mandatory maturation period:

• Chianti Classico : minimum 12 months maturation

• Chianti Classico Riserva : minimum 24 months of maturation (of which 3 months in bottle)

• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione : minimum 30 months of maturation (of which 3 months in bottle)

• Brunello di Montalcino : minimum 5 years of maturation (of which at least 2 years in wood and 4 months in bottle)

• Brunello di Montalcino Riserva : minimum 6 years of maturation (of which 2 years in wood and 6 months in bottle)

This long maturation gives Brunello its characteristic complexity and makes it suitable for years of storage. Chianti Classico Riserva and Gran Selezione also have extra maturation, which gives them more structure and depth, but they generally become more drinkable than Brunello.

Wine and food pairings: Which dishes go best?

Chianti Classico is a great match for everyday Italian dishes: pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, grilled vegetables and light meat dishes. Riserva and Gran Selezione can handle more substantial dishes such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina, rack of lamb and aged cheeses.

Brunello di Montalcino calls for more powerful and rich dishes. Stewed meats (such as brasato al Brunello), game dishes and truffle risotto are classic combinations that go perfectly with the deep, earthy tones of the wine. Mature cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmesan also work well.

Conclusion: Why Chianti Classico Lovers Should Try Brunello

For Chianti Classico lovers looking for an even deeper, more intense experience, Brunello di Montalcino is the natural next step. While Chianti Classico (and in particular the Riserva and Gran Selezione) already offers a beautiful expression of Sangiovese, Brunello takes it to another level: more powerful, more complex and with unparalleled ageing potential. For those who appreciate the finesse of Chianti, but are willing to take the time to age a wine and enjoy a more intense taste experience, Brunello is a must-try. It is an investment of time and patience, but the reward in the glass is more than worth it!

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Do you have any questions or would you like help choosing a beautiful Brunello? We are happy to help you. Send a message to info@brunolo.nl or call: +31 (0)850 431 140.