A Journey to one of the most beautiful Italian wines, the Brunello di Montalcino,

For lovers of refined Bordeaux wines, a special discovery awaits in the heart of Tuscany: Brunello di Montalcino. This prestigious Italian wine offers a fascinating alternative for those who want to broaden their wine horizons, without compromising on quality and complexity.

The Magic of Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, known locally as Brunello, and is aged for a minimum of four years before release. The vineyards surrounding the medieval town of Montalcino benefit from a unique microclimate: warm and dry, with cool nights that ensure perfect ripening of the grapes.

As with great Bordeaux wines, terroir plays a crucial role here. The chalky soils and the altitude of the vineyards (up to 500 metres above sea level) give the wine its distinctive character: powerful yet elegant, with impressive ageing potential.

Why Bordeaux Lovers Should Discover This Wine

For those accustomed to the refined tannins and complexity of Bordeaux, Brunello offers an interesting parallel:

- **Structure and Ageing Potential** : Like great Bordeaux wines, Brunello di Montalcino can age for decades, developing over time.
- **Complexity** : While Bordeaux is known for its black fruits and cedar wood, Brunello offers a different but equally complex spectrum: cherries, figs, leather, tobacco and spices.
- **Precision in Viticulture**: The strict DOCG regulations for Brunello, similar to the AOC rules in Bordeaux, guarantee consistent top quality.

Optimal Enjoyment

To get the most out of a Brunello di Montalcino, follow these tips:

1. **Serving temperature** : Serve the wine at 18-20°C for optimal expression.
2. **Decanting** : Young Brunellos (less than 10 years old) benefit from 2-3 hours of decanting to fully open up.
3. **Food and Wine** : Pair with grilled red meat, game, or mature cheeses. Also perfect with traditional Tuscan dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina.

Investing in Pleasure

With prices starting at €40 for younger vintages and going up to €200+ for prestigious producers and big vintages, Brunello is positioned in a similar price range to quality Bordeaux, offering excellent value for money for those looking for a serious wine with great ageing potential.

Conclusion

For the Bordeaux lover looking to broaden their horizons, Brunello di Montalcino is a logical and satisfying step. This Tuscan great offers a similar level of refinement and complexity, but with its own unique character that testifies to its Italian origins. It is a wine that, like great Bordeaux, demands patience and attention, but which more than repays this investment with an unforgettable wine experience.

Discover our best price/quality Brunello's di Montalcino for a first introduction.

Also discover our Brunello di Montalcino Buying Guide .

Would you rather receive advice from us? We are happy to help you. Send an email to info@brunolo.nl or call: 0850 431 140.