What are Brunello di Montalcino Cru wines?

The term “cru” is used to describe wines that come from a single vineyard or a limited area within a wine region. In Montalcino, one of Tuscany’s most prestigious wine regions, cru wines are made from grapes grown in vineyards with exceptional characteristics. These vineyards are known for their unique combination of:

1. Soil type: The soils in Montalcino vary greatly and can consist of clay, limestone, schist, galestro (a type of crumbly slate) and volcanic elements. Cru vineyards are often located on soils that drain optimally and contain rich minerals, which contribute to the complexity of the wine.
2. Microclimate: The location of a Cru vineyard – in terms of altitude, exposure to sunlight and wind – plays a crucial role. Crus at higher altitudes benefit from cooler temperatures, which allows for a longer ripening period and greater refinement in the grapes.
3. Age of the vines: Many crus have older vines, which produce fewer grapes but are of exceptional quality. The concentrated aromas and flavors from these grapes form the basis for the characteristic depth of a cru.

Why are Brunello Crus so special?

Cru wines are distinguished by their distinct personality, reflecting the unique characteristics of the terroir they come from. Here are a few reasons why they bring something extra to the table compared to regular Brunello di Montalcino:

1. Terroir expression: A Brunello Cru is a pure expression of its specific vineyard. The flavors and aromas reflect the unique soil, microclimate and location of the vineyard. As a result, each cru offers a unique experience.
2. Limited production: Because these wines come from specific, often smaller vineyards, production is limited. This makes them more exclusive and desirable to wine lovers.
3. Concentration and depth: Crus are often produced from old vines with low yields, resulting in wines with greater concentration, depth and complexity.
4. Longer maturation: Many producers choose to age crus for longer, both in wood and in bottle, to fully express the complexity and refinement of the wine.

Examples of Famous Brunello Crus

Although not all producers use the term “cru” explicitly, there are some famous vineyards in Montalcino that are recognized as exceptional:

• Montosoli: This cru north of Montalcino is known for its elegant and refined wines with floral aromas and a balanced structure.
• Vineyard of the Lake: Located at lower altitudes, this cru offers wines with ripe, full fruit tones and soft tannins.
• Poggio all'Oro: An iconic vineyard producing powerful, structured wines with great ageing potential.
• CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento: This cru combines intensity with refinement and is known for its complex aromas and minerality.

How do Crus differ from Basic Brunello?

Although both the base Brunello di Montalcino and the crus are made from 100% Sangiovese, the differences are significant:

1. Character and complexity: A basic Brunello offers a general representation of the region, while a cru embodies a specific terroir. Cru wines are more complex and have more layers.
2. Exclusivity: Crus are often rarer and therefore more expensive, which makes them sought after by connoisseurs.
3. Flavor profile: Cru wines often have a more pronounced flavor profile, with unique aromas and flavors found only in that specific region.
4. Storage quality: Due to their structure and concentration, crus often have a longer aging potential than a standard Brunello.

Conclusion

Brunello di Montalcino Cru wines are a true testament to the power of terroir and craftsmanship. They offer a unique opportunity to discover the diversity within Montalcino and to enjoy the very best expressions of the region. For the passionate wine lover, these wines are not only a pleasure to drink, but also an investment in authenticity and quality.