Tuscany beautiful landscapes and rich terrotories give their unique taste to the worldwide famous wines cultivate with care on this land.
But what differentiates a Brunello di Montalcino from a Rosso di Montalcino?
Here is our guide to the wines of Montalcino a medieval city part of the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy. You will find a guide on what to do in Montalcino right here.
A guide of Rosso & Brunello di Montalcino
Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino are two wines both part of the state controlled designations of origin (mark as DOC on a bottle’s label). The Brunello wine is even has a prestigious DOCG, therefore it is subject to organoleptic and chemical-physical analyzes to certify compliance with the requirements set out in the certification.
Brunello are craft for long aging and so go well with many typical Tuscan dishes and wild animal meat. Rosso di Montalcino is a younger type of wine with a superb structure, particular liveliness and freshness. Generally the Rosso di Montalcino are also suitable for aperitifs.
Did you know?
The Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) is used in oenology to certify the area of origin and the type of grapes used in the wine making process. Thanks to this, the characteristics of the wine are linked to the terroir and respect a specific production process controlled by law. It protects and guarantees the area of origin of the wine and therefore guarantee quality to the consumer.
Brunello di Montalcino wine guide
Brunello is a wine produced with 100% Sangiovese grapes. It must be aged for at least 2 years in wooden barrels and minimum another 4 months in bottle. It cannot be marketed before January 1st of the year following the end of 5 years calculated considering the year of harvest.
Brunello di Montalcino is marked as “Riserva” if released for consumption after January 1rst of the year following the end of 6 years, calculated considering the year of harvest. It must always be aged for at least 2 years in oak wooden barrels but, unlike the “normal” Brunello, at least 6 months in the bottle.
Did you know?
Long ago, it was believed that Brunello was a distinct variety from Sangiovese grapes. In 1879, after few years of experimentation, the Province of Siena determined that Sangiovese and Brunello were the same grape variety.
Not all soils are suitable for the culture of Sangiovese grapes for the making of a Brunello. A specific geographical area has been indicated to guarantee the grapes specific qualities and characteristics appreciated all over the world. The grapes for making Brunello must be grown in hills and at an altitude not exceeding 600m above sea level. The density of plants per acre is also subject to standards and must be at least 3,000 plants / ha (1.200plants/acre).
Citazione: “Montalcino non è molto famosa eccetto che per la bontà dei suoi vini”that we can translate by “Montalcino is not very famous except for the goodness of its wines”. By Charles Thompson in 1744.
Organoleptic characteristics of a Brunello di Montalcino
- Color: intense ruby red tending to garnet
- Fragrance: characteristic and intense, with references to aromas of geranium, cherry and spices
- Taste: dry, warm, a little tannic, robust, harmonious, persistent.
Rosso di Montalcino wine guide
Rosso di Montalcino, like his brother the Brunello, is a pure Sangiovese wine. Unlike a Brunello however, the only limit that is sanctioned by the Rosso di Montalcino aging regulations is that it cannot be sold before December 1st of the year following the harvest, so more or less a minimum aging process of 14months.
Rosso di Montalcino goes very well with first courses baked in the oven, grilled meats or even large barbecue. It is also excellent for completing a poultry, as well as hare.
Organoleptic characteristics of Rosso di Montalcino
- Color: intense ruby red
- Fragrance: characteristic and intense perfume with characteristic features of red fruits and undergrowth
- Taste: dry, warm, slightly tannic
Quote: “[Montalcino è] molto nominato per li buoni vini che si cavano da quelli ameni colli.” that we can translate by “[Montalcino is] much knowed for the good wines that come from those pleasant hills“ Leandro Alberti (1550-1631) during his stay in Montalcino.
Rosso & Brunello di Montalcino wine tasting
We have thought of you, expert amateurs and wine lovers, the complex and perfectly balanced flavors of our wine selection will surprise you.
This short article of ours makes a non-exhaustive list of some of the wineries that we have the pleasure of having on the wine list of our restaurant “La Vecchia Posta”
Wine tastings are also available at Relais Osteria dell’Orcia, have a look here. We open for you the doors of a world where wine becomes art. But we don’t just open Montalcino wines. In our wine tastings we give you a window of the wines from all over Tuscany. So many things to be discover!
We wish you a good tasting and a pleasant stay in Tuscany. If you want some advice on what to see in Montalcino, you just have to read our article. Don’t forget to check the weather so that you can organize your visit in the best way.
