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Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019 (BIO)
Camigliano's Brunello di Montalcino 2019 shows impressive balance and integrity. It contrasts the delicate sweetness of the fruit beautifully with the ethereal and liquorice-like aromas that simply come automatically to Sangiovese when it is grown on the south side of the spectacular Montalcino appellation. Blood orange, redcurrant and wild blueberry on the nose, with a hint of salt and herbaceous notes in the background. On the palate, it impresses with its balanced intensity and lively tannins. The harmonious, very juicy finish surprises with playful notes of warm cherry sweetness, the footprint of Camigliano's wine identity, complemented by a fine mineral vein. This is a highly respectable Camigliano wine from a wonderful vintage, in which the winery is able to fully capitalise on the perfect climate of the vintage. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 24 months oak barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2038+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,93 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,77 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,75 g/l
- Sulfite: 72 mg/l
- pH value: 3,43
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑004
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09452219 · 0,75 l · 38,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 (BIO)
The vines for Camigliano's Brunello di Montalcino grow in a warm and sun-drenched corner of Tuscany, and the warm ripeness of the fruit is a testament to the place. Compared to its competitors, it offers a more powerful bouquet with a dark and rich fruit. Flavours of blackcurrant, raspberry and boysenberry are underpinned by woody wild herbs, menthol and graphite notes in this distinctive red wine. Expressive, it shows some powerful tannins flexing their muscles on the striking finish. It is authentic every year, but even more convincing is its still unbeatable price. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 24 months oak barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2040+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,25 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,71 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,72 g/l
- Sulfite: 74 mg/l
- pH value: 3,41
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑004
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09452220 · 0,75 l · 40,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019
Caparzo is one of two estates in Montalcino (the other is Altesino, by the way) owned by the extremely charming Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini.
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 24 months allier barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2039+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,65 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,89 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,98 g/l
- Sulfite: 82 mg/l
- pH value: 3,42
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29422219 · 0,75 l · 44,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 (BIO)
When we discovered this winery by chance in the early 2000s, we were struck at first sight by the modesty and purism of the Biliorsi family. This is still the case today, here they remain true to themselves and their philosophy and in good years bring just 10,000 bottles of a "somewhat different" Brunello into the cellar.
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: large oak barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2040+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,30 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,00 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,85 g/l
- Sulfite: 95 mg/l
- pH value: 3,42
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑006
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09542118 · 0,75 l · 45,32 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
Brunello di Montalcino “50 anni” DOCG 2020
Before Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini acquired the Altesino estate, she bought Caparzo in 1998. The estate comprises 28 hectares dedicated to Brunello, and this estate bottling combines vineyards from four different areas with different sites and soils.
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 24 months allier barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2040+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,97 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,93 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,05 g/l
- Sulfite: 85 mg/l
- pH value: 3,44
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29422220 · 0,75 l · 45,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 (BIO)
The Brunello di Montalcino 2018 from controlled organic cultivation shows its graceful and delicate side, with wild cherries, blue flowers and warm earthiness. On the palate, the wine is silky and supple, with a hint of crushed minerals and limestone. The fresh acidity makes for a long but wonderfully elegant finish. The final is surprisingly fresh, almost juicy, with a subtle tug of youthful tannins and a hint of liquorice that slowly fades. Not a powerhouse, but a beautifully balanced Brunello of the vintage. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 38 months oak barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2036+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,84 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,70 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,45 g/l
- Sulfite: 75 mg/l
- pH value: 3,44
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑006
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29782218 · 0,75 l · 46,65 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 (BIO)
The 2020 edition of Col d'Orcia's Brunello di Montalcino wows with its brilliant ruby red colour in the glass and beguiles the nose with a cornucopia of crushed black cherries with hints of brown spices and sage - finesse complemented by notes of white smoke, cedar and dried roses. On the palate, it is seductive and supple; sweet red fruits are contrasted by a fresh and lively acidity and savoury spice, and its finely knit tannins rise slowly towards the end. The finish is long, structured and very balanced with a lingering aftertaste of tart wild berries, a hint of red liquorice and pretty flowers. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 32 months in oak barrels
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2040+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,25 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,89 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,45 g/l
- Sulfite: 87 mg/l
- pH value: 3,35
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑004
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09132120 · 0,75 l · 50,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019 (BIO)
The 2019 vintage leaves no doubt about its origin from a top vintage in Montalcino. The fruit for Poggio Landis Brunello is harvested at altitudes of 200 to 300 metres above sea level. Interesting aromas of wild cherry, plum and crushed flowers. Taut, polished yet traditional character on the palate. It fits perfectly into the house style, which favours an elegant and less extract-rich approach. A highly sophisticated charmer across the board. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 38 months oak barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2038+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,95 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,82 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,36 g/l
- Sulfite: 74 mg/l
- pH value: 3,42
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑006
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29782219 · 0,75 l · 52,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino “Ugolforte” DOCG 2018 (BIO)
On the classic bouquet, ripe cherry, tobacco and some damp earth. On the palate, first the pure Sangiovese feeling: beautiful small red berries, wild cherry, lively acidity. Then an impenetrable mesh of red and black fruits, which together with a fine web of tannins and minerals reveal more and more of themselves. Compressed and with each sip more open and present, the beautifully diversified taste components present themselves until they then lead into an aristocratically long and fresh finish with a hint of liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 30 months oak barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2043+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,94 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,90 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,28 g/l
- Sulfite: 90 mg/l
- pH value: 3,50
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑006
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29642218 · 0,75 l · 52,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020 (BIO)
When we discovered this winery by chance at the beginning of the 2000s, we were immediately impressed by the modesty and purism of the Biliorsi winemaking family. This is still the case today, they remain true to themselves and their philosophy and in good years, they produce just 10,000 bottles of a "slightly different" Brunello in the cellar.
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2038+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,94 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,97 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,86 g/l
- Sulfite: 81 mg/l
- pH value: 3,39
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑006
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09542120 · 0,75 l · 52,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino “Pelagrilli” DOCG 2018
Pelagrilli 2018 offers a great package of intensity, freshness, firmness and complexity. It delivers generously on all fronts. The bouquet reveals wild cherry, rosehip, dried herbs and toasted almonds. The fruit here tastes less ripe compared to the wines from the southern parts of the appellation and one senses a subtle acidic vein on the finish. This very classic Brunello should age in the bottle for a few more years and gain volume. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 24 months barrique
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 15,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2041+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 32,10 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,60 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,15 g/l
- Sulfite: 75 mg/l
- pH value: 3,50
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09662618 · 0,75 l · 53,32 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino “Cielo d’Ulisse” DOCG 2018
The vineyard on the western side of the Montalcino hills is so secluded that you can enjoy the starry sky to the full without being disturbed. It is therefore not surprising that this supple, very classic Brunello bears the name "Sky of Ulysses". As is well known, Odysseus had the ability to navigate the seas without a compass and by simply orientating himself by the stars.
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 33/12 months oak barrel/cement tank
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2042+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
grilled dishes, mature cheese - Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29632418 · 0,75 l · 53,32 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019
Traditionally vinified, its intense ruby red colour, the fruity aroma with spicy and balsamic notes and its gentle start on the palate, which builds furiously, are impressive. The high-class tannin structure rests between the soft components, so that this Brunello from the dream year 2019 simultaneously demonstrates elegance and strength without appearing too modern. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 28 months 50/50 barrique/large oak barrel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2038+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,70 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,13 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,70 g/l
- Sulfite: 96 mg/l
- pH value: 3,35
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09562319 · 0,75 l · 56,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020
Fanti's Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is delicately flavoured, haunting floral and seductive from the first swirl of the glass. A hint of icing sugar gives way to bright cherries, candied oranges, mint leaves and lavender, creating an extrovert yet delicious picture. In the mouth, it is seamless and silky, with a subtle hint of citrus and vibrant acids introducing ripe red notes of black berries with herbs. Rounded tannins emerge on the finish with hints of liquorice and violets. As always, very well made. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 28 months 50/50 barrique/large oak barrel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 15,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2039+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,76 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,20 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,40 g/l
- Sulfite: 89 mg/l
- pH value: 3,34
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09562320 · 0,75 l · 57,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino “Ugolforte” DOCG 2019 (BIO)
In the highly harmonious 2019 vintage, Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte walks a straight line between opulence and elegance. Full, inviting nose with notes of rosewood and ripe cherries, lots of blackberry. On the palate with a beautiful, juicy attack: wrapped in a supple texture, there is a beautifully fanned-out sequence of aromas of wild berries, sour cherries, spices, liquorice and a little balsamic herb. Finely woven tannins and a perfectly balanced, stabilising Sangiovese acidity flank the long finish to an elegant, warm finish. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: biological
- Expansion: 30 months oak barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2044+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,92 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,89 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,22 g/l
- Sulfite: 87 mg/l
- pH value: 3,47
- Eco-Control-No.: IT‑BIO‑006
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29642219 · 0,75 l · 57,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017
The even stricter selection of the grapes in 2017 led to a total of half the number of bottles compared to previous vintages. The result, however, is impressive: An extremely attractive bouquet with earthy notes, only gradually revealing ripe strawberries, spicy herbs, leather and a little coffee. As it progresses, spicy orange peel, sour cherry and mint, followed by salty minerals. The lively acidity ensures that the wine remains fresh and supple despite its compact structure. The initially firm tannins gracefully envelop the pretty fruit core with further aeration, and in the long final we then discover sweet spices and traces of white pepper. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 36 months 33 hl oak barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2045+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
grilled dishes, matured cheese - Total extract: 30,50 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,45 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,15 g/l
- Sulfite: 63 mg/l
- pH value: 3,48
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29082217 · 0,75 l · 59,99 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018
With the 2018 Brunello, Campogiovanni succeeds in making an extremely successful and classic appearance: dense garnet red with a well-perfumed bouquet of black fruits, espresso, grilled meat and Asian-like spicy aromas. Viscous and concentrated on the palate, and despite its power and expressiveness, it reveals a dedication to elegance and finesse even at a young age. Exceptionally good! SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 36 months wooden barrel and stainless steel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2041+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
grilled meat, pecorino cheese - Total extract: 30,35 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,87 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,68 g/l
- Sulfite: 73 mg/l
- pH value: 3,42
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29182118 · 0,75 l · 60,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019
The vines for the Brunello are planted in Galestro soils with clay and slate on a 3.5-hectare plot, with a total production of less than 15,000 bottles per vintage. Powerful, bright ruby colour, light garnet hue. Red liquorice, dried roses, a hint of cedar wood and black cherry make up the seductive bouquet. The fruit has a certain density and heaviness, which is emphasised by oak notes and the wine's tannins. On the palate, a silky texture with a sweet and sour expression of red berry fruit and minerals led by savoury acids, while grippy tannins build towards the end. Very full-bodied and gripping with great potential, but still needs some bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 36 months in large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2038+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,25 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,05 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,48 g/l
- Sulfite: 77 mg/l
- pH value: 3,40
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29802219 · 0,75 l · 60,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019
With the exception of 2016 and 2019, the last eight years in the region around Montalcino have been characterised by warm and dry conditions. For this reason, Il Poggione has started to prioritise irrigation for emergencies (which is becoming more and more of a necessity in the south-west of Montalcino) and is looking for a better balance in the higher vineyards. This is not the only reason why Il Poggione is one of the top producers every year, with an extremely fair value.
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 30 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 15,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2045+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 31,25 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,97 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,55 g/l
- Sulfite: 77 mg/l
- pH value: 3,40
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09082319 · 0,75 l · 60,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020
Rose petals, mint, cinnamon, dark sweet cherries and smoke rise from the glass in a translucent, wiry Brunello that is built on energy, power and opulence. Length and fruit take centre stage here and, together with a clearly defined tannin structure, Leopoldo Franceschi's team has produced a wine in a very classic vintage that will really reveal itself over the next few years. As always, it is one of our favourites, and its still outstanding value is also great fun! SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 30 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2046+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,55 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,94 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,65 g/l
- Sulfite: 76 mg/l
- pH value: 3,41
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09082320 · 0,75 l · 60,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020
Dark and seductive with a blend of crushed plums, brown spices, cedar and a hint of cocoa. Its textures are like pure silk bordering on velvet, with a gentle blend of ripe cherries and redcurrants, underlined by salty minerals, while notes of citrus contrast towards the end. A web of fine tannin runs through the final, creating a gentle textural pull that balances balsamic herbs and a hint of mocha as blue and violet-coloured flowers slowly fade away. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 24 months slav. oak barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2044+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,97 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,02 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,18 g/l
- Sulfite: 63 mg/l
- pH value: 3,42
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned29752120 · 0,75 l · 61,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020
Generous Brunello made from grapes from different vineyards in various sub-zones in Montalcino with the classic aura of its vintage. The aromatically intense bouquet opens with a scent of violets and then develops flavours of wild berries, vanilla, tobacco and chocolate. The flavour is characterised by a good balance between a full, juicy body, soft tannins and well-integrated alcohol. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
- Cultivation: conventional
- Expansion: 24 months slav. oak barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 15,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2044+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
roast, noble game, mature cheese - Total extract: 30,61 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,85 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,18 g/l
- Sulfite: 63 mg/l
- pH value: 3,48
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned09682320 · 0,75 l · 61,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

The famous little town of Montalcino, with its impressive Fortezza (fortress), is enthroned on the highest hill of the area and is inseparably linked to the Brunello red wine, thanks to which it is probably also responsible for today's prosperity. Brunello di Montalcino is one of the most legendary success stories in Italian viticulture. If not worldwide.
Located in the south of Tuscany near Siena, all the advantages that Tuscany has to offer are combined: Seclusion, magnificent views, the famous cypress avenues, good food, holiday apartments in wineries and renovated ancient stone houses, as well as one of the most famous wines in the world, the Brunello di Montalcino. As old as the Etruscans may be and as competitive as Montalcino has been for centuries, Brunello itself is actually a fairly recent success story. Until around 1980, there was very little viticulture in the region, but rather arable land, white grapes like the Moscadello di Montalcino, which has almost disappeared today, and impenetrable undergrowth.
Only 63,583 bottles of Brunello di Montalcino were produced in 1980.
Today there are about 10 million bottles a year. At that time, 700 hectares of agricultural land were converted into 24,000 hectares, 3,500 of which are reserved for viticulture. The number of producers multiplied, among them many investors, also from abroad, who for one hectare, which allows Brunello cultivation, already once more than half a million euros.
In 1966 Brunello di Montalcino became the DOC, in 1980 the first DOCG in Italy, both at the same time as the "little brother" Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, who for decades had been the much more famous wine. It was not until the mid-1980s that the real boom began. Thanks to a very early foundation of a Consortium (1967), which already then laid down very strict guidelines for production and quality control, as well as the early DOCG designation in 1980, the quality could be maintained despite the enormous expansion. Still today, probably as the only Consorzium of wine producers in Italy, all of the more than 200 producers are members. This made a unique branding and awareness possible.
Not everything is Brunello.
Only 2,100 hectares are dedicated to Brunello, another 510 hectares are vineyards for Rosso di Montalcino and almost 1,000 hectares are planted with other grape varieties, half of which are Sant'Antimo DOC, named after the abbey that has been in existence since the first millennium AD. Chr. here. In Montalcino, it is said, the climate is more even, the summers are warmer and drier, and Monte Amiata, at an altitude of 1,700 metres, is able to withstand adversities such as summer thunderstorms and hail. The soils are loamy to sandy, but often calcareous and interspersed with many stones. This is why concentrated, long-lasting wines can develop here.
It began with Biondi-Santi. Almost.
Although there are records from the 14th century in which Brunello was mentioned, it was not until the middle of the 19th century that Clemente Santi (1795-1865) selected the first, rather compact Sangiovese clones in his vineyard Il Greppo, which were later to become Brunello. His grandson Ferruccio (1848-1916), son of Caterina Santi and Jacopo Biondi, succeeded in planting the high-quality selection further and presented the first red wine called Brunello in 1888, after several years of storage in large oak barrels. Since this wine was produced only four times until the end of the Second World War - in 1888, 1891, 1925 and 1945 - it achieved a kind of cult status and almost astronomical prices. The fact is that these Sangiovese clones are still used in Montalcino today.
Brunello di Montalcino is subject to strict production guidelines, which are monitored by the "Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino". Each bottle carries a band with a number that allows the wine to be traced back to the producer. The yield is regulated, as are the grape varieties that can be used for Brunello, Rosso, Sant'Antimo and Moscadello di Montalcino.
For Brunello di Montalcino this is 100% Sangiovese. Even today, the majority of the clones can be traced back to the selection of Biondi-Santi. In recent decades, clone selection has also been carried out at Castello Banfi under scientific direction. The Sangiovese grape is also called Brunello grape. Experts call it Sangiovese Grosso because it is a clone with slightly larger berries than, for example, in Chianti.
In Rosso di Montalcino 100% Sangiovese is also mandatory, but the yield may be slightly higher and the wine may be marketed earlier. Rosso Sant'Antimo also allows other grape varieties, but the main variety must always dominate at least 70%. Other red wines, mostly cuvées, are labelled as Rosso Toscana IGT.
Incredible variety and style.
As in almost all famous wine regions, Montalcino also discusses stylistics - the "true" Brunello. Traditionalists, who prefer a slightly slimmer, more acidic style and who mainly use large (approx. 3,500-5,000 l) barrels of Slavonian oak, are opposed to the "modernists", who work with barriques (225 l) and tonneaux (500 l) from France. As always, it is a matter of taste. But when a Casanova di Neri receives 100 points at the Winespectator, many a "traditionalist" also thinks about it.
At SUPERIORE.DE you will find a huge selection of the best Brunello producers of all styles. More than 40 wineries and more than 300 wines from Montalcino are stored for you all year round under air-conditioned conditions. From Annata-Brunello, from special site selections to the rare Riserva, of which there are often very few bottles in top vintages. And of course also in magnums, double magnums or in the 6-bottle wooden box. Choose what you like best, because that is much more important than a name on the label or a dot more or less. To make it easier for you to find your way around, we have added the ratings of the Italian and international tasters to the detailed wine description. SUPERIORE.DE