Brunello di Montalcino
Tasting Notes
Brunello di Montalcino is a full-bodied wine produced in the Sienna region of Italy using 100% Sangiovese grape. Sangiovese grapes have been cultivated in the Tuscany region of Italy for over 2500 years. 1st record of Brunello wine dates back to the 14th century however never produced in mass quantities until the 20th century. The Sangiovese grapes are Brunello clones and only used for this wine. After harvest, the grapes are crushed and the grape juice remains with the skins for 30 days, giving the wine a deep dark colour. The wine must be aged for at least 5 years before release and 2 years in oak to receive its DOCG classification. Historically Slavonian oak from Croatia has been used to age Brunello di Montalcino wine as it has a broader grain, has a more subtle influence on the wine and is known for adding earthy and herbal notes to the wine. More recently, Brunello vintners are aging the wine in French oak to give it notes of Vanilla, leather and chocolate.
🎯 Overall Character - Brunello di Montalcino wine is known for its elegance, richness, and depth of flavours. It is a full body wine that exhibits notes of dark fruits, earthy undertones, and subtle hints of spice. The wine is high in acidity and tannins but the balance and aging delivers velvety tannins with a long savoury finish.
🌸 On the Nose (Aromatics) - Brunello is intensely aromatic, combining red fruit, earth, and Tuscan herbs with a distinctive balsamic lift. Dominant aromatic notes include red fruits such as sour cherry, black cherry and red plum. Floral aromas of violet and dried rose is complemented by herbal and earthy notes of thyme, rosemary, sage, leather, tobacco leaf, cedar and underbrush. As the wine ages, notes of dried fig, balsamic, forest floor and sweet pipe tobacco develop.
🍇 On the Palate - Brunello is dry, intense, and firmly structured, with a long, savory finish. It is a full body wine with high acidity and high tannins. The alcohol content is considered high and typically between 12.5-15% ABV. Primary flavours include sour cherry, red cherry, red currant, dried strawberry, red plum, herbs, anise and balsamic notes. Secondary flavours of tobacco, leather, and cedar are also exhibited. With age, the flavours change to truffle, dried fig, forest floor and savoury spice.
🕰️ Aging Profile - Brunello di Montalcino wine must be aged for at least 5 years before it can be sold, with a minimum of 2 years in oak and 4 months in the bottle. The Riserva wine must age 6 years before release with a minimum of 2 years in oak and 6 months in the bottle. Due to the wine’s high acidity and high tannins, Brunello wine can age for 25+ years. It is recommended to wait at least 10 years before drinking to fully appreciate its complexity and flavours.
Food Pairing
Brunello is high‑acid, high‑tannin, savoury, and intensely aromatic, with sour cherry, leather, tobacco, and Tuscan herb notes. Its pairings revolve around protein, fat, earth, and herbs — the elements that soften its structure and echo its rich dark flavours.
🍖 1. Tuscan Meat Dishes (Top Pairing) - This is Brunello’s natural home. Best pairings include Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Roast pork with rosema,y and garlic, Wild boar, Lamb shoulder and lamb chops. The wine’s high tannin plus high acidity demands richness, fat, and savoury depth.
🍝 2. Hearty, Slow‑Cooked Sauces & Ragùs - Brunello’s structure thrives with long‑simmered dishes. Ideal pairing include Beef ragù, Short‑rib pasta and Lasagna with meat. The collagen and umami in the dishes soften tannins and the wine’s acidity cuts through food richness.
🍄 3. Mushroom, Truffle & Earth‑Driven Dishes - Brunello’s forest‑floor and balsamic tones love earthy flavors. Recommended pairings include Porcini risotto, Truffle pasta, Mushroom ragù and Roasted root vegetables. Earthiness in the dishes mirrors Brunello’s savoury earthy and leathery depth.
🧀 4. Aged, Hard, and Savory Cheeses- Soft cheeses get overwhelmed; aged ones shine. Best pairings include Pecorino Toscano stagionato, Parmigiano‑Reggiano, Aged Asiago and Gran Padano. The salt and umami in the dishes tame the wine’s tannins and highlight cherry‑tobacco notes.
🍗 5. Poultry with Herbs & Depth - Brunello handles richer poultry preparations beautifully. Ideal pairings include Duck breast with cherry or balsamic glaze, Roast chicken with rosemary and sage and Guinea fowl with herbs.
🍕 6. Robust, Savory Italian Dishes - Brunello thrives with intensity and umami dished. Recommended pairings include Sausage & mushroom pizza, Polenta with braised meats and Ribollita (especially with pancetta).
Brunello is at its best with rich meats, Tuscan herb‑driven dishes, wild game, mushrooms and truffle, and aged cheeses.
Porterhouse Steak
Lamb Chops
Lasagna
Parmigiano Cheese