Brunello

Made from Sangiovese grapes, this is a red wine produced in the Tuscany region of Italy. Sangiovese is the most widely planted grape in Montalcino, a tiny medieval village. Reserves of Brunello di Montalcino are considered to be very high quality and command high prices at auction. Biondi-Santi was considered to be the first producer of Brunello di Montalcino when it introduced the wine in 1863.

Brunello di Montalcino’s popularity is evidenced by the explosion of producers in the region. There are currently around 200 producers of Brunello di Montalcino, versus 1980 when there were just 53.

Quick Facts

• In 1980 the Montalcino region was Italy’s first to be awarded DOCG designation (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)
• A scandal dubbed “Brunellopoli” by the Italian press erupted in 2008, when winemakers were suspected of blending Brunello with grapes other than Sangiovese (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) and exports ceased temporarily
• Until 1879, when it was discovered to be in the same family as the Sangiovese, winemakers believed that Brunello was a unique grape varietal