Italian Wines DOCG - Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino was among the first to be accorded recognition as a DOC wine, and the very first to obtain the DOCG certification. It is made in the province of Siena within the strictly delimited zone of Montalcino town district. The only variety of grade used is the Sangiovese which is known locally as the "Brunello". In historical and enological terms, Brunello di Montalcino was created in the middle of the nineteenth century by a group of local growers whose efforts produced a high-quality wine that ages into excellence. In recent decades, there was been a general improvement in the quality of the wine which has been rewarded with ever greater world-wide renown and appreciation.

One of the districtive aspects of this wine is the long period of ageing that precedes its sale to the public. The vinification, fining and bottling may take place only in the district of Montalcino.

The colour is an intense ruby tending to garnet. The nose is distinctive and intense. The flavour is dry, warm with a tannic bite, robust, harmonic and persistent. The minimum alcohol content is 12.5°, but often reaches 13.5°. This is the classic wine for red meats, roasts, game and ripened cheese. It also makes a worthy meditative wine.

(source: Ministery of Agriculture - Italy)