Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy trying new and exquisite fine wines, Brunello di Montalcino should be among the top on your must-taste list – especially if you’re planning a self-guided bike tour to Italy in the near future. Produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino in the Tuscany wine region, Brunello di Montalcino is a rich red wine that is bursting with the flavors of the regional ingredient: Sangiovese grapes. It is believed to date back as far as the 14th century and is widely considered to rank among the best Italian wines.
What makes Brunello di Montalcino so refined and unique is the ideal climate of the region in which it’s produced. Montalcino features one of the warmest and driest climates in Tuscany. In fact, the grapes grown there typically ripen a week before those found in other nearby towns and villages. Within Montalcino, the grape crops exhibit an interesting variety of features based mainly on location and exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. Top producers capitalize on these differences by strategically planting their crops so that they can achieve a perfect blend of the varying styles.
Given the fact that Brunello di Montalcino is produced in one relatively small area, it’s somewhat surprising that the wine itself offers a vast range in quality and complexity. This is due mostly to the rich diversity in Montalcino’s terrain. The one consistent feature, however, is the fact that Brunello di Montalcino is made 100% from Sangiovese grapes. Regulations dictate that all Brunellos must be aged for a period of 2 years in oak and then at least 4 months in a bottle before their release.
In terms of taste, Brunello di Montalcino wines exhibit a rich variety of flavors including notes of black cherry, blackberry, chocolate, black raspberry and violets. Wine aficionados often compare Brunello to pinot noirs produced in Burgundy. It possesses a delightfully smooth texture and fruity character which pairs perfectly with a variety of foods, particularly cheese, red meat, and game.
Brunello di Montalcino has easily become one of the most popular and sought-after wines and while it can be found on tables throughout the world, nothing compares to savoring a glass of this exquisite wine in the very area in which it is produced. Its vibrant color, intense flavors, and inviting characteristics reflect the very atmosphere of the Tuscany region and provide the perfect way to experience a true taste of this beautiful destination.