Brunello di Montalcino
Along with Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino is Tuscany's most famous DOCG and its boldest expression of the Sangiovese grape. Located 30 miles south of Siena, its 2,000 hectares of vines are hemmed in by the Orcia, Asso and Ombrone valleys. Brunello is the local name for the Sangiovese Grosso clone from which Brunello di Montalcino should be made in its entirety. The wine cannot be released for sale until five years after the harvest.
Learn more about Brunello di Montalcino
Along with Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino is Tuscany's most famous DOCG and the region's boldest expression of Sangiovese. Located 30 miles south of Siena with the hilltop town of Montalcino as its epicentre, its 2,000 hectares of vines are naturally delimited by the Orcia, Asso and Ombrone valleys. Brunello is the local name for the Sangiovese Grosso clone from which Brunello di Montalcino should be made in purezza (ie 100 percent).
The Brunello di Montalcino DOCG has a whale-like shape: at its head, at 661 metres above sea level on ancient, stony galestro soils facing east and southeast lies the town of Montalcino, where the DOC was founded. As you follow the spine south towards the tail, the vineyards lose altitude – those around Colle Sant'Angelo are at 250 metres – while the soils become richer with iron and clay. Further east, in the shadow of the 1,734 metre Mont'Amiata lies the village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate where the vineyards are strewn with a rich mix of galestro, granitic, volcanic, clay and schist soil types.
Historically, the zone is one of Tuscany's youngest. First praised in 1550 by Leandro Alberti for the quality of its wines, it was Tenuta Il Greppo who bottled the inaugural Brunello di Montalcino in 1888. By 1929, the region had 925 hectares of vines and 1,243 hectares of mixed crops, while in 1932 it was decreed that only those wines made and bottled within the commune could be labelled as Brunello di Montalcino. Since then, the number of producers has risen from 11 in 1960 to 230 in 2006, while over the same period the vineyards have expanded from 1,000 hectares to 12,000. The region earned its DOC in 1966, and was upgraded to DOCG in 1980.
Brunello di Montalcino cannot be released for sale until five years after the harvest, or six years in the case of Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. During this time the wines should be aged for at least two years in oak, followed by at least four months in bottle (six months for Riservas); maximum yields are 55 hl/ha.
Rosso di Montalcino is declassified Brunello di Montalcino, released for sale 18 months after the harvest.
Recommended producers: Costanti, Fuligni, Lisini, San Giuseppe, Soldera, Cerbaiona
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£28.50
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£307.80
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£115.26
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Ready, but will improve,
One of Montalcino’s oldest estates, dating back to the time of the Medicis, Lisini is known more recently as one of the founding fathers of the Brunello di Montalcino Consorzio in the 1960s. The Clementi-Lisini family, at the 154-hectare property near Sant’Angelo in Colle (with 20 hectares are under vine), make a thoroughly traditional range that builds on ancient Eocene sand, clay and iron-rich soils; wines that were first bottled in 1967. Oenologist Filippo Paoletti stands guard over the estate’s pre-eminent position.
Lisini's Brunelli remain among our most traditional; in youth they are focused, quite serious, with crunchy-cool poise, and an almost Burgundian, herbal, cassis edge in 2011. Yet it opens up more on the palate, after 3.5 years’ oak-ageing after all, with juicy currants, gleaming cranberry-purity, cleansing acidity, red cherries, thick redcurrant-skins.
Lisini's Brunelli remain among our most traditional; in youth they are focused, quite serious, with crunchy-cool poise, and an almost Burgundian, herbal, cassis edge in 2011. Yet it opens up more on the palate, after 3.5 years’ oak-ageing after all, with juicy currants, gleaming cranberry-purity, cleansing acidity, red cherries, thick redcurrant-skins.
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£194.94
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Ready, but will improve,
Intense garnet-rose, the nose sings of the pine needles that litter the ground at Cerbaiona, along with more classic redcurrant and blackcurrant notes. Placid, juicy, the palate conjures up redcurrant skins, sapidity, masses of flesh, forest fruit and cool, red-cherry finish. Impeccable, as ever; Diego and Nora continue to maintain the highest standards.
Nora Tadros Molinari is at the helm of this much-lauded Montalcino property, while her husband Diego recovers from a bout of poor health. More fortunate are the grapes that grow on their three hectares of alberese soils at perfect altitude on the northeastern shoulder of the Montalcino zone. The Molinaris have been there since 1977, gradually building up the reputation of their tiny estate through traditional practices. It’s now regarded as one of the very best.
Nora Tadros Molinari is at the helm of this much-lauded Montalcino property, while her husband Diego recovers from a bout of poor health. More fortunate are the grapes that grow on their three hectares of alberese soils at perfect altitude on the northeastern shoulder of the Montalcino zone. The Molinaris have been there since 1977, gradually building up the reputation of their tiny estate through traditional practices. It’s now regarded as one of the very best.
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Bottle 6 x 75cl13cs
£593.46
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Ready, but will keep,
Lovely mature nose with hints of forest floor, brambly fruit, black fruit compote and toast. Wonderful on the palate, elegant and fine, similar dark fruit profile to the nose, beautifully focussed by a crisp, linear structure. The finish is long and satisfying, very elegant.
Chris Pollington – Private Account Manager
Chris Pollington – Private Account Manager
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£283.00
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Ready, but will keep,
The nose here is a gorgeous, yet focused, tranquil weave of baked pine needles, of sweet ripe berried fruit, verging on loganberry. I love the way Stella manages to capture what is so brilliant about Montalcino, the swollen red fruit and emphatic fullon character, yet conveys it in such a delicate way. Her 2008 has great presence, it is succulent, noble, yet all the while understated.
David Berry Green
David Berry Green
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£310.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£390.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£420.00
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£698.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl1cs
£700.00
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Ready, but will keep,
First tasted in February 2013, before bottling, this Brunello di Montalcino was notable for its completeness, its complexity of loganberry, black pepper, black truffle; very sapid, crunchy, ‘carnoso’ (meaty), with great balance. Last summer, the wine showed more tamarind and tobacco. And in Jan 2015, from bottle (since August 2014), it seemed an incredible ‘force of nature’, with spicy incense, tar, quinine and liquorice notes.
Enjoying a relative short maceration of 12 days, it’s fleshy, generous, ‘sucoso’ (juicy) yet structured too. Much more Nebbiolino than the sunny, grasso 2009.
David Berry Green
Enjoying a relative short maceration of 12 days, it’s fleshy, generous, ‘sucoso’ (juicy) yet structured too. Much more Nebbiolino than the sunny, grasso 2009.
David Berry Green
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£295.00
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£298.00
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Ready, but will keep,
Compared to the whiter tufo soils of La Serena (Cerbaiona) on the north east corner of Montalcino, Scopetone is located in the north-west, below the city walls, on friable red chestnut soils mixed with more typical rocky galestro/alberese elements. In June 2013, pre-bottling, I noted their wine as having compact, tight clove red berried perfume, a hint of eucalyptus/balsamic/black pepper, as being more complete than 2009; with suave, pretty cassis, liquorice, tobacco fruit, molten tannins ‘fondo’ (depth).
Last year: it presented as a ‘gioiellino’ (a little gem), with soft perfumed pepper/clove/cassi fruit, racy, nuanced moreish. Last week (late Jan ’15): distinctly rose/Chinato, medicinal/iodine, fabulous rose raciness, a flowing thread of cassis, compact, linear neat.
David Berry Green
Last year: it presented as a ‘gioiellino’ (a little gem), with soft perfumed pepper/clove/cassi fruit, racy, nuanced moreish. Last week (late Jan ’15): distinctly rose/Chinato, medicinal/iodine, fabulous rose raciness, a flowing thread of cassis, compact, linear neat.
David Berry Green
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Ready, but will improve,
Compared to their neighbour La Serena, Cerbaiona’s 2010 Brunello is altogether more refined sleek. Dark garnet red, the nose is a compote of loganberry, clove, black pepper even of blood-like aromas. Incredibly composed pinpoint, the palate is square emphatic, with distinct meaty (‘carnoso’), racy, ‘sweet’ red cassis flavours. Structured, it is underpinned by a mesh of fruit tannins minerals. Giving little away in its youth. Needs time in bottle. Drink 2018-2030
David Berry Green
David Berry Green
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Bottle 6 x 75cl5cs
£468.00
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£500.00
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£540.00
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Ready, but will keep,
Perched above Stella di Campalto’s estate near the village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, Piero Palmucci has been making these elegant wines from 12ha since the 1991 vintage, aided by Giulio Gambelli. Vinification is in stainless-steel and 30 hl Garbellotto botte. Drinking till 2015+
(David Berry Green)
(David Berry Green)
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£245.00
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Il Poggione is a winery steeped in history with its origins dating back to the late 1800s. Owned by Leopoldo and Livia Franceschi , it is situated below the beautiful hilltop town of Sant’Angelo in Colle, a part of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation characterised by a temperate, yet well-ventilated micro-climate. This benefits the grapes by maintaining refreshing acidity levels and extending their ripening time.
Father and son winemaking team Fabrizio and Alessandro Bindocci coax the best from these privileged vineyard sites; they are also proponents of a traditional wine-making style which includes submerging the cap with frequent pump overs (for more colour and tannin extraction), and ageing in large casks (so that wood flavours remain subtle and do not interfere with the natural expression of the Sangiovese and the Sant’Angelo terroir).
In the best vintages the wines demonstrate extraordinary development in bottle. Even better, prices have remained very reasonable, considering the superb quality of the wine. Poggione’s straight Brunello is one of the most fairly-priced, cellar worthy wines of the appellation. This is a benchmark property for fine, traditionally made Brunello capable of ageing superbly.
Chris Pollington- Private Account Manager
Father and son winemaking team Fabrizio and Alessandro Bindocci coax the best from these privileged vineyard sites; they are also proponents of a traditional wine-making style which includes submerging the cap with frequent pump overs (for more colour and tannin extraction), and ageing in large casks (so that wood flavours remain subtle and do not interfere with the natural expression of the Sangiovese and the Sant’Angelo terroir).
In the best vintages the wines demonstrate extraordinary development in bottle. Even better, prices have remained very reasonable, considering the superb quality of the wine. Poggione’s straight Brunello is one of the most fairly-priced, cellar worthy wines of the appellation. This is a benchmark property for fine, traditionally made Brunello capable of ageing superbly.
Chris Pollington- Private Account Manager
Bottle 6 x 75cl3cs
£138.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£140.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£144.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£245.00
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Ready, but will keep,
Very much in its youth, Diego and Nora's 05 Brunello, all 583 cases of it, shows only distinct, crunchy red and black cherry stone fruit, primary and at this stage deceptively straightforward. The palate is slightly more forthcoming, boasting a fine texture, a beautiful limpidity, a firm Gevrey Chambertin character, combined with a great weight and sense of majesty. Perfectly poised for lift-off. Give it 10 years at least.
David Berry Green, Fine Wine Buyer Diego Molinari was an Alitalia pilot for 25 years before retiring in the late 1970s. He and his vibrant, immaculate and designer handbag-loving wife scoured the lengths of Montalcino, looking for the perfect vineyard where they could pursue their winemaking dreams. They settled upon the small, north-easterly estate of Cerbaiona and bottled their first vintage in 1980.
David Berry Green, Fine Wine Buyer Diego Molinari was an Alitalia pilot for 25 years before retiring in the late 1970s. He and his vibrant, immaculate and designer handbag-loving wife scoured the lengths of Montalcino, looking for the perfect vineyard where they could pursue their winemaking dreams. They settled upon the small, north-easterly estate of Cerbaiona and bottled their first vintage in 1980.
Their exquisite 2005 Brunello is testament to the meticulous nature of the winemaking at Cerbaiona. Piercing aromas of cranberry, redcurrant and black cherry are abundant on the nose. There is a fine gravelly hue to the palate, which has a sumptuous velvety texture and clean, red fruit flavours. This is a pristine effort which will appeal to perfectionists.
Nicola Giacomelli, Senior Sales Executive
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£675.00
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Ready, but will keep,
Good deep red. Aromatic nose offers cherry, rose petal, marzipan, licorice and a whiff of forest floor. Sweet and silky, but the flavors of red raspberry, cherry and licorice are firmed by an edge of acidity. Finishes fragrant, with slightly drying tannins and a light tartness.
Stephen Tanzer - vinousmeadia.com - Jul 2011
Stephen Tanzer - vinousmeadia.com - Jul 2011
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£268.00
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For laying down,
Stella fawns over her wines, each vintage a ‘new child’, not wishing to let them out of her sight until she’s satisfied they’ll cope! Hence 2010 has become a Riserva, to be physically released out into the world, ripping it from her grasp (!) only in early 2016.
However Stella has given us the opportunity to offer the 2010 Riserva out, providing our customers can wait. I would: just its colour fills you with warm anticipation: broad, compact, serene, red garnet, from rim to rim, filling the glass. On the nose it’s composed, with noticeable crystalline aromas that surely stem from her mix of galestro, calcite, volcanic, alberese and alluvial soils.
There’s gunpowder, graphite presence; a mass of emphatic herbal, red berried fruit, along with a coiled, juicy heart of cranberry/strawberry ‘gelato’ (ice cream!) flavours. Immense focus, with beautiful refreshing juiciness. Not a hair out of place!
David Berry Green
However Stella has given us the opportunity to offer the 2010 Riserva out, providing our customers can wait. I would: just its colour fills you with warm anticipation: broad, compact, serene, red garnet, from rim to rim, filling the glass. On the nose it’s composed, with noticeable crystalline aromas that surely stem from her mix of galestro, calcite, volcanic, alberese and alluvial soils.
There’s gunpowder, graphite presence; a mass of emphatic herbal, red berried fruit, along with a coiled, juicy heart of cranberry/strawberry ‘gelato’ (ice cream!) flavours. Immense focus, with beautiful refreshing juiciness. Not a hair out of place!
David Berry Green
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£520.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£525.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£585.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£650.00
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Ready, but will keep,
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is fabulous. Dark cherry, lavender, mint, hard candy and a host of balsamic-inflected notes soar from the glass as this towering, structured Rivera shows off its personality. This is one of the more tannic, backward Riserva of the vintage. As such, demands patience. Just as extraordinary as it was last year, the Riserva once again shows just how magical this vintage was for Andrea Costanti. Drink: 2022 – 2040
98/100, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, Feb 2016
The Costantis are an old Sienese family dating back to the fifteenth century. They appear in the history of Montalcino as being involved in major event which led to the creation of the Republic of Siena in 1555. Fast forward to 1983 when a very young Andrea Costanti took over the family firm and started building the estate into the successful Brunello producer that we know today.
The winemaking style lies somewhere between the arch-traditionalists and the modernists with fermentation in stainless steel with two weeks maceration on the skins, followed by 18 months in 500 litre French oak barrels and 18 months in Slavonian oak botti, before 12 months in bottle before release, with another year in bottle for the riserva.
98/100, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, Feb 2016
The Costantis are an old Sienese family dating back to the fifteenth century. They appear in the history of Montalcino as being involved in major event which led to the creation of the Republic of Siena in 1555. Fast forward to 1983 when a very young Andrea Costanti took over the family firm and started building the estate into the successful Brunello producer that we know today.
The winemaking style lies somewhere between the arch-traditionalists and the modernists with fermentation in stainless steel with two weeks maceration on the skins, followed by 18 months in 500 litre French oak barrels and 18 months in Slavonian oak botti, before 12 months in bottle before release, with another year in bottle for the riserva.
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Ready, but will keep,
Il Poggione's 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is utterly stunning, but it is surprisingly tannic and huge for a vintage in which so many wines are much more approachable. Layers of dark red stone fruit open up on the palate, followed by sweet spices, savory herbs and mint. Beautifully perfumed and expressive throughout, the 2007 is a jewel of a wine. The only thing it needs is time.
Antonio Galloni - vinousmedia.com - May 2014
Antonio Galloni - vinousmedia.com - May 2014
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Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£469.00
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£340.00
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Showing a delectable combination of dark cherry alongside freshly cut grass, the powerful notes of this wine’s abundance of fruit clearly dominate the palate. There is a minerally texture to the mouthfeel though, which emerges on a completely satisfying finish. This is one of our favourite wines from the 2007 vintage.
David Berry Green, Fine Wine Buyer
David Berry Green, Fine Wine Buyer
Bottle 6 x 75cl2cs
£850.00
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Ready, but will improve,
Il Poggione is one of the stars of Brunello, despite this it is always incredibly reasonably priced. Every year we sell through our allocation quickly and 2010 I think it is a case of blink and you will miss it! Il Poggione is a wine that reflects the more modern end of the styles in Brunello, it always has rich, lush fruit and in 2010 it is perfectly held in check by a cool freshness. Alongside the lovely cherry fruit, there are floral characters and toasted spice a wine with a sensual character.
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Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£175.00
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£180.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl2cs
£185.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl4cs
£190.00
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£195.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£198.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl6cs
£200.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£225.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£245.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£295.00
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£260.00
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£275.00
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Ready, but will keep,
This is a definite step up from the Rosso di Montalcino. Lisini’s Brunello is more compact, with decidedly more stoffa (material) both on the nose and on the palate. Yes, the vintage was full of sun and a bit premature, but Lisini’s experience has balanced this svelte fruit with a pretty structure. It is certainly more approachable than his 2006 and a great pleasure indeed.
David Berry Green
David Berry Green
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Ready, but will keep,
This is only the second vintage Lisini have made of this limited edition Brunello Riserva; a wine born in vintage 2006. Echoing the hot 2007 vintage, the nose delights with soft, ‘sweet’ strawberry aromas along with a certain presence. The extra time in (large) oak has refined and mellowed the Sangiovese wine, making it approachable even now. Drinking 2014 - 2024.
David Berry Green
David Berry Green
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£298.00
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Ready, but will keep,
Talk about a treat: I somehow managed to spirit a precious few bottles directly from Stella’s cantina! A formidable, indomitable, emphatic Brunello, the second she made, that oozes that great 2006 vintage.
Still twinkling bright and vivid, the nose a resolute, still young and closed but profound leather, dark cherry, savoury mix. The palate an entrancing weave of ginger, liquorice, a sense of great importance, so solid, implacable! Still a bambino, but decant if you must.
David Berry Green
Still twinkling bright and vivid, the nose a resolute, still young and closed but profound leather, dark cherry, savoury mix. The palate an entrancing weave of ginger, liquorice, a sense of great importance, so solid, implacable! Still a bambino, but decant if you must.
David Berry Green
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£410.00
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Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£495.00
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£936.00
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Ready, but will keep,
Notably darker in colour, the product of an extra year’s ageing in large oak (a total of 42 months in oak, plus six months in chestnut from Monte Amiata nearby), this 2008 Riserva has more presence and a thicker texture. One has the impression of tighter, more compact bunches and of more substance. Still finding its stride, having been bottled in March 2014, there’s a distinct sandalwood character along with rich forest floor fruit. David Berry Green
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
£250.00
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Bright in appearance, with ripe red cherry and herbal aromas on the nose. The palate is ripe and poised, with fresh acidity that adds definition to the mid-palate. As is characteristic of this wine, the tannins are finely wrought.