Brunello di Montalcino – luxury Tuscan wine
Tuscan gold
Brunello di Montalcino is a luxury red wine grown, harvested and made in the vineyards which line the small Italian town of Montalcino, located eighty kilometres south of the Tuscan city of Florence. Brunello, the diminutive form of Bruno, indicates the brown colour of grapes which are characteristic for this region. In 1879, the Siena Commission judged after several years of experiments that Brunello and Sangiovese are the same variety. In Montalcino, the name Brunello developed as designation of wine made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. The wine is so rare and of such a high quality that it is one of the most expensive of luxury Italian wines to this very day.
Characteristics of the wine
Brunello di Montalcino wine has a bright garnet colour, an intense aroma with a hint of aromatic wood, berries, delicate vanilla and marmalade. Brunello matures for many years, although the ideal maturity period is not set. The regular period is between ten and thirty years or even longer. Conditions for storage of the wine are important for correct aging – a cold cellar, a dark environment and horizontal position of the bottle are of fundamental importance. Luxury Brunello di Montalcino wine is served in deep rounded crystal glasses at a temperature of 18°C - 20°C. The oldest bottles should be decanted to provide better oxidation to ensure the true flavour develops.
Age is important
Younger Brunello di Montalcino wine is characterised by fruitier tones, including cherry, cranberries, wild strawberries, blackberries, violet and liquorice. When you taste it, Brunello di Montalcino radiates earthy tones and slightly bitter espresso. Older Brunello di Montalcino is on the contrary milder due to its longer maturation. From among the fruity flavours of the wine, elements such as dried figs start to be uncovered, candied fruit, hazelnuts and chocolate. The experts claim that this luxury wine is absolutely delicious.
What goes well with this wine?
Luxury types of food go well with Brunello di Montalcino wine thanks to its harmonious flavour, foods such as red meat, mushrooms and truffles. International cuisine based on meat dishes with sauces are the ideal accompaniment. Several types of cheese are also an excellent accompaniment to this wine. For example the luxury Tuscan pecorino and Brunello di Montalcino is an absolutely perfect combination.
