Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino is produced in the village of Montalcino, near the province of Siena. This designated DOCG region takes the name of the grape, Brunello, a clone of Sangiovese, which is full flavored and tannic. Along with Barolo and Barbaresco, Brunello is considered one of the “great growths” of Italy. The wines of this region have the longest aging requirements in Italy— five years, two and a half of which must be in wooden barrels. This vigorous and slightly bitter wine differs from Chianti in terms of being 100-percent Sangiovese, full bodied with strong tannins. Brunello, which translates to “little dark one,” is one of the most expensive wines anywhere.
