Brunello Wine Description

Brunello di Montalcino is a highly esteemed red wine from Tuscany, Italy, made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, specifically a local clone known as Brunello. The wine is celebrated for its powerful structure, complex flavors, and significant aging potential. Brunello di Montalcino must be aged for at least five years (six for Riserva), including at least two years in oak, which contributes to its depth and longevity. It is often regarded as one of Italy’s greatest wines and is known for its ability to age gracefully over decades.

Appearance:

• Color: Deep ruby that shifts to garnet as it ages.
• Opacity: Medium to high, with a clear and bright appearance, reflecting the wine’s concentration and maturity.

Aroma:

• Primary Aromas: Cherry, plum, and red berries.
• Secondary Aromas: Leather, dried herbs, and floral notes like violet.
• Tertiary Aromas: With aging, Brunello develops complex aromas of dried fruit, tobacco, truffle, and sometimes a touch of balsamic or earthy nuances.

Flavor Profile:

• Fruit Flavors: Predominantly cherry, plum, and red currant.
• Other Flavors: Notes of leather, dried herbs, and spices like cinnamon and clove, with hints of earth, tar, and tobacco emerging with age.
• Oak Influence: Significant, as Brunello is aged in large oak casks, imparting flavors of vanilla, toast, and a subtle spiciness that enhances the wine’s complexity.

Structure:

• Body: Medium to full-bodied, offering a rich and velvety texture.
• Tannins: High, providing a firm structure and excellent aging potential.
• Acidity: Medium to high, contributing to the wine’s freshness and longevity.
• Alcohol: Ranges from 13.5% to 15%.