Brunello di Montalcino
In a country like Italy, where wine is produced for approx. 3 500 years, Brunello di Montalcino can be considered a completely new invention. Really, the wine is not deeply rooted in the local tradition, but it is the result of the research and work of one winemaker, Ferrucio Biondi-Santi. About 1870 Ferrucio Biondi-Santi began growing a clone of the Sangiovese grape known as Brunello in his vineyard. The then young winemaker noticed, that this Sangiovese subspecies - called "grosso” to distinguish it from a strain originating in the Chianti area, characterized by smaller clusters – it is more resistant to phylloxera attacks, which at that time ravaged European vineyards. Eventually, Biondi-Santi completely renovated his vineyard., filling it only with a new sub-sub-variation, on which he based the production of his wine entirely.
Biondi-Santi decided to go one step further, breaking with the local tradition of the time. At that time, young red wines were generally preferred in Tuscany., often pinching slightly into the tongue, which were additionally given freshness by the production method used called "governo” (a method in which a quantity of must from dried grapes is added to the previously obtained wine). Brunello, on the other hand, was surrendered (as it is still the case today) ageing for a period of at least four years in oak barrels, and then for some time in bottles, developing its unique aroma and taste. As the wine matures, it acquires a more velvety taste, it becomes more harmonious, and the aroma is deeper and more delicate at the same time.
All these features of Brunello were noticed by a politician and a leading Tuscan producer, which in the 1930s developed the specification for Chianti production, baron Luigi Ricasoli. Ricasoli, who had the opportunity to taste Brunello from the famous vintage 1888, remaining impressed with the wine, he was about to say the words: "I will never achieve it myself", thus leaving no doubts about the excellent quality and longevity of this unique wine.
Consortium of Brunello di Montalcino Wine
Coast of the Municipality, 1
53024 Montalcino (AND)
ITALY