Tuscan Treasure: Brunello di Montalcino

Tucked into the rolling Tuscan hills near Siena, Brunello di Montalcino has quietly earned its place among the world’s great wines. Made entirely from Sangiovese, Italy’s most widely planted and iconic red grape, Brunello showcases the variety at its most refined. Known for its bright acidity, firm tannins, and flavours of red cherry, dried herbs, and earthy spice, Sangiovese truly excels in Montalcino’s unique climate and soils.  Brunello is aged for a minimum of five years, including at least two years in oak, allowing its flavours and structure to fully develop. The best Brunellos offer depth, elegance, and the structure to age beautifully. Pleasingly, many bottles remain surprisingly accessible, delivering exceptional value for those seeking character, complexity, and longevity, without the price tag of many other iconic reds.

Brunello di Montalcino is a versatile table companion that pairs beautifully with aged Pecorino, where the saltiness of the cheese beautifully balances the wine’s firm tannins.  For something heartier try a wild boar ragu or roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, both complement the wine’s savoury depth and earthy spice.   For a vegetarian option try a porcini mushroom risotto, here the creamy umami richness of the risotto marries perfectly with the savoury flavours and bright acidity of the Sangiovese.

For the perfect introduction to the region look no further than the wines of Tenuta Il Poggione.  With vineyards perched on the region’s best slopes and a long-standing commitment to quality, their Brunellos delivers remarkable depth and structure vintage after vintage without the inflated price tag.

➜ Explore The Wines of Brunello di Montalcino

➜ 2010 Brunello di Montalcino, Il Poggione