🍷 Tuscany Wine Regions Guide – Episode 2: Brunello di Montalcino 

Welcome back to our Tuscany Wine Regions Guide, where we take you deep into the heart of Italy’s most iconic wine areas. In this episode, we head south of Siena to the medieval hilltop village of Montalcino—the birthplace of the legendary Brunello di Montalcino.

This corner of Tuscany is more than just scenic. It’s home to one of the world’s most refined wines and a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic wine tours in Tuscany with locals.

🍇 What Makes Brunello di Montalcino So Special?

Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s highest-regarded red wines and holds DOCG status, the top tier of Italian wine classification. Made exclusively from 100% Sangiovese Grosso (locally known as Brunello), it reflects the soul of the land: bold, elegant, and built to age.

According to the official production regulations (disciplinare), Brunello must follow strict rules:

• Grape: 100% Sangiovese (Brunello clone)
• Yield: Max 8 tons/ha (7 t/ha for single-vineyard labels)
• Minimum alcohol: 12.5%
• Aging:
  • At least 2 years in oak barrels
  • Minimum 4 months in bottle
  • Released after 5 years from harvest (January 1st)
  • Riserva wines must age 6 years

The result? A wine of extraordinary depth, power, and longevity—made for those who appreciate both patience and complexity.

👃 Brunello in the Glass: Taste and Style

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet edges
• Aromas: Ripe cherry, leather, tobacco, earthy spice
• Palate: Dry, warm, full-bodied, structured, and long-lingering

Top vintages of Brunello can age beautifully for 20–30 years, making them prized by collectors and wine lovers alike.

Rosso di Montalcino: The Fresh, Approachable Alternative

While Brunello demands time and structure, Rosso di Montalcino offers a more youthful, versatile expression of the same Sangiovese grape. Rosso di Montalcino is often described as the “baby Brunello”—made from the same grape (100% Sangiovese) and in the same area, but with a younger, fresher character and less aging.

Key Features of Rosso:

• Grape: 100% Sangiovese
• Aging: No oak aging required
• Release: Available just one year after harvest
• Style: Fruit-forward, fresh, and lively
• Alcohol: Minimum 11.5%

Think of Rosso as your weekday wine, while Brunello is the bottle you open to celebrate life’s finest moments.

🔍 Brunello vs. Rosso: What’s the Difference?

🌿 Why Visit Montalcino with Local Wine Experts in Tuscany?

At Out of the Box Florence, we create meaningful, sustainable experiences that connect you with the true heart of Tuscany. Montalcino is not just about the wine—it’s about the land, the people, and the stories that bring the glass to life.

Join us for immersive wine tours in Tuscany with locals, where you can:

• Walk through sun-drenched vineyards in Montalcino
• Visit family-run Brunello wineries off the tourist track
• Discover the difference between Brunello and Rosso in guided tastings
• Learn the winemaking traditions from the producers themselves
• Enjoy a slow-paced day filled with beauty, flavor, and authenticity

🚐 Wine Tours in Tuscany with Locals – With Private Minivan Service

Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, you can now enjoy our curated wine experiences in total comfort with our brand new premium minivans. Relax while our local drivers take you through the hills of Montalcino and beyond—stress-free, stylish, and always with a touch of adventure.

We also offer:

• Gravel bike and hiking itineraries
• Wine trekking experiences
• Custom routes based on your interests

All led by our team of local guides, passionate about sharing the Tuscany we know and love.

Stay Tuned – Next in Our Tuscany Wine Regions Guide:

Episode 3: Bolgheri – The iconic Supertuscan

📍 Plan Your Montalcino Wine Tour Today

Whether you’re dreaming of a Brunello deep-dive or a relaxing stroll through the vineyards with a glass of Rosso in hand, we’ll make your wine journey unforgettable.

📧 Email: info@outoftheboxflorence.com
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +39 3470809904
🌐 Explore our wine tours in Tuscany

Out of the Box Florence – your gateway to authentic, sustainable travel in Tuscany with locals.

Sources for this article: 

Disciplinare Brunello di Montalcino ITA

Consorzio Brunello di Montalcino