On a hill south of Siena, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and woods, stands Montalcino: the home of Brunello, one of the greatest red wines of Italy. Visiting a Brunello di Montalcino winery is a pilgrimage for wine lovers and collectors alike.
What Is Brunello di Montalcino?
Brunello is made from 100% Sangiovese, locally called Sangiovese Grosso. It cannot be released before January 1st of the fifth year after harvest, and the Riserva waits one year more. It was one of the first wines in Italy to receive the DOCG status, in 1980. Its younger brother, Rosso di Montalcino, is released earlier and offers a fresher, more affordable taste of the same terroir.
The Areas of Montalcino
The territory is small but very varied. The north is cooler and gives elegant, perfumed wines; the south, around Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate, is warmer and gives riper, more powerful Brunellos. Tasting wines from different sides of the hill is the best way to understand Montalcino.
What to Do in Montalcino
- Visit the 14th-century Fortress with its wine bar and views over the Val d'Orcia.
- See the Romanesque Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a few minutes from town.
- Walk the medieval streets and enoteche full of rare vintages.
- Combine with Montepulciano and Pienza, both about 40 minutes away.
A One-Day Brunello Wine Tour
Morning. Cellar tour and tasting at a winery on the northern slopes: Rosso, Brunello and, if available, Riserva.
Lunch. Pici pasta with wild boar ragù and a glass of Brunello in town.
Afternoon. Second visit on the southern slopes, then sunset at Sant'Antimo.
Tasting Prices
| Experience | Typical price per person (€) |
|---|---|
| Tasting of Rosso and Brunello | 25–45 |
| Tasting with Riserva or single vineyards | 50–100 |
| Tasting with lunch | 70–130 |
| Vertical tasting of older vintages | 100–250+ |
Prices are indicative and set by each winery.
Brunello and Collectors
Great Brunello vintages can age for 20–30 years and are among the most traded Italian wines on the collector market. With Winoo you can add your Brunello bottles to a private cellar profile, get them evaluated and connect with buyers around the world.
Book Montalcino Wineries on Winoo
Explore the Visita in cantina section to find Montalcino wineries and book tastings directly.
Discover Brunello wineries on Winoo →
Read also: Tuscany wine tours guide and Chianti wine tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Montalcino from Florence and Siena?
About 40 minutes from Siena and around 1 hour 45 minutes from Florence by car.
What is the difference between Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino?
Both are 100% Sangiovese from Montalcino; Brunello ages much longer and is more complex, Rosso is younger and fresher.
How long can Brunello age?
Good vintages easily reach 15–30 years in a proper cellar.