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'''Brunello di Montalcino''' is a prestigious Italian [[Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)]] [[red wine]] produced around the hill town of [[Montalcino]] in southern [[Tuscany]]. Made exclusively from the local clone of [[Sangiovese]] known as ''Sangiovese Grosso'' or ''Brunello'', it is recognised for its power, longevity, and role as one of [[Italy’s]] most acclaimed wines.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>

== Background ==  
[[Viticulture]] in the Montalcino area dates back to the Etruscans, but the modern identity of Brunello emerged in the 19th century when Clemente Santi isolated Sangiovese Grosso for quality red wine production.<ref>Scienza, ''Atlante dei vini d’Italia: Toscana'', Touring Editore, 2011. (Italian original)</ref> By the late 20th century, Brunello di Montalcino had gained international recognition, becoming the first Tuscan wine to achieve DOCG status in 1980.<ref>Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, “La denominazione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG”, consorziobrunellodimontalcino.it.</ref>

== Terroir and Characteristics ==  
The [[vineyards]] of Montalcino extend across varied [[soils]] and altitudes, from [[clay (soil)|clay]]-rich lowlands to stony, well-drained higher [[slopes]]. The Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cool nights, favours long ripening, giving Sangiovese Grosso its intensity and balance.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.</ref>  

Brunello wines are typically deeply coloured, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, leather, and tobacco. Structurally, they are marked by firm [[tannins]], elevated [[acidity]], and notable [[ageing potential]].  

== Production Rules ==  
DOCG regulations require Brunello di Montalcino to be made entirely from Sangiovese Grosso grown within the commune of Montalcino. The wine must be aged for at least 5 years before release, including a minimum of 2 years in oak and 4 months in bottle (6 months for ''[[Riserva]]'').<ref>Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, “La denominazione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG”.</ref>  

These strict rules ensure the style’s consistency and longevity, with the best examples capable of maturing gracefully for decades.  

== Styles and Related Wines ==  
Alongside Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, the area also produces:  
* [[Rosso di Montalcino DOC]], a fresher, earlier-drinking expression of Sangiovese.  
* [[Sant’Antimo DOC]], used for non-traditional blends.  
* [[Moscadello di Montalcino DOC]], a historic [[white wine]], once widely celebrated in Renaissance Florence.<ref>Bastianich & Lynch, ''Vino Italiano: The Regional Wines of Italy'', Clarkson Potter, 2002.</ref>  

== Global Reputation ==  
Since the late 20th century, Brunello di Montalcino has been regarded as one of Italy’s “icon wines”, often compared with [[Barolo]] and [[Amarone della Valpolicella]] for its stature and collectability. International demand has made it a benchmark of Tuscan winemaking and a symbol of Italian viticultural excellence.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>  

== See also ==  
* [[Sangiovese]]  
* [[Barolo]]  
* [[Amarone della Valpolicella]]  
* [[Tuscany]]  

== References ==  
{{reflist}}  

[[Category:Italian wine]]  
[[Category:Tuscan DOCG]]  
[[Category:Red wine]]