Collection: Rosso di Montalcino DOC

Rosso di Montalcino DOC is Tuscany's more accessible version of the famous Brunello. The wine is made exclusively from Sangiovese, which here in Montalcino is called Brunello, and it is grown within the historic boundaries of the commune of Montalcino in the province of Siena. It is exactly the same delimited production area as Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and that creates a close connection between place and grape that is worth noticing.

The classification was created in 1984 as a younger, more quickly released counterpart to Brunello, and it is often given the informal nickname "baby Brunello". Producers can choose to declassify grapes or lots from Brunello to Rosso di Montalcino, and the wine can therefore contain fruit from the same vineyards as the great bottles. The difference lies first and foremost in time. Where Brunello requires long ageing, Rosso di Montalcino may be released as early as 1 September the year after harvest, that is, after roughly a year of maturation.

The production rules impose no requirement for mandatory ageing in wood or oak, and that contributes to a fresher and more fruit-driven style than its big brother's. The alcohol content must be at least 12% vol., the yield is limited to 90 quintals of grapes per hectare, and the grape-to-wine ratio is set at 70%. These are parameters that point towards a wine with character, but also with a lightness and immediacy that make it good to drink young.

Rosso di Montalcino is an obvious way into Sangiovese from Montalcino if you want to experience the craft and origin behind the great Tuscan classics without having to wait for years. It pairs nicely with an everyday meal made with quality and place in mind. If you want to explore further, you can delve into our selection from Toscana or see the many faces the grape shows in the collection of Sangiovese.