Famed for its bold, age-worthy Brunello di Montalcino, the hilltop town of Montalcino lies 70 miles south of Florence, with a warmer, drier climate than neighboring Chianti. Here, the Sangiovese grape—specifically the Brunello clone—thrives across diverse vineyards. Lower valley sites with clay-rich soils yield rich, opulent wines with dark fruit, while higher hillside vineyards, reaching over 1,600 feet with rocky, shallow soils, produce elegant, red-fruited, floral styles. By law, Brunello must age at least four years, including two in barrel, and often benefits from additional bottle aging. For earlier enjoyment, Rosso di Montalcino—made from younger vines and aged about a year—offers a vibrant, approachable alternative and excellent value.
