Benvenuto Brunello is the annual event, promoted by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, which officially presents the new vintage of one of the most prized and appreciated Italian wines. The appointment that is held in the center of Montalcino – after more than twenty years has been moved momentarily from February, period in which this wine is usually issued on the market, to that of November – represents an important occasion of encounter between the operators of the field beyond that an unmissable event for the Italian and foreign journalists and for the impassioned ones. The activity of Benvenuto Brunello, among other things, includes the proclamation of the “Stars” to be attributed to the last harvest, with the placement of a special tile on the facade of the historic Town Hall of Montalcino, and the award ceremony of the “Leccio d’Oro”reserved for restaurants and wine bars for their Brunello wine proposal.
Brunello di Montalcino
The Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine, which was recognized the Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin in 1980 (after the certification DOC of 1966), whose production area is included in the municipality of Montalcino, in the province of Siena. Produced since 800, its name derives from the term brunello, originally attributed to a variety of grape that was considered local, but – in 1879 – was then officially recognized as Sangiovese. Although already usually produced by local farmers, Brunello was somehow “invented” by Clemente Santi, who in fact began to experiment with the production of this red wine, winning in 1865 two silver medals at the Fiera Agricola di Montepulciano.
Later, the production of Brunello became more and more widespread, and the Biondi Santi family added new producers. This led to a shift from production in limited quantities to production that was increasingly large and able to establish itself first in Italy and then abroad, becoming one of the symbols of Made in Italy.
Today, Brunello represents a wine whose production is expected in purity from Sangiovese grapes, and is distinguished by its bright ruby red color, tending to garnet, for an intense aroma rich in aromas of cherry spices and undergrowth, and distinguished by a dry and warm taste, robust and persistent, and slightly tannic. Together with Barolo, it is also the wine that bears the longest aging, improving over time its organoleptic characteristics, so much to guarantee aging from a minimum of ten to a maximum of thirty years, depending on the vintage. It is aged for two years in oak barrels, and then four months in bottle, which become six in the case of Brunello Riserva, and is marketed only in Bordeaux bottles.
Montalcino
The medieval village of Montalcino is located in the southern part of the province of Siena, immersed in the beautiful territory of the Natural Park of Val d’Orcia, and looks like an enchanting place, surrounded by a large wall and dominated by a castle of remarkable architectural structure.
The country of Brunello is therefore worth a visit not only for its extraordinary wine, but also for its historical and cultural aspect, keeping practically intact its appearance dating back to the sixteenth century. The fourteenth-century Rocca, which offers a priceless view of the surrounding area, hosts, among other things, numerous events of attraction, including the Jazz & Wine Festival (in July).
In the historic center, however, stand out the tower and the loggia of the Palazzo dei Priori, in Piazza del Popolo, in addition to the churches of Sant’Agostino, Sant’Egidio and San Francesco, along with the Bishop’s Palace. For art lovers, then, we recommend a visit to the Civic Museum of Sacred Art, and the Glass Museum.
All around, there is a fascinating network of alleys and narrow streets on which art shops, restaurants and, of course, shops where you can buy a few bottles of precious Brunello. Outside the town, however, is recommended a visit to the beautiful abbey of Sant’Antimo, dating back to the twelfth century, which according to legend was built by Charlemagne, which is reached after crossing roads lined with vineyards and olive groves.
Wine and food tour of the cellars of Montalcino
There are many wineries, active in the territory of Montalcino, where you can taste the Brunello but also linger for an excellent food and wine stop.
Capanna di Montalcino
La Capanna di Montalcino is a family-run winery that, since 1957, has progressively expanded its vineyards and its production. Recommended for the tasting of Montalcino wines, and for the vertical tasting of four Brunello – of different vintages – usually accompanied by a guided tour of the vineyard and cellar.
Col d’Orcia
The estate of Col d’Orcia includes, in addition to the vineyards, olive groves, the park and the gardens. The cultivation is organic. The tour includes a walk in the natural park, a visit to the winery and the tasting of Brunello directly from the aging barrels. All accompanied by a selection of local gastronomic products.
Biondi Santi winery
The Biondi Santi Winery is located at Tenuta Greppo, and is one of the oldest in the territory. It is thanks to its vineyards, in fact, that the family obtained the recognition of “Chosen Red Wine of 1865” with its Brunello.
Castle of Banfi
The Castello di Banfi is located in the village of Poggio alle Mura, and boasts a beautiful cellar and a large production of barriques and barrels, as well as being equipped with a museum dedicated to the history of glass. At the castle it is also possible to stay overnight.
The Poderina
Located in front of the ancient Abbey of Sant’Antimo, in the Natural Park of the Val d’Orcia, La Poderina is an ideal place for tasting Brunello but also for a stay. The guided tours lead to the discovery of the Bottaia, where the Brunello is produced, and then conclude with the tasting of the wines.
Typical dishes of Montalcino
The extreme elegance and body make Brunello a wine particularly suitable forpairing with dishes with a strong flavor and marked, especially game, red meat, cheeses, mushrooms and truffles. Of course, this wine goes excellently with the typical dishes of the culinary tradition of Montalcino.
At the heart of the gastronomic tradition of Montalcino there are the main elements of Tuscan and, in particular, Sienese cuisine. It starts with croutons of spleen and liver, or with mushrooms, and then discover the taste of wild boar sausages or “cinta senese”, and sausages such as “fennel“, ham and salami.
Among the first courses stand out the “pici” with sauce, pappardelle with hare or wild boar, but also mushroom and onion soup.
Among the main courses is the characteristic pork steak with turnips, The game is the mistress, cooked on a spit or stewed, as in the case of pheasant, hare, thrushes and the inevitable wild boar. A particular note deserves the Tuscan pecorino, which in the village of Montalcino is also proposed in combination with honey and the best local wines.
Finally, among the dry desserts are absolutely to try the “brutti e boni” and the “cantucci” with almonds, in addition to castagnaccio, prepared with chestnut flour, raisins, pine nuts and rosemary.
