Introduction

Therefore, in this article we will find out what are the best Brunello di Montalcino vintages, to date, and what factors are considered during the evaluation.

The Brunello di Montalcino (in addition to his Reserve version) is one, if not the greatest, Italian fine wine. Behind it lies an ancient tradition of passion, flavor and energy.

The birth of Brunello dates back to the 1800s when some Montalcino farmers began experimenting with making a red wine from the grapes of a vine traditionally grown in the area, a vine called "Brunello" or "Brunellino" that was identified at the turn of the century as a variety of the sangiovese grape.

Like any self-respecting fine wine, the analysis of the best vintages of Brunello becomes crucial in determining the quality level of this wine, which always turns out to be a pleasure all to enjoy.

For centuries this product has managed to be loved by the whole world, and as proof of this, in 1980 the name D.O.C.G. (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin).

Best Brunello vintages: how to make the assessment

Girl looking at a goblet with red wine

The evaluation of the vintages of Brunello di Montalcino It never happens by pure chance.

Performing it is usually a team of experts and judges who, in January, subject the wine to rigorous quality control.

Usually, the wine that is examined comes from the extrapolation of the previous year's October.

The best Brunello di Montalcino is then tested and subjected to chemical and physical analysis, following which the judges themselves cast a vote 1 to 5 stars, based on the actual specialty of that vintage.

Chemical controls are organoleptically based and are based on concepts of preservation, quality of the grapes processed and flavor of the wine itself.

Following the annual appraisal of the appraisers, a list of the best vintages of Brunello, which in the long run will decree which bottles are truly must-have for quality.

The process is therefore very simple and depends strictly on workmanship and attention to detail.

Best Brunello di Montalcino vintages: here's the list

couple relaxes with a brunello di montalcino tasting

As anticipated in a few lines above, then, a ranking of the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino establishes on an annual basis which wine has the highest quality.

The usual question, however, is one: which ones are really must-haves?

Thanks to the ranking compiled by experts, we know for sure that the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino are quite a few, proving that it is still a consistently fine wine that is excellent to enjoy and store, regardless of the date on which it is prepared.

  • The most quality-recognized date, however, is surely that of the 1945, followed immediately by the'95 or '97 vintage. Vintages like these are in high demand in restaurants or on affluent tables.
  • There is no shortage of excellent vintages even in the 2000s: as we move closer in time, in fact, the level has never dropped, offering excellent vintages such as those of the 2004, 2007 e 2012, with an honorable mention for the vintage of the 2015, much appreciated by even the most discerning palates.

Celebratory tiles for the best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino.

Such a special wine, therefore, deserves proper recognition. After receiving the D.O.C.G. designation, a few years later the "Welcome Brunello", an important event held in Montalcino in February in which the opportunity is given to taste wines from the vintages that have just come on the market.

Since 1992, therefore, Brunello vintages that have distinguished themselves with a high score have received a commemorative tile in ceramics, made by distinguished figures in the arts or entertainment, both Italian and foreign. Among many are the names of Alex Zanardi, Sting and Ferragamo.

These tiles are then affixed in February outside the Montalcino Town Hall, and indicate vintage and stars earned.

This is an event desired precisely by the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino and each year has its own emotional, symbolic and quality value.

Historical relevance, for example, has the plaque made to celebrate the prosperous 2015 vintage.

In fact, in 2016, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Brunello DOC of Montalcino, the commemorative tile was made by 5 different artists, each of whom signed the award directly. These were: Sandro Chia, Bertozzi & Casoni, Pino Deodato, Gian Marco Montesano, and Mimmo Paladino..

Conclusions

bottle with grapes and corkscrew

When it comes to best vintages of Brunello di Montalcino there are many considerations to be made. From the actual vintage to its chemical and physical values to the awards it has won.

Beyond the accolades on paper, however, Brunello di Montalcino is a unique and indispensable wine for the local tradition, a dark jewel that the whole world envies Italy.

If you wish to Deepen your knowledge of Brunello di Montalcino and experience tasting these delicacies right at home, Montalcino Club is the portal for you.

As you browse our site, you will find a wealth of useful resources for exploring the wines of this fascinating region.

Montalcino Club is committed to selling wines of excellent quality, carefully chosen directly in the territory of Montalcino. The core of our project is the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, one of the world's most prestigious wines.

Thanks to collaborations with numerous wineries in Montalcino, we offer our clients the following A wide range of wines from the best Brunello producers.

Visiting the wine club section, you will have access to exclusive and valuable offers.

Signing up, you will periodically receive our selections of Brunello di Montalcino, carefully created to introduce you to and appreciate this world-famous wine.

In addition, we organize wine tours that will allow you to taste the best Brunello di Montalcino directly in the place of production, offering you a unique experience to immerse yourself in the beautiful land of Montalcino, known and appreciated in every corner of the planet.

For more information, we invite you to visit our website and contact us by filling out the dedicated contact form.