Tuscan Sangiovese Wines
Tuscany is known for all the Sangiovese they grow. From the hot coastal Mediterranean vineyards to nearly crossing the country to the Adriatic Sea, 64% of the grapes grown in Tuscany are Sangiovese that equates to almost 55% of the world’s Sangiovese being grown in Tuscany. Needless to say, it’s an important grape for the area.
Some of the wines produced from Sangiovese? World famous wine like: Brunello, Chianti, and Super Tuscans. Others might not be as readily recognized such as Rosso di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Carmignano.
Brunello is well known and very highly regarded. Approximately 300,000 cases of Brunello are made each year for the 3000 acres dedicated to this wine. To have Brunello on the label, it needs to meet these requirements:
1. 100% Sangiovese
2. Long maceration
3. Oak aged for at least 2 years
4. Bottle age for at least 4 months
Many Brunello producers will have a “normale” release at 50 months after harvest and a “reserva” release at 62 months after harvest.
What makes Brunello special is that the Sangiovese there has developed to acclimate to the terrior which contributes to its specific body, color, tannins, etc. Brunello di Montalcino has more fleshy texture with blackberry, black cherry, black raspberry, cocoa, leather and violet notes.
Because of the high quality and age standards and how little is produced, these wines can demand higher prices. If you want to try what is colloquially called a “Baby Brunello” try the Rosso di Montalcino. Still 100% Sangiovese, from the same area, and while the age requirements aren’t quite as strict the wine is still of high quality.
We’ll be back later with more talk about wines from this area, but we might take a break to discuss something in Spain or elsewhere.
Options we have in the store:
Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino 2021, Fattoria del Pino Rosso di Montalcino 2017, San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016, Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017, Podere Brizio Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016