Brunello di Montalcino 1 product.

The DOCG is situated around the hill and town of Montalcino in the province of Siena, at altitudes of 120 to 650 metres on clay, limestone and galestro soils. The local microclimate — drier and warmer than the rest of central Tuscany, sheltered by Monte Amiata to the south — allows complete ripening of Sangiovese in almost every vintage.

Brunello, a local clone of Sangiovese Grosso, produces Italy's red wine of greatest ageing potential. The regulations require 60 months of ageing (24 in oak casks; 72 for Riserva), making Brunello di Montalcino one of the wines with the longest mandatory cellar time before release. The finest examples develop over decades, building tannin complexity, refreshing acidity and tertiary aromas of dusty earth, leather and dried cherry. Rosso di Montalcino DOC, with 12 months' ageing, is the earlier-release version of the same grape variety.