Brunello di Montalcino vs Rosso di Montalcino | Differences, ageing & style

The Difference Between a Brunello di Montalcino and a Rosso di Montalcino

R 91/100
2020 Villa Sant'Anna Rosso di Montepulciano
grape Canaiolo, Colorino, Merlot, Sangiovese
17.95 14.83 As low as 15.95
94 James Suckling
2018 Casa Raia Brunello di Montalcino
grape Sangiovese
79.95 66.07
98 James Suckling
2015 Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino
grape Sangiovese
59.95 49.55
98 Vinous
2016 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli Magnum
grape Sangiovese
199.45 164.83
93 Parker
2015 Fattoi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
grape Sangiovese
74.95 61.94
96 Vinous
2018 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino
grape Sangiovese
52.95 43.76
98 Vinous
2016 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli
grape Sangiovese
92.95 76.82
97 James Suckling
2018 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso
grape Sangiovese
72.95 60.29
95 James Suckling
2020 Giodo La Quinta Toscane
grape Sangiovese
48.50 40.08
97 Parker
2018 Giodo Brunello di Montalcino
grape Sangiovese
144.95 119.79
97 James Suckling
2016 Eredi Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino
grape Sangiovese
89.95 74.34
93 Parker
2018 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino
grape Sangiovese
69.95 57.81
95 Parker
2018 Eredi Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino
grape Sangiovese
72.95 60.29
91 James Suckling
2019 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino Vigna I Poggi
grape Sangiovese
169.95 140.45
97 Parker
2019 Le Chiuse Brunello di Montalcino
grape Sangiovese
79.95 66.07

Brunello di Montalcino vs. Rosso di Montalcino

In the municipality of Montalcino in Tuscany, two iconic wines are made from 100% Sangiovese: Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino. Both come from the same area, yet follow different rules, ageing requirements, and styles. Below you’ll find exactly when a wine can be called Brunello and when Rosso appears on the label.

When can a wine be called Brunello di Montalcino?

  • Grape & origin: 100% Sangiovese (Sangiovese Grosso) from the municipality of Montalcino.
  • Classification: DOCG – Italy’s highest quality category.
  • Ageing: Minimum of 4 years after harvest, including at least 2 years in oak and 4 months in bottle. For Riserva: 5 years, with at least 6 months in bottle.
  • Style: Complex, structured, and with excellent ageing potential.

When is it called Rosso di Montalcino?

  • Grape & origin: 100% Sangiovese from Montalcino.
  • Classification: DOC – slightly less strict than DOCG.
  • Ageing: Minimum of 1 year; oak ageing is not mandatory.
  • Style: Fresher, fruitier, and designed to be enjoyed young.

Note: A wine bottled as Rosso can never later be sold as Brunello. However, part of the harvest originally destined for Brunello may be released as Rosso if the producer decides it’s the better choice.

Main differences at a glance

Characteristic Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG) Rosso di Montalcino (DOC)
Grape 100% Sangiovese Grosso 100% Sangiovese
Ageing Minimum 4 years (2 years in oak) Minimum 1 year
Style Full-bodied, complex, long ageing potential Fresh, fruity, earlier to drink
Classification DOCG DOC

Serving tips & food pairing

  • Rosso di Montalcino: Serve at 16–18°C in a medium-sized glass. Excellent with tomato-based pasta, grilled chicken, and antipasti.
  • Brunello di Montalcino: Serve at 18°C in a large glass. Young Brunello can benefit from 1–2 hours of decanting. Perfect with bistecca, slow-cooked stews, mushroom risotto, and aged pecorino.

Taste the difference yourself

At Grandcruwijnen you’ll find a wide selection of Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino. Order easily online with fast delivery, or pick up your wine in our store in Dordrecht. Our sommelier team is happy to help you choose the perfect bottle.

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