Montalcino, a picturesque hilltop village in southern Tuscany, ranks among the most important wine regions in Italy. It is world-renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, a powerful and age-worthy red wine made exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso (locally called "Brunello"). The region covers around 2,100 hectares of vineyards and produces about 50,000 hectoliters of wine annually – small in quantity, but high in quality.
Montalcino’s terroir is remarkably diverse. Soils range from Galestro (schist) and Alberese (calcareous marl) to volcanic components. The mix of continental climate in the north and Mediterranean influences in the south creates ideal conditions for structured, long-lived red wines. While Sangiovese dominates, smaller plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and occasionally Canaiolo or Colorino are also found – mostly in IGT wines or Super Tuscans that add to the region’s variety.
Among the top producers is Col d’Orcia, a certified organic estate known for classic, elegant Brunello with excellent aging potential. Their Brunello di Montalcino is traditionally styled, with clear structure, ripe fruit, and refined spice notes that evolve beautifully over time.
Agostina Pieri, a small family-run winery, offers powerful, modern interpretations of Brunello and Rosso that remain authentic and expressive. Another flagship name is Pian delle Vigne, the Montalcino estate of the Antinori family, combining technical precision with signature elegance – known for soft, fruit-forward Brunellos with perfect balance.
Thus, Montalcino represents not only one of Italy’s great red wines, but also a stylistic diversity and quality deeply rooted in its terroir – carried forward by passionate, forward-thinking winemakers.
