A single walled hilltop town in southern Tuscany makes one of Italy’s most revered wines. Understand its two bottlings and you’ll taste Montalcino like an insider.
Montalcino is a medieval hilltop town in southern Tuscany, and home to one of the country’s most celebrated wines: Brunello di Montalcino. Warmer and drier than the Chianti hills to the north, it produces powerful, long-lived reds — and it rewards visitors who understand its two tiers.
Brunello and Rosso
Both of Montalcino’s reds are made from 100% Sangiovese (here called Brunello), but they differ in ambition. Brunello di Montalcino is aged for years before release — deep, structured, and built to last decades — and ranks among Italy’s greatest wines. Rosso di Montalcino, the “baby Brunello,” sees less aging: younger, softer, more approachable, and far friendlier on the wallet. Tasting them side by side is the key to the region.
The town & the estates
The town itself, crowned by a 14th-century fortress, is the natural hub — its enoteche let you compare producers in one sitting. The wine estates spread across the surrounding hills, many with sweeping views toward Monte Amiata. Montalcino also credits the Biondi-Santi family with pioneering Brunello in the 19th century, giving the region a strong sense of history.
One grape, two tiers, and a hilltop town that turns Sangiovese into legend.
Self-guided tips
Base in or near the town of Montalcino and radiate out to the estates — many require appointments, so book ahead. The roads are rural and winding, so bring a designated driver and keep to a handful of visits. Start in the town’s enoteche to get your bearings before heading into the hills.
| Where | Southern Tuscany, a hilltop town south of Siena |
|---|---|
| Signature wine | Brunello di Montalcino — 100% Sangiovese, aged & age-worthy |
| Best value | Rosso di Montalcino, the younger “baby Brunello” |
| Getting around | Base in town, book estate appointments, bring a driver |
Go deeper with the history of Montalcino and Brunello and the story of Sangiovese.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino?
Both are 100% Sangiovese from Montalcino. Brunello is aged for years and built to last decades; Rosso di Montalcino sees less aging and is younger, softer, and more affordable — often called the “baby Brunello.”
What grape is Brunello di Montalcino made from?
Entirely from Sangiovese, locally known as Brunello. Montalcino’s warm, dry climate gives the wine its power and its exceptional ability to age.
Related reading: the history of Montalcino wine · self-guided Chianti · self-guided vs guided tours
Read before you go
Books we recommend for Italy and Tuscany.
The World Atlas of WineHugh Johnson & Jancis Robinson
The Sommelier’s Atlas of TasteRajat Parr & Jordan Mackay
9000 Years of Wine: A World HistoryRod PhillipsAs an Amazon Associate, Wine History Tours earns from qualifying purchases. This supports our research at no extra cost to you.
