Montalcino is not a varietal (grape variety), but rather a wine-producing region in Tuscany, Italy. The primary varietal grown here is Sangiovese. Wines from this region, primarily Brunello di Montalcino, are known for their rich flavors, full body and high tannin content. They typically have notes of cherry and sweet tobacco, and are often described as being earthy and rustic. These wines are made to age and typically need a few years to soften their high-acid, high-tannin character. Montalcino also produces a lighter, earlier-drinking wine called Rosso di Montalcino, also made from Sangiovese.
