Rosso di Montalcino is an Italian red wine produced in the vineyards that surround the town of Montalcino, located in the Tuscany wine region. Known as a "baby Brunello", the wine shares its growing area with the larger and more expensive Brunello di Montalcino.
Rosso di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, a variety that has thrived in Italy for centuries. The wine is known for its bright, lively character, with flavors of ripe, red cherries and herbs. It is typically less tannic and more fruit-forward than its Brunello counterparts.
Alternatively, it is also considered a more casual wine that can be enjoyed young and does not require long aging. It tends to be more affordable and accessible than Brunello, which must be aged for a longer time period. Rosso di Montalcino is still considered a fine wine worthy of pairing with meals such as pasta dishes, red meats, and mature cheeses.
The Rosso di Montalcino DOC was established in 1983 to provide a designation for wines that do not meet the aging requirements of Brunello di Montalcino. The wines must be aged for one year before they can be released to the market.
