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PhrasesWine TastingAvete il Brunello di Montalcino?
A2formal

Avete il Brunello di Montalcino?

Do you have Brunello di Montalcino?

Pronunciation

Mon-tal-CI-no — four syllables, stress on third.

When to use it

In Tuscany when looking for Italy's most prestigious red wine — Brunello di Montalcino.

What it means

Brunello di Montalcino is Italy's most highly regarded red wine — made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso (locally called Brunello) grown only in the Montalcino commune in Tuscany. It is aged minimum 5 years (6 for Riserva) and can age 30+ years.

Variations

Avete il Rosso di Montalcino?

Do you have Rosso di Montalcino?

The younger sibling of Brunello — same grape, younger vines, 1 year ageing. More accessible and affordable.

Qual è il produttore che preferite?

What is the producer you prefer?

Ask for the local recommendation — insider knowledge about Montalcino producers

Il Brunello di Biondi-Santi — è disponibile?

Is the Biondi-Santi Brunello available?

Biondi-Santi created Brunello and is its most historic producer — the name carries enormous weight

Mini Dialogue

— Avete il Brunello di Montalcino? — Sì — abbiamo cinque produttori diversi. Da dove volete iniziare? — Dal più classico. — Allora Biondi-Santi 2015 — il padre del Brunello.

— Do you have Brunello di Montalcino? — Yes — we have five different producers. Where would you like to start? — From the most classic. — Then Biondi-Santi 2015 — the father of Brunello.

Cultural Note

Brunello di Montalcino was essentially invented by Clemente Santi (Biondi-Santi) in the 1800s. The Biondi-Santi estate ('Il Greppo') is the most historic Brunello producer. Vintages from the 1960s and 70s are still drinking beautifully today — evidence of the wine's extraordinary longevity.