Brunello di Montalcino Wine Journey: Discover Tuscany’s Legendary Wineries and Tasting Experiences
Pack your suitcase for at least two days,” Tonino said, smiling as he invited us to explore the Montalcino wine region. Tuscany is undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous wine regions: its mineral-rich soils and mild climate produce increasingly refined wines year after year.
Brunello di Montalcino was born here, in the small town of Montalcino, in the province of Siena. It’s one of the highest villages in Tuscany, set among gentle hills that have become world-renowned thanks to this highly prized wine.
The Tuscan landscape, with its iconic cypress trees and hilltop medieval towns, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the vineyards of Montalcino. Combined with the region’s rich history and winemaking traditions, Brunello di Montalcino has become one of the world’s most prestigious and sought-after wines. It connects visitors to the area’s rich cultural heritage, while its elegance – light ruby Sangiovese juice with astonishing aroma and flavor depth – can only be produced by the world’s most skilled winemakers. The finest Brunellos represent the pinnacle of winemaking.
Sassetti Livio Pertimali – Montosoli Hill
Our first winery visit was the Sassetti estate. The Sassetti family has cultivated some of Montalcino’s finest vineyards for more than a century. The estate sits on the slopes of Montosoli Hill, north of Montalcino, considered one of the best areas for Sangiovese cultivation. Today, Lorenzo Sassetti, the fourth-generation family member, passionately continues the family legacy with the enthusiastic support of his wife, Sabina.
At the estate, we explored the vineyard and cellar with Tonino as he shared insights into the grape’s perfection and the winemaking process. Then, it was time for the tasting.
The first wine was Olivelli IGT (50% Chardonnay, 50% Vermentino). “Golden straw in the glass, with scents of peach blossoms and freshly cut grass,” Lorenzo described. Medium-bodied, it offered refreshing grapefruit and honeydew flavors, with a solid balance of minerality and acidity.
The second wine, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, was aged 36 months in Slavonian oak barrels and 6 months in the bottle. Tonino noted: “Sensational aroma of toasted cedar, red berries, and tanned leather. Initially in the glass, notes of jammy plum, strawberry, and black pepper emerge. The finish is still tannic, with a significant 14.5% ABV. Best enjoyed after 2026.”
The third pour, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva, aged 48 months in Slavonian oak barrels (12 months in the bottle), revealed a leading oak aroma with hints of cigar. Smooth from start to finish, it perfectly demonstrated why Brunello is regarded as the pinnacle of winemaking.
Fattoria dei Barbi – Tradition Since 1352
Our second stop was Fattoria dei Barbi, owned by the Cinelli Colombini family since 1352. The estate spans over 350 hectares of fields and vineyards across southern Tuscany in Montalcino, Scansano, and Chianti. They have produced Brunello since 1892.
Tonino guided us through a six-wine tasting, pairing each with a local cheese. Three wines particularly captivated me.
- Rosso di Montalcino 2023: This is the wine we often enjoy at home with dinner, so it was familiar. Medium garnet-red with toasted vanilla notes on the nose; Bing cherry flavors in the mouth with quiet brioche tannins. Tonino remarked: “In a few years, it will be an excellent table wine.”
- Brunello di Montalcino “Vigna di Fiore” 2020: Aged 18 months in 225-liter French oak barrels and 18 months in 500–700-liter French barrels, then two years in the bottle. “It’s too young to serve now,” I noted, but I bought six bottles. Wine Advocate gave it a 96-point rating in 2023, even though it was far from ready for consumption.
- Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2019: Tonino and my husband’s favorite. Four years in Slavonian oak barrels and two years in the bottle. Caramelized garnet-red color in the glass, with beautiful vanilla-toasted leather/humidor aromas. On the palate, the finest European velvet smoothness with wild raspberry and blueberry notes. Truly well-made, ready to drink now but will develop complexity with age.
Casato Prime Donne – Donatella’s Revolution
Our final stop was a pleasant surprise. During a dinner, I overheard Donatella Cinelli Colombini talking about her winery. When she started producing her own Brunello in 1998, she wanted to hire a young cellar master. She contacted the University of Siena, only to be told: “No, they’ve all been picked up by other estates.” In reality, several female graduates were looking for work, but none dared to speak up because Tuscan wineries traditionally only hired men.
As soon as Donatella learned this, she decided it was time for change. The Casato Prime Donne estate, whose name literally means “First Women,” proved that women can produce top-class, world-class wines. She has since established two additional wineries.
During our eight-wine tasting, we experienced some of the finest Brunello di Montalcino wines. Three stood out:
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2020: Ruby-red, medium-bodied. Aromas of toasted vanilla, leather, and pipe tobacco; flavors of bright red fruits, white pepper, and firm tannins. Donatella said, “I tried to make my grandfather’s Brunello.” We think she hit the mark.
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2022 (barrel tasting): Donatella described 2022 as “an excellent year for grape quality and quantity.” From the barrel, the wine showed intense red fruit notes, freshness, and already smooth tannins. I pre-ordered six bottles for 2027 – securing the future vintage.
- IOsono Donatella 2013: For me, the exceptional wine for discerning palates. Tonino commented: “This purple-garnet juice is like liquid velvet.” Only 600 bottles were produced in the best years, available exclusively at the winery.
By the end of our journey, it was clear: these wines are not just drinks. They are experiences – a tapestry of Tuscan landscapes, family traditions, innovation, and passion. Brunello di Montalcino is more than wine; it is a connection to the region’s soul.
Every sip tells a story: from the Montosoli slopes to centuries-old estates and pioneering women winemakers. For any wine lover, a Montalcino journey is not to be missed.
🍷 Bring a Taste of Tuscany Home
Want to savor a few exquisite bottles from Montalcino or other Tuscan wineries? Reach out to victoria@victoria.cruises