Elegance of Rosso di Montalcino
The most fruity and fragrant expression of Sangiovese
Reading time: 5 mins
Rosso di Montalcino is the fresher, more approachable expression of Sangiovese from the hills of Montalcino: the same grape and the same territory as Brunello, with a shorter aging and an easier drinking style. Choose it when you want the character of Montalcino without waiting years for the wine to open up.
In recent years, Rosso di Montalcino DOC has seen a very important growth in both quality and appreciation from an increasingly diverse audience. An important appellation that, when I first wrote this guide, involved 510 hectares of vineyards and produced an average of 4 to 4.5 million bottles per year.
Historically considered a younger sibling to the renowned Brunello di Montalcino and often fondly referred to as “Brunellino“, Rosso di Montalcino has undergone a stylistic transformation journey, gradually acquiring a distinct personality and prestige.
Thanks to the collective efforts of producers, the Rosso di Montalcino DOC has emerged from the shadow of its renowned sibling. While the strong bond between the two remains undeniable, Rosso now stands on its own, offering elegant, dynamic, and approachable wines without compromising the Sangiovese grape’s characteristics or the territory’s peculiarities.
Rosso di Montalcino is no longer merely the Brunello younger sibling; now they are considered two brothers on distinct paths!
Whether enjoyed immediately or aged for a medium term, Rosso di Montalcino tells a story of equal excellence, often boasting an unmatched quality/price ratio. It serves as a gateway to the world of the long aging potentials of the Sangiovese grape variety, the real king of Montalcino.
Furthermore, while the production rules no longer mandate aging in oak, many wineries opt for some maturation in wood, predominantly large casks according to tradition, resulting in a new category of wines known as “Rosso di Montalcino uscita ritardata” or Late-release Rosso di Montalcino. This stylistic choice allows winemakers to release a youthful expression of Sangiovese already with some elegant characteristics gained from maturation in oak barrels.
For my private selection, I’ve chosen the Rosso di Montalcino DOC crafted by SanLorenzo, a family-run estate with vineyards facing southwest, situated in a high spot of the municipality, 500 meters above sea level. This location creates an ideal habitat for fully ripened yet healthy grapes in today’s warmer climate. The Rosso comes from the estate’s youngest vineyards, where clay soil offers richness in nutrients and water availability.
Vinified in stainless steel and aged in oak barrels, it serves as the perfect introduction to Montalcino’s wine world, with Brunello reigning as king. I highly recommend this red for its fruit-forward expression of Sangiovese, with fresh red fruits, particularly cherry, complemented by delicate hints of wood, creating a delightful palate experience.
I am convinced this is a great choice for the Spring/Summer collection as Rosso di Montalcino, especially when served at a slightly cooler temperature than room temperature, can be truly enjoyable even on warmer days that spring is starting to offer.
Don’t be afraid to chill your red wine for a few minutes in the fridge; it will enhance the tasting experience!
The Rosso di Montalcino SanLorenzo, vintage 2022, and the Brunello di Montalcino SanLorenzo, vintage 2018 were part of one of my past Toscana Wine Club selections.
To receive wines like these at home, explore the Toscana Wine Club memberships. And if you want to meet the older brother, here is the story of four Brunellos from one hill.
By Claudia Callegari, DipWSET Level 4 Certified sommelier. I lead private wine tastings at Tuscan villas, visits to small wineries and the Toscana Wine Club.
Reviewed and updated on October 20, 2026.