Toscana – Montalcino

The wine region of Tuscany, located in Central Italy, along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, is home to three of Italy’s most important red wines: Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino. Although all three wines are essentially derived from Sangiovese grapes, the influence of micro-climates and unique soils, as well as intense clonal research, has resulted in grapes that are genetically similar, but remarkably different in taste.

Today we are focusing on the wine region of Montalcino, which is located in the southern part of Tuscany, about an hour’s drive south of Chianti Classico. Montalcino is a walled medieval village that sits upon a nearly square hilltop at about 1,800 feet above sea level. The surrounding hillsides are dotted with orchards and vineyards that are planted with the local Sangiovese clone known as Brunello di Montalcino, as well as other red and white varietals.

As is the case in most regions of Italy, wine grapes have been cultivated in Montalcino for thousands of years. The soil here is mostly limestone mixed with clay and volcanic ash, with deposits of crumbly marl, (known as galestro), often found in the best vineyards. These vineyards typically face south and southwest, maximizing exposure to the summer sun, and the extra warmth generally assures the grapes will fully ripen. Because the Montalcino area has the benefit of additional warmth and sunshine, the wines here are typically fuller bodied then Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and also differ in the fact that wines labeled Brunello di Montalcino are never blended with other varietals.

Today, there are over 200 producers operating in the Montalcino region, most of which are small, with limited annual production. The exception is the American owned winery, Banfi, which sits on a 7,100-acre estate and is operated by the Mariani family. Although the winery is less than 20 years old, they have quickly become not only the largest producer in the region, (13 million bottles annually), but also one of the most respected. Their efforts have brought worldwide attention to the Montalcino area, and they continue to produce top-quality wines made in an old-world style with profound respect for the land and traditions of the area.

Banfi Centine Rosé Toscana 2009

Appearance: brilliant pink color

Aroma: fresh strawberries and woodland berry notes

Flavors: rich berry flavors with a touch of dark cherry

Finishing Notes: crisp and bright, with a touch of backbone and minerality

Banfi Centine Rosso Toscano 2008

Appearance: dark ruby

Aroma: baked cherry pie nose with a subtle hint of vanilla

Flavors: soft fruit flavors of cherry, red plum and raspberry with a hint of mocha

Finishing Notes: soft and easy in an old world style with smooth tannins

Food Pairing:

– Rosé: as an aperitif, with soft or fresh cheeses, and light fish or poultry dishes

– Rosso: also as an aperitif, with lighter baked meat dishes, most poultry dishes and bruschetta or baked tomato dishes

Perfect Pairing:

– Rosé: grilled bone-in chicken breast with a tomato basil concasse

– Rosso: Italian margherita pizza with fresh roma tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and fontina cheese

WINE:30 is written by Karl Bradley and Jody Wuollett. Karl and Jody are both long time residents of Door County and are employed at the Mission Grille in Sister Bay. They have both been awarded the first level of certification from the Court of the Master Sommeliers.

Weekly Wine Trivia

What is the English translation of the word Brunello?

Email your answer to Karl & Jody at [email protected]. The first correct answer in their inbox will receive a complimentary bottle of wine from them. Cheers!

Last week’s trivia: What term, also the name of a French wine appellation, was commonly used in Australia as another synonym for Shiraz or Syrah

Answer: Hermitage

Congratulations to our winner for last week’s wine trivia, and thanks for all the responses! Good luck this week.