Wines Brunello di Montalcino The Wine Society - The Society's Exhibition Brunello di Montalcino - 2020

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino from The Wine Society’s Exhibition range is a testament to the classic style of this revered Tuscan appellation. While the precise blend details are not fully confirmed, it is highly likely, given local regulations, that the wine is primarily if not exclusively made from Sangiovese grown around the historic town of Montalcino. This vintage reflects the unique marriage of tradition and terroir: the 2020 season in Tuscany offered a fair combination of warmth and freshness, promising a wine with generous structure, expressive fruit, and promising tannic backbone. Maturation is handled in large oak barrels, as is customary for Brunello, yielding a bouquet where dark cherry and plum interplay with subtle spice, cedar, and hints of balsamic—hallmarks of classic Montalcino.

The region of Montalcino sits on a picturesque hilltop in southern Tuscany, benefiting from a relatively warm Mediterranean climate and a diverse patchwork of limestone and clay-rich soils. This terroir imparts both richness and elegance to the wines, ensuring depth of flavour and remarkable ageing potential. Brunello di Montalcino has a storied reputation, officially recognised as a DOCG in 1980 but celebrated well before then for producing some of Italy’s most ageworthy reds.

In terms of food pairings, Brunello’s structure and complexity make it the perfect partner for robust dishes. Classic Tuscan fare such as beef bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or a mushroom risotto will beautifully echo the wine’s earthy undertones and acidity. For a more adventurous match, try it with aged Pecorino cheese, slow-cooked lamb, or hearty game dishes—the wine’s firm tannins and lingering finish will complement these rich flavours.

For the optimal enjoyment of this Brunello di Montalcino, decanting for an hour is advised to allow the aromas to open up fully. Serve at 16-18°C, ideally in large-bowled glasses, to appreciate the wine’s full aromatic range and evolving structure. While it offers approachability in its youth, this wine is also likely to reward patient cellaring over the next decade or more.