Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions, located in the heart of Tuscany. This appellation is exclusively dedicated to producing Brunello, a wine crafted entirely from a unique clone of the Sangiovese grape known as Sangiovese Grosso, or simply “Brunello.” This thicker-skinned variant of Sangiovese contributes to the wine’s ability to develop impressive structure, depth, and aging potential. Brunello di Montalcino wines are celebrated for their richness, complex aromas, and firm tannins, which make them powerful but balanced wines that can age gracefully for decades. The climate here—warmer and drier than neighboring Chianti—plays a significant role in shaping the wine’s distinctive character, fostering fuller ripeness and intensity in the grapes.
The region follows strict production regulations to ensure quality, including lengthy aging requirements. Brunello di Montalcino must age a minimum of four years before release, with at least two years in oak and an additional period in the bottle, allowing the wine’s bold flavors and tannic structure to soften and integrate. Common tasting notes for Brunello include dark cherry, plum, dried herbs, leather, and earthy undertones, all of which are hallmarks of aged Sangiovese. With its remarkable ability to evolve over time, Brunello di Montalcino is both a collector’s favorite and a benchmark for high-quality Italian wine. The two most famous wines from Brunello are Biondi Sanit, the first Brunello, dating back to 1888 and Soldera for being cosideredt the best and unfortunately also the most expensive one. After a fall out of the quality of the other Burnello, Soldera has left the Concortio and is now produced as an IGT. A pity, shows once more that the Italians struggle to work as a team to promote an entire region than just one Cru.
I gathered a few friends to assees Brunello from the top 2010 vintage. Below are the results of that tasting hosted by myself and curated by a MW.
The 2010 vintage:
It is a great vintage! The wines are ripe and structured at the same time; they also have aromatic depth as well as freshness. The vintage is also consistent with few bad wines. However, it should be noted that while most entry level Brunello are pleasant (mostly in the 90-93 pts. range) there are, compared to a great Bordeaux vintage, fewer peak performers (95 and above pts.). In the latter category I especially like the classic, often light colored, elegant wines. These are the true ambassadors of the Sangiovese grape. Only after having had these best Brunellos a few times I understood why Sangiovese, together with Nebbiolo, is Italy’s most revered grape varietal.
How to group the different Brunello styles – I personally see 3 types:
After tasting through many Brunello 2010 (and other vintages) in the past year I thought it would be helpful to make an attempt to group them by style, independent of their quality. This may help you to seek out the wines that suit your palate because they are really different. Each group has its greats and depending where your palate is, you may favor one group or another.
Style 1 – Classic, elegant, light in color with aromas around atumn leaves, sandal wood, clay, cherry. They drink surprisingly well young with decanting. A Burgundian experience
– Soldera
– Poggio di Sotto
– Fuligni
– Uccelliera
– Mastrojanni
– Le Ragnaie
– Biondi Santi
– Barbi
– Nardi
– Fuga
Style 2 – Classic, but denser with more tannins, darker color, similar aromas of group one but also with notes of dark fruit, violet, mint. More ripeness and density while keeping a traditional aroma profile and noticeable tannins. Many of them don’t drink well young. 10 years is a good point to start.
– Cerbaiona
– Biondi Santi Riserva
– Il Marronetto
– Salvioni
– Pertimali Livio Sasseti
– Piccolomini
– Conti Costanti
– Argiano
– San Polino
– Canalicchio di Sopra
– Tenute del Cerro
– Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja
– Il Poggione
Style 3 – Modern, ripe fruit combined with contemporary wine making using more extraction, french oak and an eye on keeping the tannins soft. They please an international palate. Many of them drink well young due to the softer tannins
– Casanova di Neri
– Siro Pacenti
– Antinori Pian delle Vigne
– Castelgiocondo
– Castello Banfi
– Altesino (Montosoli)
– Talenti
– Caparzo
– San Felice Campogiovanni
– Fontebuia
| Group Rank | 2010 Brunello |
| 1 | Cerbaiona (Molinari) Brunello di Montalcino |
| 2 | Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino |
| 3 | Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli |
| 4 | Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino |
| 5 | MastroJanni Brunello di Montalcino |
| 6 | Fattoria Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino |
| 7 | Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino |
| 8 | Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova |
| 9 | Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino |
| 10 | Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie |
| 11 | Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino |
| 12 | Cerbaiola (Salvioni) Brunello di Montalcino, |
| 13 | Pian Delle Vigne (Antinori) Brunello di Montalcino, 94 Points |
| 14 | Tenuta Greppo (Biondi-Santi) Brunello di Montalcino |
| NR | Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino |
Tasting Notes
Flight 1
2010 Cerbaiona (Molinari) Brunello di Montalcino, 97 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Dark garnet. Discrete, still closed nose of sour cherry, forest, leather. On the palate this has a demanding structure, tannins need to dissolve. Many layers of ripe and aromatic fruit behind the structure point to a very serious effort though. “impressive but needs time” I wrote. This came out as the winner from the group score, which was quite remarkable as there were wines that offered much more immediate drinking pleasure. Then again, the group consisted of an MW, an Italian wine merchant and several experienced Bordeaux collectors who are used to assessing wines young. Rank 1/16 and the winner of this Brunello 2010 “arrivage” blind tasting.
2010 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino, 95 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Light brick garnet, already the color points to an elegant, less extracted wine. Nose of leather, cedar wood, flowers and red fruit. Medium-light bodied on the palate with silky tannins and very good aromatic intensity, long finish with tones of autumn leaves. A very impressive, elegant BdM. 95+ Pts. from me. This did really well with the group and was the runner up behind the Cerbaiona. Rank 2/16. Excellent QPR.
2010 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli, 92 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Dark ruby. Holy cow, what kind of nose is this? Expressive aromas of dark fruit, blueberry, plum, blackberry jam, sweet bonbon. Complex and nice but I am thinking Napa CabSav or modernist Pomerol here. Enters the palate with lots of blue fruit again but, and here is the good news, soft tannins and very good acidity providing a fresh finish. “Mr. super ripe” reads my note. Many people liked this in the group finishing 3/16. 92+ pts. from my side as I found to too far away from Sangiovese.
2010 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino, 97 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Medium garnet. Expressive nose of tobacco sour cherries, autumn leaves, clay. Enters the palate ripe and classic at the same time, medium bodied, soft tannins, long finish. Very serious BdM with solid structure and very good fruit. Wow! What a wine for this price. 97 Pts. from my side and rank 4/16 in the group.
Flight 2
2010 MastroJanni Brunello di Montalcino, 96 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Brick, distinctively light in color. Expressive nose of autumn leaves, tobacco, flowers, strawberry, roses, wow, this is nice and has great typicity. Enters the palate light and elegant, almost Burgundian. Elegant and aromatic finish. One of my favorites of the evening. 96 Pts., excellent QPR. Rank 5/16 by the group.
2010 Fattoria Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino, 96 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. First wine of the second flight. “Now we’re talking”, I wrote down. Light garnet, brick hue. Expressive nose with eucalyptus, tobacco, red fruit, strawberry. Great aromas indeed. Enters the palate light and classic, quite a lot of fruit sweetness on the mid palate pointing to a ripe picking but aromas and concentration are very classic here. A grand, classic Brunello. 96 Points from me. Rank 6/16 in the group
2010 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino, 96 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Light garnet. Very similar style and aroma than the Poggio di Sotto right next to it. Nose of autumn leaves, rose petals, flowers. Succulent and fragrant on the palate, medium-light bodied with elegant tannins. “An impressive BdM for classicists” I wrote down. 96 Pts. from me and Rank 7/16 from the group.
2010 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova, 95 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Dark ruby. Expressive nose of dark and red fruit, some toast and oak as well but not overboard. Enters the palate with an immediate pleasure factor, soft but also serious and long. Very hard to dislike. “Modern but in a good way” I wrote down. Consistent to my non-blind note of this wine. 95+ Pts. from me and rank 8/16 in the group.
Flight 3
2010 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino, 92 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Medium brownish garnet. Nose of chestnut, earth, leather, very traditional. Very strong and rather unpolished tannins with a dry touch, definitely not a pleasure to drink today. The tannins remind me more of a young Barolo. Aromatically there is depth, no doubt. To be revisited in 10 years. 92 Pts. for now. Rank 9/16 from the group.
2010 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie, 95 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Medium-dark garnet. Closed nose of licorice, pine, tobacco, clay, rather closed. Enters the palate medium+ bodied with a very closed and tight structure, slightly dry tannins. “I a difficult phase, needs time” I wrote down. This did not well with the group 10/16 despite high accolades. I rated it 95+ that evening. Since I had it already twice before with decanting and it did fantastic both times (98 Pts.) I would not be worried if you own this bottle. Lay it down for a while and it will surely shine in the future. Rank 10/16 of this tasting.
2010 Cerbaiola (Salvioni) Brunello di Montalcino, 96 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Medium brownish garnet. Brooding nose of tobacco, flowers, earth, sour cherry but also dark cherries and dark berries. This is bold and ripe but the aromas are both traditional and modern. Enters the palate ripe with good typiciy and dry extract providing structure. I really liked this wine, coming out at 96 Pts. In the group it did less well. Rank 12/16.
2010 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino, 90 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Dark garnet. Nose of chestnut oak, vanilla, coffee, clearly in modern territory here. Enters the palate soft with a toasted note as followed by a hollow mid palate with alcoholic heat. Very international style. Wants to be more than it can. Similar in style but a big step down from the Tenuta Nuova. Too much heat, too hollow. Rank 11/16 from the group.
Flight 4
2010 Castelgiocondo (Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi) Brunello di Montalcino, 91 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Medium garnet with brown hue. Expressive nose of ripe fruit with some coffee, toast, vanilla and earth. Very modern here similar in style as the Casanova di Neri. Drinks nice and soft but little typicity. No hard edges here but also not much character, for the international table. 91 Points from me. Rank 13/16 from the group.
2010 Pian Delle Vigne (Antinori) Brunello di Montalcino, 94 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Medium garnet. Discrete, a bit closed nose as well here with aromas of autumn leaves, tobacco but also Maggi beef stock. Enters the palate ripe with soft tannins. “Very ambitious wine making” I wrote down with reference to the degree of ripeness searched here with plum/pine notes as well as the oak management. The tasting group did not like this wine at all. Too much French oak were some of the comments. Rank 14/16. I was a bit more positive, 94 Pts. from me. Try this or the Casanova Neri Tenuta Nuova if you like a more international style.
2010 Tenuta Greppo (Biondi-Santi) Brunello di Montalcino, 94 Points
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Reductive nose of earth, wood, foresty notes. Enters the palate very closed and a bit dusty. Medium bodied and closed again but good aromatic persistency and length. In a difficult phase to taste but I can see the potential. The tasting group did not like this at all, too rustic/reductive were some of the comments. Rank 15/16. I was a bit more positive. 94 Pts from me tonight.
2010 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino, Flawed
During a guided blind tasting of 16 Brunello 2010. Medium-dark brown. Initially a slightly corked nose, which dissipated after a while but it, remained questionable if we had a representative sample here. The only other bottle, which was a bit dusty was wine 1 (the Biondi Santi). The wine is quite structured with good typicity but rather dry tannins. Certainly not something that gives pleasure now. The group ranked it 16/16. To be revisited since this bottle may not be representative.
Brunello I tasted at other occasions – top performers
I actively looked out for and tasted further samples of 2010 Brunello di Montalcino over the next months after the tasting to get an even broader picture, especially into the mid range wines, and included these notes in this tasting story for your convenience.
2010 Pian dell’Orino Brunello di Montalcino Bassolino di Sopra, 96 Points
During a matter of taste event, Brunello Masterclass by Monica Larner. This is a Parker 100 Pointer, so I was interested what was coming… Dark garnet. Nose of dark fruit, rich and ripe already in the nose, rhum pot, chocolate, oak. Ripe and round on the palate too, good acidity and enough structure, gingerbread on the finish. Very well made with a nice front to back feel. Medium-high complexity, low typicity. A person of the trade sitting next to me said that they probably put some Merlot into this “by accident”. Honi soit qui mal y pense… Jokes aside, a very modern interpretation of a Brunello. I clearly prefer the Marroneto Madonna delle Grazie side by side.
2010 Pertimali (Livio Sassetti) Brunello di Montalcino, 96 Points
The Sassetti family have been producing wine in Montalcino for over a century, and were one of the eight producers who originally drafted the laws for Brunello di Montalcino. Their vineyard is on the Montosoli hill, one of the highest in Montalcino (north east). The 2010 carries high ratings from several journalists. TN: Medium garnet with brow hue. Discrete nose of dark cherry, menthol and lots of minerals. Very classic, no oak detectable. Enters the palate with medium weight, excellent freshness and lots of high quality dry extract. The conspicuously cherry-smelling ripe fruit is palpable in this wine. Also, great front-to-back palate presence here without heaviness. This one also needs serious decanting or even better a few more years in the bottle though. A classic, elegant Brunello of outstanding quality. Decant or even better wait.
2010 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino, 96 Points
During a matter of taste event, Brunello Masterclass. Medium garnet. Expressive nose of warm and ripe red fruit aromas, cherry spices, menthol, earth. This is really fantastic. Elegant palate, soft tannins, good structure, ripe but not overripe. Very well done. Good QPR too. I preferred this to the Riserva. The Riserva is denser, but better?
2010 Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja) Brunello di Montalcino Rennina95 Points
Medium garnet with brown rim. Nose of tobacco, mocha, earth, cedar, deep and brooding. Much more earthy than floral in style, good complexity though. At the moment restraint but like many 2010 very good fruit and structure underneath. This is a classic offering worth the wait. Drink after 2018.
2010 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, 95 Points
Tasted during the WA tasting event “a matter of taste”. Dark garnet. Intense nose of dark fruit, spices, clay. This is denser and riper than the normal 2010 but I don’t think it is better. My view is that many Brunello Riservas of the top producers are not better than their normal Brunello because with Sangiovese denser is not necessarily better. Nevertheless, very nice Brunello but my money goes to the normal Brunello 2010. 95-96
2010 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli, 94 Points
Dark crimson/ruby. Nose with dark fruit, some menthol as well, a whiff of smoke and sweet spices, closed but showing potential. Rich on the palate as well but not overdone, tannins quite present but of good quality. Still young so I would wait, will probably add a point once mature. Just like the normal Poggione, if you like a riper, denser style of Brunello this producer is a good choice especially at its price level.
2010 Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino, 94 Points
During a Brunello dinner. Light brownish garnet, beautiful Sangiovese color, lighter than most in the tasting. Expressive nose of tobacco, roses, cherry, clay, mint, nice and complex. Light bodied on the palate, very soft tannins and refreshing acidity. This can be drunk already now. Good length. A very graceful Brunello, true to the Sangiovese typicity and elegance. Excellent QPR.
2010 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino, 94 Points
During a dinner and a day later during a matter of taste event, Brunello Masterclass. Medium garnet. Expressive nose of tobacco, red and dark fruit, earth, spices. Tannins still pronounced, a touch rustic, good freshness, typicity and balance. Needs some time but will be a winner.
2010 Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne,94 Points
Medium garnet. The nose is very toasty pointing to a moderist style BdM. Aromas of christmas cake, toast, oak, spices with some earth, good aromatic intensity overall. On the palate the wine is soft and well made, good density and balance, but too sweet for my taste. If you like a modern style BdM this may not be a bad choice.
2010 Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino, 94 Points
Medium-light brick garnet color pointing to a classic offering already. Expressive nose of herbs, autumn leaves, mint, clay cherry, nice and complex with excellent typicity. On the palate the wine is medium- bodied, with a herbal dry (but not drying) touch, classic Sangiovese front to back. Good aromatic intensity and length. A very convincing, classic BdM food wine with good QPR.
2010 Tenuta di Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, 94 Points
During a 2012 Brunello blind tasting dinner. This was a pirate bottle form the 2010 vintage. Expressive and complex nose with wild aromas around dark fruit, medicinal tones, pine, bacon, on the riper side. Full bodied palate here but enough structure and freshness to support the rather large frame. This is so 2010, rich and ripe but fresh as well. 94-95
Flight 3 – Brunello 2010 I reviewed on other occasions – also rans
2010 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Brunello di Montalcino, 93 Points
Italian tasting dinner. Medium-dark ruby. Nose with some black and red fruit, dark cherries, black forrest cake – more Salvioni than Cerbaiona in style. Enters the palate with richness but well integrated components. Slightly warm finish. If you like a riper, denser style of Brunello this one offers very good QPR.
2010 Tenuta La Fuga Brunello di Montalcino, 93 Points
Medium light garnet, brick hue, light and classic color. Nose of herbs, clay, some toast and mint. Elegant and light on the palate, very classic offering, unfortunately some alcoholic heat at the finish. Medium length.
2010 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino, 93 Points
Italian tasting dinner. Medium garnet with brick hue, typical Sangiovese color. Discrete nose of sour cherry, sandalwood with some tobacco. Enters the palate with ripe fruit but stays elegant due to the acidity and astringency buffering it. Nothing forces or over concentrated here. Medium length. Good food wine, and good QPR.
2010 San Polino Brunello di Montalcino Helichrysum, 93 Points
A quick peak into this bottle with Coravin. Dark ruby. Nose of dark fruit, some clay, a touch of plum. Medium+ bodied palate, quite dense with good mid mouth fill. Overall the astringency is still rather high but not as drying as in their 2004 and 2006, a bit too forced. Medium length. Wait. 93+
2010 Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja) Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille, 93 Points
Dark ruby, on the dark side for a Brunello. Ripe nose of dark fruit, spices, cherry, licorice. Rich and fleshy on the palate with appropriate structure though. Good wine, my personal preference is for the Rennina which has more aromatic complexity.
2010 Azienda Monaci Brunello di Montalcino, 93 Points
Medium garnet with brick hue. Expressive nose of smoke, tobacco, cherry. Enters the palate structured with good fruit and aromatic persistence. Unfortunately the finish is a bit dry. Wait.
2010 Fontebuia Brunello di Montalcino, 92 Points
Dark brownish ruby. Nose of dark fruit, cherry, oak, vanilla, spices, modern nose with a bit of toast as well. Soft and likable palate, good fruit and earthy aromas all balanced and nice freshness. Not very long but good QPR.
2010 Campogiovanni (San Felice) Brunello di Montalcino, 92 Points
During a Brunello dinner. Dark ruby with garnet rim. Nose of smoke, dark fruit, plum, red current, good and complex otherwise. Enters the palate well-structured and dense, with ripe fruit but without being too heavy. Good acidity buy unfortunately hot and sweet on the finish, the high alcohol of this wine can’t be fully hidden after all. Medium length. If you like it fruity / new world, this is your wine, otherwise go for the more classic offerings. Decant for 1h.
2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino, 92 Points
Dark garnet, more like a Merlot than a Sangiovese in color. Discrete nose of dark fruit, spices, but also some smoke and earth, after 2h of decanting animalic notes appeared as well. Medium-full bodied on the palate with ripe fruit but the excellent structure and freshness the 2010 vintage provides. Also here, a good Brunello for this price level but not a great, distinctive one. 92-93
2010 Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino, 92 Points
Dark garnet. Initially closed but after 1h of decanting ripe nose of dark fruit with bakery, torrefaction and some flowers. Dense and tanninc on the palate at this stage, needs to soften. This may come with a bit of age. Wait till 2020. 92-93
2010 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino, 92 Points
Tasted blind. This is owned by the Ferragamo family. Medium garnet. Nose of red and dark fruit with chocolate and oak, a bit of cherry, quite a modern nose. I guessed Bordeaux blend from Bolgheri initially. Soft and succulent on the palate, international style with quite some French oak, but well balanced. Hard to dislike, though not a lot of Sangiovese typicity. 92-93
2010 Castelgiocondo (Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi) Brunello di Montalcino92 Points
Medium-dark brownish garnet. Nose of toast, earth, chestnut, some oak and a bit of cherry. Soft tannins and good mouthfeel. This is a modern effort, well done and pleases an international palate.
2010 Talenti Brunello di Montalcino, 92 Points
During a Brunello dinner. Dark ruby, very dark for a Sangiovese, could be Super Tuscan from the color. Nose of dark fruit, plum, pine, not overripe though, good aromatic intensity overall. Enters the palate well structured, imposing tannins but not drying, good fruit core and acidity. There is a hollow mid mouth moment though. The palate can’t fully follow the nose. A more modern style.
2010 Madonna Nera Brunello di Montalcino, 92 Points
Dark garnet. Ripe nose of cherry compote, plum and some earth. Clearly a brunello from the southern side. Rich and opulent in the mouth, modern in style but not oxidative. Medium finish.
2010 Tenuta Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino, 92 Points
Medium garnet. Nose of red fruit, spices with some earthy notes. Enters the palate medium-light bodied, the tannins are really soft and the wine is very drinkable already now, good balance. Well crafted, medium length.
2010 Tenute del Cerro Brunello di Montalcino, 91 Points
During a Brunello dinner. Medium ruby. Nose of tobacco, cloves, earth, dark fruit and plum as well. Medium bodied with good balance, not as aromatic and a bit shorter than the other BdM of this tasting dinner.
2010 Tenuta Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, 89 Points
Medium garnet. Nose of earth, clay, cherry. Medium+ bodied, tannins a bit rustic and there is also some heat. I think they pushed it just a tad too much on this Sangiovese.
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET II, FWS
November 2015