Top 10 Brunello di Montalcino Wines of 2025
Elegant, powerful and age-worthy. Our expert picks from Montalcino's finest winery's.
Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most celebrated and age-worthy red wines, crafted from 100% Sangiovese grapes in the heart of Tuscany. In this 2025 ranking, we present the Top 10 Brunello wines you should know, selected for their quality, vintage performance, collector value and availability. Whether you’re buying to drink, collect, or invest, this is your starting point.
10. Il Valentiano 2016 Campo Di Marzo
- Type: Brunello di Montalcino
- Tasting Notes: Ripe red fruit, herbs, tobacco
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Why it made the list: Exceptional price-quality, balanced wine
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Price: €30-€40
- Drink or Hold: Drink
9. San Polino 2012 Vintage
- Type: Brunello di Montalcino
- Tasting Notes: Fruity
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Why it made the list: Rich, intense and balanced very well.
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Price: €50-€70
- Robert Parker score: 87
- Limited Bottling: 9.000 bottles
- Drink or Hold: Drink
8. San Polino 2012 Helichrysum
- Type: Brunello di Montalcino
- Tasting Notes: Dried fruit, cherry, ash, tar, dry earth
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Why it made the list: High quality, complex and limited
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Price: €60-€80
- Robert Parker score: 89
- Limited Bottling: 3.000 bottles
- Drink or Hold: Drink
7. San Polino 2012 Riserva
- Type: Brunello di Montalcino
- Tasting Notes: Cherry, raspberry, fresh fruit
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Why it made the list: Limited and high quality Riserva
- Price: €90-€120
- Limited Bottling: 4.800 bottles
- Drink or Hold: Drink
6. San Polino 2009 Helichrysum
- Type: Brunello di Montalcino
- Tasting Notes: Ripe cherries and flowers
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Why it made the list: Price-quality very good for 2009
- Price: €70-€100
- Robert Parker score: 88
- Limited Bottling: 5.000 bottles
- Drink or Hold: Drink
5. Terralsole 2006 Riserva
- Type: Brunello di Montalcino
- Tasting Notes: Black fruit, licorice, earthy spices
- Alcohol: 14%
- Why it made the list: Very complex and great 2006 Riserva
- Price: €80-€100
- Robert Parker score: 88
- Drink or Hold: Drink
4. Terralsole 2006
- Type: Brunello di Montalcino
- Tasting Notes: Dried fruits like sultana's, coffee
- Alcohol: 14%
- Why it made the list: Complex, full-bodied and long finish
- Price: €80-€100
- Robert Parker score: 91
- Drink or Hold: Drink
3. Terralsole 2007 Riserva
- Type: Brunello di Montalcino
- Tasting Notes: Fruity, tobacco, cocoa, herbs
- Alcohol: 14%
- Why it made the list: Elegant, complex and high quality
- Price: €85-€110
- Robert Parker score: 91
- Drink or Hold: Drink
2. San Polino 2015 Helichrysum
- Type: Brunello di Montalcino
- Tasting Notes: Cherries, dried and red fruits
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Why it made the list: Complex, full-bodied and long finish
- Price: €80-€100
- Robert Parker score: 92
- Limited Bottling: 8.000 bottles
- Drink or Hold: Hold
1. San Polino 2016 Helichrysum
- Type: Brunello di Montalcino
- Tasting Notes: Fruity and earth tones
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Why it made the list: Price-quality, balanced and intense
- Price: €90-€120
- Robert Parker score: 94
- Limited Bottling: 3.000 bottles
- Drink or Hold: Hold
What makes a Brunello di Montalcino Special?
- Only produced in Montalcino, Tuscany
- Made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso
- Requires at least 5 years of aging before release
- Structured, powerful and highly age-worthy
FAQ
What's the difference between Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino?
Brunello di Montalcino is aged for a minimum of 5 years (6 for Riserva) and is made for long-term cellaring, offering complex flavors and depth. Rosso di Montalcino, often called the "baby Brunello," is aged for just 1 year and made in a more accessible, fruit-forward style. Both are made from 100% Sangiovese, but Brunello comes from the best plots and is built for structure and longevity, while Rosso is meant for earlier drinking and affordability.
How long can Brunello age?
Top Brunello di Montalcino wines can age for 20 to 30 years or more, depending on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Exceptional vintages like 2010, 2015 and 2016 have shown outstanding aging potential. As Brunello matures, it evolves from bold fruit and tannins to more tertiary notes like leather, dried herbs and earth. Many collectors open them 8–15 years after vintage, but well-made bottles can go far longer.
What food pairs well with Brunello di Montalcino Wines?
Brunello pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes. Ideal pairings include:
- Tuscan-style steak or lamb
- Truffle risotto or wild mushroom pasta
- Game meats like venison or wild boar
- Hard cheeses like aged Pecorino or Parmigiano
- Its structure, acidity and earthy notes make it versatile for hearty, umami-rich cuisine.
Is Brunello a good wine to invest in?
Yes, Brunello di Montalcino is considered one of the top Italian wines for long-term investment, especially from renowned producers and exceptional vintages. Its limited production, aging potential and increasing global demand make certain bottles appreciate significantly in value over time. Key investment vintages include 2010, 2015 and 2016, while estates like Biondi-Santi, Casanova di Neri and Poggio di Sotto are particularly sought after. For the best returns, focus on wines with critic scores above 95, proper provenance and professional storage conditions.
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