Montalcino Wine Tours, the Most Important Hill in Siena.

Montalcino, located in the province of Siena, is renowned for producing Brunello, one of Italy's most beloved wines. When visiting Montalcino for wine tours, you have the opportunity to explore some of the region's most prestigious wineries, such as Casanuova delle Cerbaie, Canalicchio di Sopra, and Casanova di Neri.

From production to tasting, Brunello, one of the most beloved wines, will be possible to taste in our tour at the Casanuova delle Cerbaie, at the Canalicchio di Sopra and Casanova di Neri wineries.

From vine to wine

Wine production may appear simple, but it involves meeting specific requirements to produce Brunello di Montalcino.

Brunello di Montalcino must be made solely from Sangiovese Grosso grapes.

The soil in the region must have a geological history ranging from the Cretaceous to the Pliocene epochs, contributing to the unique terroir.

There are regulations that dictate yield limits per hectare, ensuring that the vineyards do not produce excessive quantities of grapes. This limit is set at less than 80 quintals per hectare.

Although wine production may seem trivial, it actually has to meet important requirements: Brunello di Montalcino is produced exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso grapes, the soil must have an interval of time ranging from the Cretaceous to the Pliocene. Additionally, there are regulations that set the yield limits per hectare, which must be less than 80 quintals per hectare. The aging period for regular Brunello is a minimum of 24 months in barrels and 4 months in bottles, but it must age for 5 years before it can be released for sale. On the other hand, if we talk about Brunello Riserva, which is produced exclusively from the best grapes and selected harvest, it must age for a minimum of 24 months in barrels and 6 months in bottles, and it must age for a total of 6 years before it can be put on the market.

How to pair the tasting.

The flavor of Brunello is primarily characterized by its grape, Sangiovese Grosso, named so because of its thick skin that contains most of the substances that define the wine. Additionally, the soil and sunny climate also greatly influence the taste of this wine, which evokes earthiness, aromatic herbs, and red fruits. To fully enjoy this wine, it is advisable to open it one hour before tasting. If the bottle has been stored in the cellar for a long time, it is recommended to stand it upright a day before. Use a large-sized glass to allow the aromas of the wine, combining fruity and spicy notes from the barrels (which can be large or small, with varying toasting levels or even different types of wood), to be fully appreciated. If the wine has been aged in Slavonian oak barrels, the predominant aroma is earthiness and cherries, while if aged in French oak barrels, we may perceive hints of vanilla, chocolate, and sweeter fruits. To pair Brunello in the best way, suitable dishes include pasta dishes with strong and intense flavors for first courses, and for second courses, grilled meat, roasts, or game meat, for example.

Some of the most important wineries 

Last but not least i would like to talk about some wineries where I recommend to go to: to fully enjoy the breathtaking landscape and the unmistakable flavor of Brunello, we recommend a visit to Casanuova delle Cerbaie winery. This winery began its production in the 1980s thanks to a German lady, and it was later purchased by a gentleman from New York who had always been passionate about Tuscany. Today, the winery offers two types of tours: both start with an explanation of the territory and the vineyards, then proceed to the wine-making cellar and finally to the aging cellar. The tasting takes place with a view of the vineyards and Montalcino. To reach this winery from Siena , you need to from Siena take Cassia road SR 2 towards Rome, passed Buonconvento head to Montalcino, turn right after km. 5,2 to Val di Cava, follow indication to Casanuova delle Cerbaie. To obtain more information and book one of the two tours, I leave you the link to their website.

Canalicchio di Sopra

Another important winery in Montalcino is Canalicchio di Sopra, which started its production in 1962 and in 2004 became a UNESCO heritage site. This winery has been operating for three generations, always upholding the same values of tradition, innovation, respect, and love for their territory. There are three different types of tours available to cater to every need. I will provide you with the link to their website, where you can explore further and book a tour for this splendid winery.

To reach this winery from Siena, this are the directions:

Take Via Esterna di Fontebranda, Str. di Pescaia, and Str. Massetana Romana towards S.da Cassia Sud/SR2. Follow SR2 towards Via Cassia Nord in Monteroni D’arbia. Continue on Via Cassia Nord. Take Via del Risorgimento and Strada Provinciale 34 di Murlo towards Via Cassia/SR2. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and continue on Via Cassia/SR2. Follow Strada Provinciale del Brunello towards Località Casaccia in Montalcino.

Casanova di Neri

The last winery that I recommend is Casanova di Neri It was founded in 1971 by Giovanni Neri, a farmer and wine enthusiast. Within the Neri estate, it is possible to take tours and tastings accompanied by industry professionals. As always, I will leave you the link to their website so that you can book a tour.

https://www.casanovadineri.wine/it/639/visite-e-degustazioni

To reach this winery from Siena you have to: 

Take Strada Statale 73 Senese Aretina, SP136, and Strada Comunale della Fonte Murata towards S.da Cassia Sud/SR2 in Isola d'Arbia. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and continue on S.da Cassia Sud/SR2. Continue on Via Cassia Nord. Take Via del Risorgimento and Strada Provinciale 34 di Murlo towards Via Cassia/SR2. Follow SR2 towards SP14 in Montalcino. Take the exit towards Montalcino from SR2. Turn right and take SP14.