Brunello di Montalcino

[Fruit Fly]

Can someone enlighten me about these wines? Specifically, I'm interested to know whether there are few/many reputable producers and whether Brunellos are available in a wide price range (is it generally the vintage and the producer that determine the price?).

I recently purchased a nice Brunello di Montalcino in the $40. range from my local wine shop and would like to learn more about this wine.

I'll post in the Italian wines forum as well. Thanx in advance!

[This message has been edited by Fruit Fly (edited 01-10-2002).]

[Innkeeper]

Hi Fly. We are only one bunch of folks here, so you only have to post things once. You are encouraged to ask all the different question you want.

Brunello is made from special clones of the sangiovese grape grown in a special place. Most of those imported into this country are from reliable producers even though there is a range of prices. I won't drink one that is less than fifteen years old. Have said before that the biggest mistake I've made in my wine life was not laying down one or more every year from the beginning. Then I could be enjoying some every year. A fully aged out Brunello is one of life's great experiances.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 01-12-2002).]