Brunello di Montalcino ranks first among great italian wines with more than 160 award-winning labels.

The prestigious national enological guides have been presented: below find the scores obtained by Montalcino's denominations in “L’Espresso”, “Gambero Rosso”, Slow Wine, “Veronelli”, “Vignaioli e Vini”, “Vini Buoni d’Italia” and “Bibenda” guides.

The annual appointment with the great Italian Enological Guides has arrived, along with  their reviews and classifications. Brunello di Montalcino 2008, Riserva 2006 and 2007,  Rosso di Montalcino 2010 and 2011 have obtained scores worthy of their reputation and prestige, with more than 160 labels obtaining excellent recognition in various guides.

Starting with the guide “I Vini di Italia 2014” by L’Espresso, 13 Brunello and 2 Rosso di  Montalcino were deemed “excellent” in the famous enological “bible”: 5 obtained 18,5 points while 9 (8 Brunello and 1 Rosso di Montalcino) were rated with a score of 18 out of 20.

The great Rosso Toscano scored 15 “Tre Bicchieri” awarded by Gambero Rosso. The region, one of the most noteworthy in national enology, has totaled 72 awards.

According to the Slow Wine Guide, Brunello di Montalcino is once again confirmed as Tuscany's leading wine and, as commented by its curators, “its quality is unanimously acknowledged”. 12 labels (11 Brunello and 1 Rosso di Montalcino) were assigned the “Vino Slow” award (Slow Wine), 8 Brunello were recognized as “Grande Vino” (Great Wine) and, finally, one Rosso di Montalcino was included in the category “Vino Quotidiano” (Daily wine).

Tuscany ranks first also in the “I Vini di Veronelli” guide with 162 award-winning labels; 40 labels of Brunello di Montalcino were assigned the “Super Tre Stelle”.

In the “new entry” among enological guides, “Vignaioli e Vini d’Italia 2013” by Corriere della Sera, 14 producers stand out; 13 for Brunello and 1 for Rosso di Montalcino. The guide does not include rankings  but  rather “presents the history of 200 wine producers, small wine makers and vineyard artisans”

Overall, 44 labels  obtained  recognition in the “Vini Buoni d’Italia” guide, the only guide in the national and international context exclusively dedicated to wines from local vineyards, that is wines which have been produced 100% on the peninsula for more than 300 years. The 44 labels are divided into 3 categories: 21 for the “Corone” category, 19 of which Brunello and 2 of which Rosso di Montalcino; 10 for the Golden Star and 13 for the category “Must-try Wines”.

Finally, 22 Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino of different vintages – 2008; 2007 Riserva, 2006 and Rosso 2010 – were awarded the “Cinque Grappoli” (five bunches) in the “Bibenda 2014” guide of AIS (Italian Sommelier Association).

As stated by the authors of one of the guides “Brunello di Montalcino 2008 and Riserva 2007  boast elegant and refined wines” and the results obtained confirm it.

«We are very satisfied with this result, which once again rewards and recognizes the work of the estates of this area – commented Fabrizio Bindocci, President of the Consorzio. And this was despite the fact that there were no 5 star vintages compared to other denominations. The quantity and quality of award-winning labels has remained constant, and we are very pleased to see among the winners both historical estates and smaller, lesser known brands. Therefore, these awards actually recognize the quality work of the estates in the area. Our will to work together to offer high quality and diverse products is proving us right, and confirms Brunello among the highest ranking Italian wines.