The curious career of Rosso di Montalcino

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Each year, at the same time as Brunello di Montalcino is released onto the market after a formidable four years of mandatory ageing, Rosso di Montalcino sees the light.

Although its varietal make-up – 100% Brunello, as Sangiovese is called here – is identical to its more important sibling, it differs in one important respect: the ageing requirement. Rosso di Montalcino can be sold from the first of September in the year following the harvest. This not only has a positive impact on the cash flow of producers, but it can also absorb declassified Brunello.

With many overachievers and a...