Rosso di Montalcino DOC occupies the same hillside territory as Brunello di Montalcino DOCG in Tuscany, but releases Sangiovese Grosso wines after just one year of ageing rather than five or more. It functions as the 'baby Brunello' — a more accessible, earlier-drinking expression of Montalcino's distinctive Sangiovese character. Wines show vivid cherry, iron-tinged earthiness, firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The DOC provides producers with important cash flow while Brunello ages in barrel, and allows winemakers to declassify barrels that do not meet their Brunello standards. Quality leaders in Rosso di Montalcino produce wines of remarkable finesse that rival the Brunello of lesser houses.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | Warm season with well-structured wines; ripe tannins and good natural acidity. Fine early-drinking Rosso. |
| 2021 | — | Widely considered among the great recent vintages for Montalcino. Rosso wines of extraordinary precision and longevity. |
| 2020 | — | Generous and full-bodied, with expressive fruit and firm structure. Rich style typical of the warm year. |
| 2019 | — | Balanced vintage with good acidity and moderate tannins. Approachable and consistent. |
| 2018 | — | Variable growing season; some fine wines but requires careful selection. |