Brunello di Montalcino vs. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo vs. Chianti

Wine Tasting

Brunello di Montalcino vs. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo vs. Chianti

By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis

History and Overview

Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, and Chianti are three of Italy’s most iconic wines, each representing different regions and winemaking traditions. These wines are deeply intertwined with Italy's rich culture, history, and food traditions, offering a distinct taste of their terroir.

• Brunello di Montalcino: Originating from the hilltop town of Montalcino in Tuscany, Brunello is made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, particularly the Brunello clone. It has been made since the late 19th century and is one of Italy’s most renowned wines, known for its complexity and long aging potential.

• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo: Named after the Montepulciano grape variety, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo hails from the Abruzzo region in central Italy. It is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in Italy, producing full-bodied wines that are typically rich and fruit-forward, often enjoyed at a younger age.

• Chianti: The Chianti region, situated in Tuscany, is one of the oldest and most famous wine regions in the world. While Sangiovese is the dominant grape used in Chianti, it may also be blended with other varieties. Chianti wines range from light and fresh to more complex and age-worthy versions, and the region is known for its versatility with food pairings.

Brunello di Montalcino vs. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo vs. Chianti: Key Differences

Characteristic	Brunello di Montalcino	Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	Chianti
Grape Variety	Sangiovese (Brunello clone)	Montepulciano	Mostly Sangiovese (with blends)
Region	Montalcino, Tuscany	Abruzzo, Eastern Italy	Tuscany (Chianti Classico and beyond)
Body	Full-bodied, rich	Full-bodied, fruit-forward	Medium-bodied, balanced
Tannins	High	Moderate to high	Moderate to high
Acidity	High	Moderate	High
Aging Potential	High (up to 20 years)	Moderate (3-5 years)	Moderate (2-10 years, depending on type)
Flavor Profile	Dark fruits, leather, tobacco, spices	Dark fruits, earthy, herbs, coffee	Red cherries, violets, herbs, tobacco
Food Pairing	Grilled meats, roast lamb, aged cheeses	Pasta with rich sauces, grilled meats	Pizza, pasta, grilled meats, cheeses
Price	High	Moderate to low	Moderate to high

Food Pairings by Wine Type:

1. Brunello di Montalcino

Food Pairing:Brunello's full body and complexity make it perfect for rich, hearty dishes. Its high tannins and acidity pair well with grilled meats, such as roast lamb, steak, or wild game. It also complements aged cheeses like Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano, and blue cheese. The wine’s complexity can even pair beautifully with mushroom-based dishes, braised meats, and spicy Italian sausages.

Chef's Tip: Given its ageability, Brunello di Montalcino pairs especially well with slow-cooked, saucy dishes, where the wine can harmonize with the richness of the dish.

2. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Food Pairing:Montepulciano d'Abruzzo's bold fruit flavors and moderate acidity make it a versatile wine for a wide range of foods. It pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, especially those with tomato-based sauces like Bolognese or Amatriciana. The wine also goes well with grilled meats such as steak, sausages, and ribs. It can also complement cheeses like Pecorino and Mozzarella di Bufala.

Chef's Tip: Because of its fruit-forward profile, Montepulciano works well with spicy or barbecue dishes, where the acidity and tannins balance the richness of the meat.

3. Chianti

Food Pairing:Chianti, with its lively acidity and fruit-forward nature, is incredibly food-friendly. It pairs beautifully with pasta dishes featuring tomato-based sauces, such as Spaghetti alla Marinara or Pappardelle with Ragu. It also pairs well with pizza, especially Neapolitan-style pizza with tomato and mozzarella. Grilled meats, such as pork or chicken, and aged cheeses like Parmigiano or Pecorino are also great matches.

Chef's Tip: Chianti's acidity and freshness make it a great match for Italian comfort food, particularly pasta with basil-based sauces like Pesto alla Genovese.

Brunello di Montalcino vs. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo vs. Chianti: Which One to Choose?

• Choose Brunello di Montalcino if you’re looking for a wine with depth, complexity, and aging potential. It’s ideal for special occasions, formal meals, or pairing with luxurious meats and aged cheeses.

• Choose Montepulciano d'Abruzzo if you want a bold, fruit-forward wine that is approachable yet structured, perfect for casual meals like pasta with meat sauces, grilled meats, or pizza.

• Choose Chianti if you're looking for a versatile, classic Italian wine that pairs with almost any Italian dish. It’s great for everyday meals, pasta, pizza, and family gatherings.

Conclusion:

Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, and Chianti all offer a unique slice of Italy, from the complex, aging-worthy Brunello to the approachable, fruit-forward Montepulciano and the food-friendly Chianti. Each wine has its place depending on your meal, occasion, and personal taste.

By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis, the wine pairing and understanding of these wines will help elevate your dining experience, ensuring you choose the right wine for every dish.

Enjoy discovering the perfect wine pairing for your next Italian feast! Buon Appetito!