Are Brunello and Chianti Classico made from the same grape?

Yes, Sangiovese is the base of both. Brunello di Montalcino must be made from Sangiovese alone, while Chianti Classico requires at least 80% and may be completed with other permitted red grapes.

Is Chianti the same as Chianti Classico?

No. Chianti Classico is a DOCG in its own right, covering the historic area between Florence and Siena; Chianti is a separate, larger DOCG with its own subzones. Chianti Classico bottles carry the black rooster symbol.

Should Brunello di Montalcino be decanted?

It is not essential, but with a young Brunello it usually helps the aromas open up and the tannins soften. With older bottles, decant carefully to separate any sediment.

Comparison

Brunello di Montalcino vs Chianti Classico

Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico are Tuscan reds from Sangiovese: Brunello is usually more powerful and age-worthy; Chianti Classico, fresher and more versatile.

Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico are two Tuscan DOCGs based on Sangiovese, and they are easy to mix up on a wine list. Brunello comes from the municipality of Montalcino, south of Siena, and is made from Sangiovese alone; Chianti Classico covers the historic Chianti area between Florence and Siena and requires at least 80% of this grape. Their ageing rules also differ: Brunello spends at least two years in oak and is released considerably later. That is why Brunello is usually a more structured red built for ageing, and Chianti Classico a fresher, more versatile one.

Comparison table

Aspect	Brunello di Montalcino	Chianti Classico
Grape	Sangiovese (100%)	Sangiovese, at least 80%; the rest other permitted red grapes: native ones such as Canaiolo or Colorino and, depending on the tier, international ones such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
Area	Municipality of Montalcino, province of Siena, in southern Tuscany	Hills between Florence and Siena, in municipalities such as Greve, Radda, Gaiole or Castellina
Designation and tiers	DOCG; Brunello di Montalcino and Riserva	DOCG separate from Chianti; Chianti Classico, Riserva and Gran Selezione, with the black rooster on the bottle
Minimum ageing	At least 2 years in oak; released from 1 January of the fifth year after the harvest (Riserva, one year later)	May be released from 1 October of the year after the harvest; Riserva, 24 months; Gran Selezione, 30 months; oak is not required
Style and body	Usually full-bodied, with firm tannins and lively acidity; improves with years in bottle	Medium body, pronounced acidity and fine tannins; the basic version is usually ready young
Aromas	Ripe cherry, plum, dried herbs and spice; with age, leather, tobacco and forest floor	Red cherry, violet, herbs and earthy notes
Serving temperature	16-18 °C; decant when young	15-17 °C; Riserva and Gran Selezione, 16-18 °C
On the list	Usually clearly more expensive; more common by the bottle than by the glass	A versatile red, often good value; the basic version works well by the glass

Key differences

1
Brunello di Montalcino is made from Sangiovese alone; Chianti Classico requires at least 80% and allows other permitted red grapes.
2
Brunello comes from the municipality of Montalcino, south of Siena; Chianti Classico from the hills between Florence and Siena.
3
Brunello requires at least two years in oak and is released considerably later; basic Chianti Classico can be sold from 1 October of the year after the harvest.
4
Brunello is usually more concentrated, tannic and long-lived; Chianti Classico lighter, fresher and easier to drink young.
5
Brunello is usually more expensive; Chianti Classico is often a more versatile everyday option on the list.

Which one to recommend?

When to recommend Brunello di Montalcino

Recommend Brunello di Montalcino for a special occasion or to guests looking for a full-bodied, structured red with ageing potential. It goes very well with roast red meat, game and slow-cooked stews.

View entry: Brunello di Montalcino

When to recommend Chianti Classico

Recommend Chianti Classico to guests who prefer a fresh red with lively acidity that is easy to pair. It is a good choice for pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, cured meats and grilled meat.

View entry: Chianti Classico

On the wine list

Group both under Tuscany and, as a guide, order them from lighter to more structured: Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva or Gran Selezione and, finally, Brunello di Montalcino.
If you want to offer Montalcino Sangiovese by the glass, Rosso di Montalcino, a DOC from the same area that is released earlier, is usually a younger and more affordable alternative.
Show the vintage and tier (Riserva, Gran Selezione) and train the team to decant young Brunello; on the floor it can be summed up as "fresh and versatile" versus "powerful and age-worthy".

Food pairings

Brunello di Montalcino

Bistecca alla fiorentina
Wild boar stew
Pappardelle with hare ragù
Aged Pecorino Toscano

Chianti Classico

Pasta with meat ragù
Pizza margherita
Tuscan cured meats and crostini
Grilled chicken or rabbit

Frequently asked questions

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