County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month February 2026

Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino 2019

For me the pinnacle of Italian wine is Brunello di Montalcino, I stayed in Montalcino after getting married in Umbria and was amazed by the depth of flavour using the red Sangiovese grape.

It is one of Italy’s most respected wine regions, situated in the rolling hills south of Siena in Tuscany. The area enjoys one of the warmest and driest climates in the region, with vineyards planted between approximately 200 m and 600 m above sea level. The combination of abundant sunshine, well-drained soils, and cool breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea. This gives the grape remarkable ripeness, structure and balance. Brunello di Montalcino DOCG regulations demand 100% Sangiovese and extended aging with a minimum of two years in oak and several months in bottle ensuring ageworthy, terroir-expressive wines.

Frescobaldi’s Castelgiocondo estate sits on gently rolling hills in the southwest of the Montalcino appellation, with vineyards typically ranging from about 250 m to 450 m altitude. The property has a long history, with viticulture that balances tradition and careful modern winemaking.

Tasting Notes

The Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino 2019 is a benchmark expression of this classic Tuscan red, reflecting a vintage widely regarded for excellent ripeness, depth and ageing potential.

Appearance – In the glass it shows a brilliant ruby-red hue with garnet highlights.

Nose – The bouquet is intense and refined, opening with ripe red and dark fruit with cherries, blackberries and pomegranate. There are floral notes and hints of violet. Secondary notes of leather, tobacco leaf and spice add complexity to this wine.

Palate – On the palate, this Brunello has polished tannins, vibrant acidity and a full body that balances power with finesse. Flavours follow the nose, with dark cherries, earthy spice and a touch of liquorice running through a long, elegant finish.

Vintage – The 2019 vintage in Montalcino is widely praised as an excellent vintage. Wines from this year are structured, expressive and built to mature gracefully over many years from now or to 2040! If you can wait, this wine has great ageing potential with James Suckling rating it 95 points, placing it among the standout Brunellos of the vintage.

Suggested Food Pairing

With Brunello’s rich structure, savoury depth and vibrant acidity make it an ideal match for hearty Tuscan cuisine. Classic pairings include:

• Braised and grilled red meats

• Game dishes, such as wild boar ragù with polenta

• Mature, aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano

Where to buy?

I picked two bottles of up from duty free recently In Italy for 80 euros so retail in the UK would be around £45 to £50 a bottle.

Written for County Business Club by Michael Yeoman, English Wine Specialist and producer of Spirit of the Downs, award winning local artisan Sussex Brandies, Grape Vodkas and Liqueurs.