What is the difference between a traditional Brunello and a modern Brunello?
FBS: Well firstly, there is a difference between the Brunello that grows 500 metres above sea level, like mine, and that which grows on lower-lying land facing southwest. In these areas the grapes mature 10 to 15 days earlier than here because of the warmer temperatures. This makes for a different, fuller-bodied Brunello. Another difference is the type of barrels used. Some wine growers in Montalcino use French barrique to age their Brunello, however I use barrels made of Slavonian oak. We still have and use five barrels that my grandfather bought in the late 1800s to ensure continuity from the tradition set forth by my ancestors. Barriques are smaller so they affect the outcome of the wine more by accelerating the maturation process and influencing the wine’s bouquet and taste. We have never used barriques for Brunello because Brunello needs time to mature; this process cannot be hastened in order to meet market demands. As well, Brunello doesn’t need external influences to give it st
