Wineries and vineyards for sale in Brunello and Montepulciano DOCG

The province of Siena is known not only for its history, art, and stunning landscapes, but also for its fine wines. The winemaking tradition in this region is ancient and rich, and Siena’s wines are appreciated worldwide for their quality and unique character. The famed valleys of Siena are blanketed with vineyards. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are the region’s flagship wines, made primarily from the Sangiovese grape.

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

One of the most prestigious wines of the province of Siena is undoubtedly Brunello di Montalcino, produced in the town of the same name, located south of the Chianti Classico area and benefiting from a drier and milder climate. In the 1980s, it became the first wine to receive the DOCG classification. This red wine is produced exclusively in the Montalcino region and made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, using a local clone known as Brunello. In the mid-19th century, a local farmer named Clemente Santi is believed to have isolated the Brunello clone and planted it in the region. His grandson, Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, helped popularize Brunello di Montalcino in the second half of the 19th century. Today, there are about 200 producers in the Montalcino region.

Brunello di Montalcino is known for its complexity and longevity. After fermentation, the wine must age for at least five years.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG

Another key figure in Siena’s viticulture is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The first recorded reference to this wine dates back to the late 14th century, and it earned the name “Nobile” because it was a favorite of the Tuscan nobility in the 18th century. This wine comes from the southeastern area of the province, near the sea and heavily influenced by the Mediterranean climate. It also holds DOCG status and must contain at least 80% Sangiovese (locally known as Prugnolo Gentile), with the remaining percentage made up of Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo. It must age for at least two years.

Rosso di Montalcino DOC

Rosso di Montalcino is often seen as the “younger brother” of Brunello di Montalcino — also known as “baby Brunello” — but it certainly deserves recognition among the best wines of the area. This DOC wine, also made from Sangiovese grapes, undergoes a shorter aging process than Brunello, making it fresher and more approachable.

Among the most renowned wineries to visit are Biondi Santi, pioneers of Brunello di Montalcino, Avignonesi, known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Fèlsina, famous for its Chianti Classico.

Cortona DOC

In recent years, the Supertuscans of Cortona have gained fame. Cortona is now considered the home of Syrah in Italy. These Supertuscans have successfully explored the potential of non-Bordeaux French grape varieties — particularly Syrah — in this area neighboring Montepulciano.

The Arezzo area is home to three DOC wines: red, rosé, white, and Vin Santo, under the designations Cortona, Valdichiana, and Valdarno di Sopra.