In Montalcino, one of Italy’s top wine regions, the world of wine goes far beyond the name “Brunello.” Recently, following a masterclass focused on “Micro-Diversity and Identity in Montalcino,” we had the pleasure of interviewing renowned Italian wine critic Massimo Billetto. He offered us a deeper look into the terroir and philosophy behind eight carefully selected wines.
Interview
— Mr. Massimo Billetto, now that this fascinating tasting has concluded, what do you think was the common thread among the eight wines we tasted today?
Massimo Billetto: They all show great respect for the region. Each wine has its own personality and characteristics, but they all succeed in telling and highlighting the subtle differences that exist within the Montalcino appellation.
— When speaking of the region, we understand that Montalcino can be divided into four quadrants. Could you introduce the main soil compositions of these areas?
Massimo Billetto: We can divide Montalcino into four main areas: north, south, east, and west. They all share one common element—galestro (a flaky schist)—but are also interwoven with other components such as clay, different types of claystone, cisto (rockrose), and limestone. This combination results in wines with diverse styles and structures, directly reflecting the region’s complex geological features.
— Rosso di Montalcino is often seen as a “second-tier” version of Brunello. What, in your view, is its true charm?
Massimo Billetto: Rosso di Montalcino possesses a clear identity—provided that people stop seeing it as the “poor relative” of Brunello. It is a wine with its own history and character. Its greatest strength lies in its drinkability: it can be enjoyed without years of aging. Thanks to its approachable style, it offers a wide range of pairing possibilities at the table and is never intimidating or difficult to appreciate. At the same time, it retains enough structure to offer good aging potential.
These eight glasses represent more than just a journey for the palate—they are a profound expression of terroir, individuality, and identity. The true allure of Montalcino may well lie in these delicate distinctions. We thank Massimo Billetto for his insightful sharing and look forward to more people discovering the true value of Rosso di Montalcino.
