When the Consorzio Brunello di Montalcino was established in 1967, one year after the wine received DOC status (it became one of the initial DOCG wines in 1980), there were only twenty-five members. Today, there are more than two hundred Brunello producers; given the reputation of this wine for its ability to age for twenty-plus years in the finest vintages, this is hardly surprising.

When the Consorzio Brunello di Montalcino was established in 1967, one year after the wine received DOC status (it became one of the initial DOCG wines in 1980), there were only twenty-five members. Today, there are more than two hundred Brunello producers; given the reputation of this wine for its ability to age for twenty-plus years in the finest vintages, this is hardly surprising.

Compared to more famous Italian wine regions, such as Toscana and Piemonte, Calabria is relatively overlooked on the international stage. But in 2025, it received some much-deserved recognition: Cirò Classico was finally promoted to Calabria’s first DOCG. There are several factors that make this appellation so special, including its history, its terroir and the distinctive style of wine it produces thanks to the characterful Gaglioppo grape. Comparisons with Barolo abound; are they well-founded or just wishful thinking?