Benvenuto Brunello

February 23-26, 2007

"Welcome Brunello"...!!! - the famous event that welcomes the new vintage of Brunello di Montalcino to the market. This year the event took place over 4 days: February 23rd - 26th in which period journalists and people from the wine industry worldwide came to Montalcino both to taste the new vintage (this year Brunello di Montalcino 2002, Brunello di Montalcino 2001 Riserva and Rosso di Montalcino 2005) and to know the evaluation of the latest harvest (2006).

The two first days of the event was as always completely reserved for the press and industry people having received an invitation from the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino. Most of the producers were present with their Brunello, Rosso and Moscadello to the extent that they have produced these wines, and tastings were possible in designated rooms or directly at the table of each producer.

On the second day (Saturday) it was published how many stars the latest harvest (2006) received: the evaluation of the harvest is done via a tasting held in the office of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino in January. All the oenologists working for the producers in Montalcino are present and give their technical opinion on the harvest. Taking the medium of the votes given the official harvest quality is determined. The vote given is communicated with "help" from a celebrity person from the world of art or show, that has been given the task of painting the "Tile" (persons like painter Sandro Chia, designers Roberto Cavalli and Miuccia Prada, photographer Oliviero Toscani have painted the Tile). The outcome of this design task is completely of the person's discretion, but the number of stars given and the vintage itself must be evident on the tile. The tile is fixed on the walls of the old Town Hall, head office of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino during a small ceremony.

The pubblication of the 5 stars given to vintage 2006 can now be seen on the Tile made by the american designer Adam Tihany.

On Sunday and Monday the Benvenuto Brunello was open for people that have been invited by the producers.