Brunello di Montalcino harvest starts early after hot Tuscan summer

The harvest for Brunello di Montalcino is starting earlier than usual this year, after high summer temperatures accelerated the ripening of Sangiovese grapes in one of Tuscany’s best-known wine-producing areas.

Most wineries are expected to begin picking on Monday, 7 September, although some producers have already started harvesting their first Sangiovese grapes. The schedule is at least a week ahead of 2025 and several weeks earlier than in cooler vintages, according to the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, the association representing the denomination.

Montalcino is in the province of Siena, in southern Tuscany, about 80 kilometres south of Florence. Brunello di Montalcino is produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes grown within the municipality.

Vineyards reported in good condition

Initial assessments point to healthy vineyards and potentially high-quality grapes. Production volumes are expected to be similar to, or slightly lower than, last year.

The consortium’s assessment is based in part on Brunello Forma, a monitoring system introduced in 2024 to examine vintages and the relationship between the Sangiovese grape variety, climatic conditions and the resulting wine.

Despite the high temperatures recorded during the growing season, the vines had access to water during important stages of their development. Veraison — the point at which grapes begin to change colour and enter the ripening phase — was already recorded around mid-July, leading to an earlier maturation of the fruit.

The consortium said the grapes are continuing to develop normally as the harvest approaches. Picking across the different parts of the Montalcino production area is expected to continue for around three weeks.

Lower yields remain part of production policy

Consortium president Giacomo Bartolommei said current vineyard conditions indicate that production could be broadly in line with 2025 or slightly lower, while the quality outlook remains positive, provided there are no unexpected weather events before harvesting is completed.

The consortium has also maintained its policy of limiting yields. For the 2026 harvest, the maximum amount eligible for Brunello production has been reduced from 80 to 70 quintals of grapes per hectare from the second hectare onwards; the first hectare remains subject to the standard 80-quintal limit.

The organisation says its long-term policy of controlling yields is intended to protect the quality and market positioning of Brunello di Montalcino. This year it has also linked the measure to current market conditions, including the need to limit excess stocks held by producers.

The first indications for the 2026 vintage will become clearer once the approximately three-week harvest is completed and producers can assess the grapes brought into their cellars.

(Cover photo: Sangiovese grapes via Wikipedia)

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