80 Reasons to visit the Cantina del Brunello, and more

CANTINA DEL BRUNELLO IS THE PLACE FOR BRUNELLO AND OTHER FINE TUSCAN WINES:

It’s been two years since we first discovered Federico’s Cantina del Brunello when we were visiting the nearby Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico in Siena.

Visiting Federico’s enoteca was a welcomed change after seeing the morbid mummified head and thumb of Saint Catherine in the basilica. We had a pleasant time chatting with Federico and learning about Tuscan wines and Brunello di Montalcino in particular, and so we decided to visit him again to see how his business was going.

Instant Recollection

When we walked into Federico’s enoteca, we were surprised that he remembered us instantly. On his laptop he quickly pulled up the article that we had written about him and his enoteca.

We asked Federico about his business and chatted about wine in general. When we last met in 2013, he was just doing up his cellar and he proudly showed us the completed cellar in which he now holds wine tastings.

80 Different Brunellos

Federico’s enoteca is full of amazing Tuscan wines, including more than 80 different Brunellos. It’s always nice chatting with him as he is passionate about the wine business. If we had a cellar like his, we would be over the moon! He commented that 2010 was a good year for Brunello di Montalcino and we thought that it was interesting that at the opposite end of the world, 2010 was also a good year for Australian grapes, with near perfect weather.

We mentioned to Federico that we had seen 2010 DOCG Brunellos in the Italian autogrills for €15. He expressed dismay at how some wine merchants were destroying the Brunello name buying up cheaper wine productions and branding them with their own Brunello labels, hence their cheaper prices – so watch out, that el cheapo bargain may be just too good to be true!

Rare Grappas

While we were chatting, a German couple came into the shop and the lady was looking for a particular brand of grappa that was hard to get hold of. They didn’t speak a word of English or Italian and Federico didn’t speak German and so Tony was able to help them find the grappa that they were looking for. Yes, this particular grappa was quite rare and Federico only had one bottle but Tony was able to help them find a second bottle of grappa from a different producer.

Indulging in Brunello di Montalcino

Before leaving, we bought a 2010 bottle of Brunello di Montalcino which was priced at €31. For Tony’s help with the grappa sale, Federico gave us a discount on the Brunello. Federico, if you’re reading this, the wine was delicious, especially with the truffle cheese that I had bought.

If you’re in Siena and want to enjoy great wines, pay a visit to Federico’s Cantina del Brunello. He doesn’t supply to restaurants. His clients are mostly local wine connoisseurs and Siena visitors who want to enjoy great wines, as well as overseas customers who want fine Tuscan wines sent to them.

Address:
Federico Pieri
Cantina del Brunello
Via della Sapienza 66
53100 Siena
Tel: +39 0577.48446
Email: cant.brunello@gmail.com

Things to do in Siena

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