Duel · Wines · 2 addresses
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi or Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli?
Two wines compared criterion by criterion with the editorial rating, the recorded price and the amenities. Verdict written by the code, based on the editorial team's justifications.
ABrunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi
Frescobaldi · €60 to €120
reliability high
108,64 € 130,66 €
BChianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli
Ricasoli · 60 to 120 €
reliability high
88,97 € 103,76 €
The verdict
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi and Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli neck and neck
8,1 versus 8,0: the gap is too small to separate them on the overall rating. The choice comes down to the criteria that matter to you, below.
Choose Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi if…
- you prioritise polyvalence à table (8,4 vs 7,2) : Precise and varied pairings (red meats, game, aged cheeses, pasta, stew), described aromatic profile and recommended serving at 16-18 °C.
- you prioritise typicité & terroir (8,6 vs 8,2) : Brunello di Montalcino DOCG named with the Sangiovese Grosso and the Montalcino zone; the aromas of red fruits and leather stick to the appellation.
Its weak point in this head-to-head: reconnaissance (8,1). 3 stelle Veronelli and 3 viti, plus 90s from Suckling, Parker and Wine Spectator; real distinctions but scores that peak at 90.
Choose Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli if…
- you prioritise reconnaissance (8,6 vs 8,1) : Three named distinctions: James Suckling 96, Wine Spectator 95, Robert Parker 94, from Ricasoli, a renowned producer at Brolio.
- your budget matters: from €89 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head
Its weak point in this head-to-head: polyvalence à table (7,2). Food pairings cited (red meats, game, aged cheeses) and aromatic profile described (amarena cherry, balsamic notes, woody character), but no serving temperature.
Reliability high : ratings based on the file of each listing, not on a stay by our team · Ratings of the 20 October 2026 · Our rating method
Tosco's word
Frescobaldi's Brunello (8.1, €109) is for those who want a pure Sangiovese Grosso from Montalcino, with top-level typicity (8.6) and versatile pairings at the table. Ricasoli's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (8.0, €89) plays the card of three international press distinctions (8.6 for recognition) and a better value for money (7.4). For a tight budget or a group table, Ricasoli is the safer bet; for the appellation and red meats, Frescobaldi.
Tosco only cites facts from this head-to-head: ratings, criteria, prices, amenities. Text calculated once, checked by the code.
Criterion by criterion
The 5 criteria of the score
Why these ratings?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –…Brunello di Montalcino DOCG named with the Sangiovese Grosso and the Montalcino zone; the aromas of red fruits and leather stick to the appellation.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione, Sangiovese 100%, Gaiole in Chianti area and Brolio named: appellation and terroir expressed with precision.
Why these ratings?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –…3 stelle Veronelli and 3 viti, plus 90s from Suckling, Parker and Wine Spectator; real distinctions but scores that peak at 90.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Three named distinctions: James Suckling 96, Wine Spectator 95, Robert Parker 94, from Ricasoli, a renowned producer at Brolio.
Why these ratings?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –…Bottle at €108.64 with a real crossed-out price of €130.66; consistent with an award-winning Brunello DOCG, without being moderate for the appellation.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Calculated at 75 cl, the price is €44.49 for an award-winning Gran Selezione; the large 1.5 L format displayed at €88.97 instead of €103.76.
Why these ratings?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –…Precise and varied pairings (red meats, game, aged cheeses, pasta, stew), described aromatic profile and recommended serving at 16-18 °C.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Food pairings cited (red meats, game, aged cheeses) and aromatic profile described (amarena cherry, balsamic notes, woody character), but no serving temperature.
Why these ratings?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –…Frescobaldi named and located in Montalcino; fermentation in steel, long maceration of about four weeks and aging of at least five years in oak.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Ricasoli named and located at Brolio; winemaking specified: indigenous yeasts, stainless steel at 24-27°C, 14-16 days maceration, 22 months in barrels then 8 months in bottle.
Features
Price, estate, grape variety, vintage
What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.
| Criterion | Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –… | Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se… |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 108,64 € | 88,97 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 108,64 € | 44,49 € |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Ricasoli |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | high | high |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Area | Montalcino | Chianti Classico |
| Price | €60 to €120 | €60 to €120 |
| Grape variety | Sangiovese | Sangiovese |
| Vintage | 2017 and earlier | 2022 |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Ricasoli |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines |
Bottle of ItalyIf you book or order through one of these links, we earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. The partner never influences the rating or the verdict.
Other duels
The other head-to-heads: Vins toscans de 60 à 120 €
vs
Wines · Tuscan wines from €60 to €120
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi or Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi ?
The top two in the ranking: Tuscan wines from €60 to €120
vs
Wines · Tuscan wines from €60 to €120
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi or Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG – Camigliano?
Same rating, two different addresses
vs
Wines · Tuscan wines from €60 to €120
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi or Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi ?
Same rating, two different addresses
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for health, consume in moderation.
All wines