ABrunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi
Frescobaldi · €60 to €120
reliability high
108,64 € 130,66 €
BVal d'Arno di Sopra DOC – Petrolo
Petrolo · €60 to €120
reliability medium
78,23 € 96,82 €
The verdict
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi takes the lead
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi scores 8,1/10, ahead of Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC – Petrolo (7,5). Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 from Frescobaldi, Sangiovese Grosso aged at least five years in Slavonian oak, awarded by Veronelli and several 90s. At €108.64, the price remains high for a Brunello whose scores peak at 90.
Choose Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi if…
- you want the safest value in the duel: best overall score (8,1), level with or ahead on typicité & terroir, reconnaissance et rapport qualité/prix
- you prioritise polyvalence à table (8,4 vs 7,3) : 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 7,6) : Brunello di Montalcino DOCG named with the Sangiovese Grosso and the Montalcino zone; the aromas of red fruits and leather stick to the appellation.
Choose Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC – Petrolo if…
- you care about sangiovese, cabernet et merlot: amenities that only this listing mentions
- your budget matters: from €78 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head
Its weak point in this head-to-head: polyvalence à table (7,3). Precise pairings (carni rosse, selvaggina, formaggi stagionati), aromatic profile described and serving temperature of 16-18°C indicated; no mention of young/aging.
Reliability high / medium : ratings based on the file of each listing, not on a stay by our team · Ratings of the 20 October 2026 · Our rating method
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.
Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC – Pet…Named Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC appellation, blend 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon consistent with the zone; profile of red fruits, spezie, balsamic notes.
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.
Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC – Pet…4 grappoli Bibenda and James Suckling 90 (two mentions, one dated 2020): recognized distinctions but not of the very highest level such as 95+ or Tre Bicchieri.
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.
Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC – Pet…Large 1.5 L format at €78.23 (crossed-out price €96.82), i.e. €39.12 for 75 cl: price consistent for a distinguished Tuscan DOC, without being clearly below its rank.
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.
Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC – Pet…Precise pairings (carni rosse, selvaggina, formaggi stagionati), aromatic profile described and serving temperature of 16-18°C indicated; no mention of young/aging.
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.
Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC – Pet…Petrolo named and located in the Valdarno Superiore, fermentation in steel, extended maceration, aging 12-18 months in French oak barrels; organic not specified.
Features
Price, estate, grape variety, vintage
What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.
| Criterion | Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –… | Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC – Pet… |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 108,64 € | 78,23 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 108,64 € | 39,12 € |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Petrolo |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | high | medium |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Area | Montalcino | Valdarno |
| Price | €60 to €120 | €60 to €120 |
| Grape variety | Sangiovese | not specified |
| Vintage | 2017 and earlier | 2023 |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Petrolo |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines |
| Sangiovese | not specified | Yes |
| Cabernet | not specified | Yes |
| Merlot | not specified | Yes |
| Sauvignon | not specified | Yes |
If 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.
Change an address
Other well-rated wines
Other duels
Also worth reading
vs
Wines · Chianti Rufina & Pomino
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi or Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi ?
The two best-rated wines: Chianti Rufina & Pomino
vs
Wines · Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Antinori or Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Donatella Cinelli Colombini ?
Same rating, two different addresses
vs
Wines · Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Fattoria dei Barbi or Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Donatella Cinelli Colombini ?
Same rating, two different addresses
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for health, consume in moderation.
All wines