ABrunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi
Frescobaldi · €60 to €120
reliability high
108,64 € 130,66 €
BChianti DOCG Riserva – Melini
Melini · Under €15
reliability medium
7,55 € 9,27 €
The verdict
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi takes the lead
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Frescobaldi scores 8,1/10, ahead of Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini (7,6). 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 polyvalence à table
- you prioritise reconnaissance (8,1 vs 6,1) : 3 stelle Veronelli and 3 viti, plus 90s from Suckling, Parker and Wine Spectator; real distinctions but scores that peak at 90.
- you prioritise polyvalence à table (8,4 vs 7,6) : Precise and varied pairings (red meats, game, aged cheeses, pasta, stew), described aromatic profile and recommended serving at 16-18 °C.
Its weak point in this head-to-head: rapport qualité/prix (7,2). 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.
Choose Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini if…
- you prioritise rapport qualité/prix (8,1 vs 7,2) : At €7.55, crossed-out price €9.27, this Chianti DOCG Riserva remains well positioned for a bottle of this level.
- your budget matters: from €8 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head
Its weak point in this head-to-head: reconnaissance (6,1). No distinction or guide cited for this Chianti Riserva; the producer Melini is named, with no attested reputation in the texts.
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.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniChianti DOCG Riserva appellation and Sangiovese grape variety named, Chianti area; cherry and violet notes consistent. No specific sub-zone.
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 DOCG Riserva – MeliniNo distinction or guide cited for this Chianti Riserva; the producer Melini is named, with no attested reputation in the texts.
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 DOCG Riserva – MeliniAt €7.55, crossed-out price €9.27, this Chianti DOCG Riserva remains well positioned for a bottle of this level.
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 DOCG Riserva – MeliniFood pairings cited (red meats, game, aged cheeses), profile of cherry, spices, violet, serving at 18-20 °C; fairly limited range of pairings.
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 DOCG Riserva – MeliniProducer Melini named, traditional vinification with extended maceration and aging of at least 24 months; neither organic nor manual harvesting specified.
Features
Price, estate, grape variety, vintage
What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.
| Criterion | Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –… | Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 108,64 € | 7,55 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 108,64 € | 7,55 € |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Melini |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | high | medium |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Area | Montalcino | Chianti |
| Price | €60 to €120 | Under €15 |
| Grape variety | Sangiovese | Sangiovese |
| Vintage | 2017 and earlier | 2021 |
| Estate | Frescobaldi | Melini |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines |
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