Can anyone name some French wine varieties that are similar to the Italian wine "Brunello di Montalcino"?

Well, Pinguino is correct in that Brunello is made from Sangiovese and Sangiovese is essentially only grown in Italy. However, if you're looking for less of technically similar wine and just something that tastes like Brunello, consider an expensive red wine from Burgundy, an older, Merlot-based Bordeaux, or even something from Chateauneuf de Pape.





Wines from Burgundy are made from Pinot Noir, which is typically a light-bodied wine, but very unique at the higher price points in this particular part of France. Expect to really shell out though - you'll be looking at over $100 to get the full effect, but Brunello itself it pretty expensive, so there's not much of difference between the two.





For Bordeaux, something made in Pomerol is better than the Medoc, as Pomerol wines will be Merlot based (opposed to Cabernet Sauvignon based) and have smoother tannin, similar to a Brunello.





I also think you'd have good luck with something from Chateuneuf de Pape, a small area in the south of France in the area known as the Rhone. Chateauneuf de Pape is made from Syrah and tends to be very ripe thanks to the growing conditions and soil. The best news is wine from this area is financially more approachable - you can get a great bottle for about $35 - $40, instead of the $80 - 100 you were likely paying for Brunello.

Can anyone name some French wine varieties that are similar to the Italian wine "Brunello di Montalcino"?
Sangiovese is as others have said an Italian grape. In my estimation it has pretty unique characteristics and I cannot think of any French wine that tastes like it. I am not really sure that even know a French wine that is similar in taste, nose, etc. If you must have French then so be it just choose what some of the others have suggested. Now myself if I wanted something similar I would try USA wines because you can actually get the Sangiovese grape. Will they taste exactly the same ? No. If you are interested e-mail me and I will make some specific suggestions.
Reply:Not really; Brunello di Montalcino is from Sangiovese, which is a strictily Italian variety of grapes. But some wines are a blend bwteen Sangiovese and Cabernet-sauvignon (blends are more from France)

leander