The Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium has confirmed for the 2026 harvest the reduction of yields from 80 to 70 quintals per hectare (excluding the first hectare), a measure approved by a large majority of the members’ assembly. The decision is part of a strategy aimed at safeguarding the value and positioning of the denomination on the international stage, as highlighted in Montalcino, especially in light of a complex phase for the sector, where production balance and supply management become key elements for the economic sustainability of wineries.
A long‑standing strategy focused on the market
Yield reduction is not new for the Consortium, but rather a tool used over the years to ensure the quality and recognisability of Brunello. However, in the current context, it also takes on a broader meaning linked to market dynamics.
As president Giacomo Bartolommei notes:
“Yield reduction is a measure the Consortium has pursued for years and has historically been aimed at maintaining the qualitative positioning of the denomination – today, however, this choice also responds to the need to take into account the current market context and to protect the balance and value of the denomination itself.”
The goal is to avoid an excess of production that could negatively affect the wine’s value and the stability of the supply chain.
Details of the measure for 2026
The Consortium’s decision introduces a differentiated system for managing yields. For the first hectare, the maximum quantity of grapes remains unchanged from the production regulations, with a limit of 80 quintals per hectare.
Starting from the second hectare, production is reduced to 70 quintals per hectare, marking a significant decrease that impacts the total quantity of wine that can be claimed as Brunello.
The 10 quintals exceeding the reduced limit may still be allocated to other local denominations, particularly Rosso di Montalcino or Sant’Antimo, thus maintaining a balance between quality and the use of production resources.
The yield for Rosso di Montalcino annata remains unchanged at 90 quintals per hectare.
The Consortium’s decision also responds to structural needs related to stock management and the economic sustainability of wineries. In a complex market context, an excess supply can create critical issues, especially regarding inventories and storage costs.
As Bartolommei explains:
“In particularly complex phases, an excessive availability of wine can create issues linked to stock levels and the resulting value of the product, sometimes aggravated by structural storage needs and the financial commitments that wineries undertake for their investments.”
Yield reduction therefore becomes a tool for active supply management, capable of preserving the value of Brunello in the medium to long term.
Brunello di Montalcino between premium positioning and market management
Brunello di Montalcino is firmly positioned in the high‑end segment of the international market, with a reputation built on quality, longevity and strong territorial identity.
In this scenario, production‑control policies such as yield reduction represent a strategic element for maintaining brand coherence and competitiveness in global markets.
The Consortium thus confirms an increasingly market‑oriented approach to managing the balance between supply and demand, in line with the practices of top‑tier denominations.
