The whole world is in love with Tuscan reds.
From the US to Japan, these amazing wines accompany the world's most diverse dishes.
The region's 250 producers make a total of seven million bottles a year.
Over 3,500 hectares are dedicated to Brunello vines alone, which are worth their weight in gold.
According to a study done by the Istituto Nazionale di Economia Agraria, one hectare of Brunello grapes is valued an estimated 350,000 euro.
Tuscan reds hold the top spot among exports among Italian wines, so much so that one fourth of its total production goes to the US (25%), followed by Germany (9%), Switzerland (7%), Canada (5%), England and Japan (both 3%).
The Japanese capital, in fact, has exploded with 'Brunello mania' thanks to Tsunashige Nishiyama, a connoisseur of Montalcino's reds who has created a corner of Tuscany in Tokyo at an Italian - or more specifically, a Tuscan restaurant called Bru.sta (www.brusta.com).
Here, up-and-coming Japanese youth and businessmen not only enjoy traditional fare like ribolitta, cured meats and the mythical 'chianina' beef, but they line up to taste a glass of famed Brunello.
Beginning next Thursday, the passion for Montalicino's reds will ignite Canada during the 'Great Italian Wine Encounter' organized by the Vendemmia International Wines, one of the main North American importers specialized in high quality Italian wines.
Brunello will be represented by the Fattoria dei Barbi - the first Tuscan producer to export Montalcino reds to North America.
