Our View:
A wonderful Brunello by the renowned Gaja family from another quality vintage in the Montalcino region, arguably the best since the lauded 2016.
Elegant and complex, this wine is drinking beautifully now and will also reward those who choose to age it.
The Wine:
A beautiful wine from an historic part of Italy, as Gaja themselves state: When the Gaja family purchased the historic Santa Restituta estate in 1994, it did so in the hopes of bringing its expertise and experience in winemaking to this often misunderstood appellation. Today, Pieve Santa Restituta’s Brunello di Montalcino is considered one of the top expressions of the appellation.
The Santa Pieve Restututa is a blend of two top vineyards, Sugarille and Rennina, along with grapes from sites in the town of Torrenieri, located in the north east of the region.
The grapes from the different vineyards macerate and ferment separately for approx. 3 weeks. After 24 months ageing in oak, the wines are blended and then aged for a further six months in concrete vats.
Tasting Note:
This classic Brunello displays a light ruby-red colour typical of a cooler vintage. The nose is herbal as evidenced by the Mediterranean scrub notes of thyme and rosemary along with a hint of balsamic, which opens to red berry aromas of cherry and plum. there are hints of pine resin and sweet notes of vanilla bean. The palate shows a balance of acidity and fruit with sweet, enveloping tannins that will ripen over time. This wine drinks beautifully now but will reward those who choose to age it.
The Facts:
| Wine |
Gaja Brunello di Montalcino, Santa Pieve Restituta |
| Vintage |
2019 |
| Style |
Red wine |
| Grape Variety |
Sangiovese |
| Alcohol Content |
14.5% |
| Closure |
Cork |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
What the critics say:
Jeb Dunnock 97 points:
"A bright magenta/ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is floral and expressive with aromas of wild roses, raspberry liqueur, blood orange, and fresh pine. Medium-bodied, it’s graceful throughout, with refined tannins, even, mouthwatering acidity, and a salty finish. It keeps you coming back for more and is going to benefit from at least another year in bottle. Drink 2025-2040."
