Sangiovese
75cl * 14.5% ABV * Brunello di Montalcino, Italy
The name Gaja is synonymous with the very best wine, not only in Italy but around the world. We've held Gaja tastings here at Taurus which have sold out in minutes and proved that the wines are not only fantastic on their own, but sublime with food too - especially Italian delights such as truffled pasta and really good steak.
Named for the medieval church, Chiesa Santa Restituta, found at the centre of the pieve (or parish), this wine has been in production for over two decades and even though it's from Gaja's younger vineyards, it's now considered amongst the very best there is in Tuscany.
Following the outstanding 2015 and 2016 vintages was never going to be easy and 2017 presented plenty of challenges. Frost cut yields by up to 60% followed by a heatwave and drought during the growing season. In order to make the best wine possible out of these far-from ideal conditions, Angelo Gaja vinified the fruit from the top Sugarille and Rennina vineyards (usually reserved for single vineyard 'parade wines') together, using the fruit for this Brunello.
Strong, dark ruby red, there's plenty of wild cherries, rose petals and violets. The palate is silky and polished with well-balanced acidity and tannins, complemented by herbal notes. Ideal for medium term cellaring, I would approach this exceptional wine in 2025 or thereabouts and be happy cellaring it until 2040-2045.