Gaja Brunello di Montalcino Pieve Santa Restituta 2019 [in bond, ex VAT] (6 x 75cl)

Sangiovese

6 x 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. This Brunello was first produced in 2005 and is made from fruit from Sugarille, Rennina, and the family’s other vineyard in Torrenieri (in the north-east of the Montalcino area). The soils in Rennina and Sugarille are generally clay-calcerous with lots of galestro, the soils in Torrenieri are clay, silt and sand. Each of the vineyards undergo separate maceration, fermentation and ageing for 24 months in oak, followed by careful blending. The final wine is then aged for a further six months in concrete prior to bottling.

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 chose to age it.

Following on from a spectacular 2016 vintage, 2017 and 2018 Brunellos were a mixed bag where some producers masterfully created elegant wines, but the vintages were undeniably challenging. It is therefore no surprise that the 2019s were so hotly anticipated – a quality vintage that is the best since the lauded 2016, with a welcome return to roughly average production for the region. Antonio Galloni sums up 2019 as “the vintage we’ve all been waiting for”.

"A bright magenta/ruby colour, 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  97/100 Audrey Flick (JebDunnock.com) 02/28/2024"

Please note that prices are in-bond and exclude VAT and duty, which are payable when the wines land in May 2024.