Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino 2021

Founded in 1987 by Gianni Brunelli, this small traditional Montalcino estate is now guided by his wife, Laura Vacca Brunelli, following his untimely demise in 2008. The wines produced by this estate draw on 2 contrasting vineyard sites, Le Chiuse di Sotto, which lies in the north lends freshness, and aromatic lift, while Podernovone in the south brings ripeness, depth, and structure. 

An interesting vintage, which started with late spring frost that damaged crops, followed by an excruciatingly hot and dry growing season. The saving grace, much needed Summer rains and pronounced day-to-night temperature swings which helped to preserve the acidity. This wine is 100% Sangiovese which was entirely hand harvested and fermented with native yeasts. Following a traditional maceration and fermentation, this wine was aged in large Slavonian oak casks for 32 months before bottling and further aging in-bottle.

The wine is expressive and textbook Tuscan with ripe red and dark cherry, blood orange, layered with violets, dried earth, sage, and mint. On the palate, the wine balances these generous concentrated fruit flavors with bright lively acidity and fine grained tannins. It is structured and poised without being ponderous. The nose is echoed, but we see a lovely mineral and tobacco finish