Gianni Brunelli : Brunello di Montalcino 2017

The smoothness and refinement of a Brunello di Montalcino red wine by Gianni Brunelli

The estate

A passionate restaurant owner and aiming to produce fine Brunello di Montalcino wines, Gianni Brunelli fulfilled his family's dream in 1987 by buying his father's old estate "Le Chiuse di Sotto", followed by the Podernovone estate in 1997. Following the passing of Gianni Brunelli in 2008, his wife Laura took over the running of the estate.

The wines from this Tuscan estate are renowned well beyond the Italian borders for their elegance, balance and their great ageing potential.

The vineyard

The Gianni Brunelli estate overlooks a 6.5-hectare terroir, managed in an organic manner.

The wine

Gianni Brunelli's 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is made from the vineyards of Podernovone (500 metres above sea level) and Canalicchio (250 metres above sea level).

The vines are, respectively, 23 and 32 years old and are planted on soils composed of marl, schist, limestone, sand and white clay.

The label is adorned with a painting by the economist and painter Richard M. Goodwin, a friend of Gianni and Laura, entitled "Elvira with a hat". The painting, which is still on display at Osteria Le Logge, portrays Elvira, Gianni Brunelli's mother.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage was marked by low humidity. The hot and dry weather conditions were offset and salvaged by rainy spells during spring, early summer as well as in early and mid-September. Despite an early harvest, the team’s efforts to optimally manage the estate’s water resources and crop development led to the harvesting of rich grapes, which express a fruity aromatic palette.

The vinification and ageing

Manual harvesting. Fermentation for 5 to 6 days followed by maceration for 12 to 16 days. Aged in 25 and 30 hl Slavonian oak barrels for 30 months.

The blend

This 2017 Brunello di Montalcino by Gianni Brunelli is a 100% Sangiovese.

The tasting

Colour

The colour is a beautiful deep ruby.

Nose

The nose combines delicious fruity (amarena cherries, wild strawberries) and floral (heather, arbutus) fragrances.

Palate

Concentrated, this wine seduces the palate with its balanced tannins, its smooth feel and its persistent finish.

Storage

This Brunello di Montalcino wine can be enjoyed today, but can be cellared until 2040 in order to reveal its full range of aromas.