Brunello di Montalcino 2020

Located in the hills of Montalcino, Tuscany, the Gianni Brunelli estate extends primarily around Podernovone, southeast of the village, and Canalicchio, to the north. The Brunello vineyards benefit from high altitudes, well-ventilated slopes, and varied soils of pebbles, clay, and sand, providing ideal conditions for the expression of Sangiovese. The combined influence of the Mediterranean climate and significant temperature variations promotes slow and complete ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines that are elegant, structured, and of great aromatic purity.

The grapes are harvested by hand, carefully sorted, and destemmed before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with extended maceration to gently extract color and tannins. Pump-overs and rackings are adapted to the vintage to preserve the aromatic finesse of the Sangiovese. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for an extended period in large Slavonian oak casks and barrels, where it gains complexity, structure, and elegance before bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , plum , and red berries , complemented by floral nuances of violet and dried rose , as well as spicy touches of pepper , licorice , and clove . Woody accents of blond tobacco and cedar mingle with a slightly mineral structure. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and precise, supported by lively acidity, firm yet refined tannins, and a long, flavorful, and persistent finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!