Rosso di Montalcino 2023

Located in the hills of Montalcino, Tuscany, the Gianni Brunelli estate encompasses the historic Podernovone and Canalicchio vineyards, at altitudes that offer significant temperature variations. The Sangiovese vines thrive in soils that blend clay, pebbles, and sand, promoting deep root systems and slow ripening of the grapes. Facing primarily south and southeast, the vineyard benefits from a breezy Mediterranean climate, which preserves aromatic freshness and tannic finesse, resulting in a precise and elegant Rosso di Montalcino.

The Sangiovese grapes are hand-harvested, carefully sorted, and destemmed before alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with regular pump-overs to gently extract color and tannins. Maceration is prolonged to preserve the aromatic purity of the fruit. After racking and malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in large Slavonian oak casks, where it refines its structure and gains complexity, before further aging in the bottle to harmonize the whole.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry , black fruit , and raspberry , complemented by floral touches of violet and dried rose , as well as spicy nuances of pepper and licorice . A light oak character and a mineral backbone that adds tension are also perceptible. On the palate, the texture is supple yet structured, supported by lively acidity, fine tannins, and a long, fresh, and flavorful 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!