Rennina Brunello di Montalcino 2018

Located in the municipality of Montalcino in Tuscany, the Rennina vineyard extends around the Pieve Santa Restituta, an ancient rural church that gives its name to the estate. The plots lie on the southwest-facing slopes of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, at moderate altitudes, benefiting from a breezy Mediterranean climate. The soils, composed of marl, pebbles, and marine sands, offer ideal natural drainage. This mosaic of terroirs gives the Sangiovese grapes consistent ripeness and a particularly refined expression.

The grapes are harvested by hand and then destemmed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks with maceration on the skins. Malolactic fermentation also takes place in tanks, and then the wine is aged for an extended period in large oak casks and barrels to refine its tannic structure and preserve the aromatic elegance characteristic of Brunello from this terroir.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , plum , and red berries , complemented by floral touches of violet and dried rose, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, licorice, and clove. Woody accents of cedar, blond tobacco, and vanilla mingle with a subtle minerality . On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, supported by lively acidity, firm yet polished 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!