GAJA PIEVE DI SANTA RESTITUTA BRUNELLO RENNINA 2018

Named after ancient parish-owned lands mentioned in 715 AD, the Rennina Brunello di Montalcino comes from three southwest-facing vineyards surrounding the local church, planted in 25-year-old Eocene-era sandy, silty clay soils. The mild, dry 2018 winter gave way to a rainy spring and summer that required vigilant vine treatments, though strategic canopy management allowed achieving optimal fruit set despite warm temperatures. After some late August hail, cool, drying Tramontana winds in September facilitated perfect ripening. Harvested between mid-September and early October, the 100% Sangiovese grapes underwent three-week fermentations separately by vineyard before 24 months of oak aging. The final blend displays a concentrated ruby hue with herbaceous rosemary, thyme, balsamic and resinous aromas, and a savory palate of complex, well-structured tannins balanced by fresh acidity in this medium-bodied, age-worthy expression.