Pieve Santa Restituta
(Gaja) Brunello di Montalcino DOP 2019
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JD 97]

About the Winery:
The story of the Gaja winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. In 1994, Gaja expanded to new places and acquired its first wine estate in Tuscany, Pieve Santa Restituta in Montalcino.

Pieve Santa Restituta is Gaja’s estate in Montalcino, purchased in 1994. It is the family’s first expansion outside the Barbaresco and Barolo areas since its establishment in 1859.

About this Wine:

The third Brunello produced from this estate, it is a combination of all the vineyards in Pieve Santa Restituta owned by the Gaja Family. The name of the winery derives from the ancient Pieve (church), situated in the middle of the estate, whose foundations date back to the 4th century AD.

Vineyards: 

Part of the grapes from Rennina and Sugarille vineyards are blended with those from Torrenieri, in the northeastern area of Montalcino. While the soil in Rennina and Sugarille is clay-calcareous with high amounts of Galestro, the ground in Torrenieri is a mixture of clay, tuff and sand.

Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOP

First Year of Production: 2005

Vinification

Fermentation and maceration for around three weeks followed by 24 months of aging in oak and another six months in concrete vats.

Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese

Tasting Notes

The nose exhibits complex floral and flowery notes, leaning towards sweet, ripe fruit such as Morello cherry and plum, adorned with chocolate nuances and sandalwood. Charming, soft tannins create a long and pleasant mouthfeel. The structure is full, with well-balanced acidity and tannins, culminating in a finish highlighted by savory, salty licorice.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
 A bright magenta/ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is floral and expressive with aromas of wild roses, raspberry liqueur, blood orange, and fresh pine. Medium-bodied, it’s graceful throughout, with refined tannins, even, mouthwatering acidity, and a salty finish. It keeps you coming back for more and is going to benefit from at least another year in bottle. Drink 2025-2040. (Drink between 2025-2040)