Tuscany. Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello Di Montalcino 2012

Do you fancy Brunellos? From one of my journeys to Tuscany from a beautiful, little town of Bagno Vignoni I brought home a bottle of Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 2012. Gaja is one of the most famous wine producers from Italy. Vineyard originated and is still based in Barbaresco, northwest Italy. Gaja name remains strongly associated with Nebbiolo-based wines, although the company now produces more wine in Tuscany than Piedmont.

Last week I had the pleasure to open one of the bottles from my cellar – Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 2012. The Gaja family took over this estate, which is a very close neighbour of Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera, in 2014. The lovely small church is at the centre of the vineyards which are divided between two parcels: Sugarille and Renina, which are the single crus. The rest of the fruit from remaining parcels goes directly into the regular Brunello which I had a pleasure of drinking.

The wine opens relatively quickly, it is mid garnet in colour and show signs of aging. The nose is opulent with concentrated flavours of dried cherries, tomato leaves, dried herbs. Time brings out further nuance from the wine with hints of leather, mushroom, forest floor, cinnamon and tobacco box. I would say the wine is pretty developed and in a good place, but not in decline. With 15% ABV one has to admire the integration skill – the alcohol is seamless. The wine is dense and has a very lively acidity. It is definitely on the modernist side of Brunello which might not be appealing for every palate, but it is well executed and very charming.

Psst: It’s difficult to schedule a visit at Gaja, but if you want to visit their vineyard in Piedmont you will be asked to donate at least 500 € to a selected charity.

Serving: at 16°-18°C

Pair it with: Pizza Napoletana, Tomato based dishes, Tuscan cuisine: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Beef in wine sauce, Wild Boar Ragu, Lamb, Game (deer, venison), Poultry, Mushroom, Truffles, Pecorino Cheese.

Where to buy?: 319,00 zł at Wina.pl, 369,00 zł at DarWina.pl, 373,00 zł at Słoneczna Winnica, wide selection of Gaja wines at Wina Bachus

My rating: 94 / 100

Vivino: 4.4 (2210 ratings)