Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino (2019)

About this wine

The 2011 Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino by Gaja offers a deep ruby color and complex aromas of ripe cherries, plums, and dried figs, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco and vanilla. On the palate, it presents a full-bodied experience with a velvety texture, harmonious tannins, and a remarkable balance between acidity and fruitiness, leading to a long-lasting finish. This wine is produced from 100% Sangiovese grapes grown in the Montalcino region, known for its warm, dry climate that contributes to the grape's optimal ripening. The Pieve Santa Restituta estate, acquired by the Gaja family in 1994, is named after the ancient church located on the property, reflecting the area's rich history of winemaking dating back to the 12th century. This Brunello di Montalcino is a testament to the Gaja family's commitment to producing wines that express the unique terroir of Montalcino.

About the grape

Sangiovese, whose name means "blood of Jove," is a red grape variety that has been cultivated in Italy for centuries. In the Montalcino region, a specific clone known as Sangiovese Grosso, or Brunello, was developed to enhance the grape's color and tannin structure. This clone thrives in Montalcino's unique climate and soil, leading to the production of Brunello di Montalcino wines. The 2011 Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino is crafted exclusively from this Sangiovese Grosso clone, reflecting the grape's adaptability and the region's rich winemaking heritage.

Quick facts

• ⛪ The Pieve Santa Restituta estate, acquired by the Gaja family in 1994, is named after an ancient parish church on the property, whose foundations date back to the 4th century AD.
• 🍷 Wine production at Pieve Santa Restituta has a rich history, with records indicating that wine has been made there since the 12th century.
• 🍇 The 2011 vintage of Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino is crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, showcasing the varietal's characteristic flavors and aging potential.
• 🌞 The estate's vineyards are situated at elevations ranging from 1,050 to 1,150 feet above sea level, benefiting from a windy, dry, and bright microclimate that promotes optimal grape ripening.
• 🇮🇹 The Gaja family, renowned for their contributions to Italian winemaking, expanded beyond their native Piedmont region by acquiring Pieve Santa Restituta, marking their first venture into Tuscany.

Palate profile

Producer

Gaja, established in 1859 by Giovanni Gaja in Barbaresco, Italy, has been a pioneering force in winemaking for over 160 years. The Gaja family, originally from Spain, settled in Piedmont in the 17th century and began producing wines that would later gain international acclaim. Angelo Gaja, the founder's great-grandson, revolutionized Italian viticulture by introducing practices such as single-vineyard bottlings, the use of barriques, and the cultivation of international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Under his leadership, Gaja expanded beyond Piedmont, acquiring estates in Tuscany's Montalcino and Bolgheri regions, further solidifying its reputation for excellence. Today, the winery remains family-owned, with Angelo's children continuing the legacy of innovation and quality.