# Brunello di Montalcino (2018)

- **Producer:** Pieve Santa Restituta
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Tuscany, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €93
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, raspberry, red plum, red cherry, cedar, vanilla, tobacco, leather, earth

## About this wine

The Brunello di Montalcino 2018 from Pieve Santa Restituta is produced by the Gaja family, marking their significant Tuscan estate. The vineyards are situated across varying altitudes in Montalcino, Tuscany, a region renowned for Sangiovese. The 2018 growing season, characterized by cooler and wetter conditions followed by drying winds, has resulted in a wine with a distinct profile of freshness and elegance, often drawing comparisons to classic vintages.

## Interesting facts

- Gaja's first estate outside Piedmont.
- Estate named after a 4th-century church.
- Vineyards range from 120 to 650 meters altitude.
- The 2018 vintage is noted for its freshness.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm, polished tannins and bright acidity are well-suited to cut through the richness of red meats and game, while its savory notes complement earthy flavors like mushrooms and herbs. The wine's structure can stand up to robust sauces.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Brunello di Montalcino Pieve Santa Restituta 2018 begins with manual vineyard work and hand-harvesting. Grapes from individual vineyards are fermented and macerated separately for about three weeks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 24 months in oak barrels, then spends an additional six months in concrete vats before bottling. Yields are capped at 80 quintals per hectare.