Gianni Brunelli : Rosso di Montalcino 2021

Tasting Characteristics and Advice for the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino from Gianni Brunelli

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a deep ruby red hue, bright and translucent.

Nose
The nose shows lovely aromatic complexity, with notes of fresh cherry and raspberry, accompanied by floral nuances of dried rose. Hints of split cedar, pine and dried black cherries complete the bouquet, while mineral notes of stone add an extra dimension.

Palate
On the palate, the wine offers a supple attack and a velvety texture. Fresh red fruits dominate the palate with beautiful concentration, supported by delicate tannins and a lively acidity that maintains remarkable balance. Flavors of licorice and tea leaves enrich the tasting experience. The finish, lightly structured yet energetic, lingers with notes of spiced citrus.

Food and wine pairings

This 2021 Rosso di Montalcino pairs perfectly with pasta in meat-based sauces, roasted red meats, or dishes featuring wild mushrooms. It also elegantly accompanies roasted poultry, herb-roasted rabbit, or aged cheeses such as pecorino romano or parmigiano-reggiano.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this 2021 Rosso di Montalcino at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This wine can be enjoyed now for its freshness and vibrant fruit, while also offering the potential to cellar for a few years thanks to its preserved acidity and tannic structure.

An Elegant, Vibrant Rosso di Montalcino from Tuscany

The estate

Founded in 1987 by Gianni Brunelli, the estate is now run by his wife, Laura Brunelli, who took over the reins of the property in 2008. Located on the slopes of Montalcino in Tuscany, the Gianni Brunelli estate covers around 7 hectares split between two properties: Le Chiuse di Sotto and Podernovone. Committed to organic viticulture from the outset, Laura Brunelli continues a traditional winemaking philosophy that favors the expression of terroir and respect for natural processes. In recent years, the estate has earned remarkable international recognition, with wines receiving perfect 100-point scores from prestigious critics.

The vineyard

This Rosso di Montalcino comes from two distinct vineyards with complementary characteristics. The first, Le Chiuse di Sotto, is located on the northeastern slopes of Montalcino at around 250 meters above sea level, on volcanic tuff soils. Planted in 1989, this vineyard benefits from a northeastern exposure that preserves freshness and aromatic intensity. The second, Podernovone, lies on the southeastern slopes at 500 meters above sea level, on calcareous-marl and schist soils. Planted in 1998, it brings concentration, minerality and tannic structure. The entire vineyard is farmed organically, with green harvesting limiting each vine to seven or eight clusters.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Montalcino unfolded in a complex weather context. After a mild, rainy winter, spring was marked by frost episodes in certain areas of the region. Summer saw contrasting conditions, with periods of heat and instability. Ultimately, this vintage produced wines with lovely freshness and a vibrant fruity character, with preserved acidity that lends elegance and liveliness.

Vinification and aging

After manual harvesting, the grapes for the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino were destemmed and crushed before undergoing an eighteen-day skin maceration. Fermentation took place spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts. The wine was then aged for ten months in Slavonian oak casks with a capacity of 5 to 25 hectoliters. The use of large wooden vessels allows for aging that respects the fruit while adding structure and complexity without masking the expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% sangiovese