2004 Gaja Brunello di Montalcino Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina

About the Wine

In 1994, Gaja acquired its first property in Toscana, 40 acres from the Pieve Santa Restituta estate in Montalcino. A couple years later, he acquired 250 acres in Bolgheri. Three Brunelli are made in Montalcino and this wine is a blend selected from several of the estate vineyards. The Sangiovese Grosso shows plum, blackberry, and well integrated, tight grained oak tannins. The wine is enticing, but it will clearly benefit from decanting and will certainly age well over the next 10-20 years.

About the Winery

The Gaja family landed in Piemonte from Spain in the 17th century. Following WWII, Giovanni Gaja acquired large vineyard holdings in the area. His son, Angelo, is considered one of the pioneers of modern winemaking in Italy. After studying wine in Montpellier, he was one of the first to bring French techniques such as barrique barrel ageing, malolactic fermentation, and modern technical innovations. Yet, he continued to implement extended macerations following fermentation. By raising the level and recognition of Nebbiolo, Angelo Gaja has been commended by every major wine publication in the world and acknowledged as an innovator. Since the early 1990's, Gaja has expanded his empire into Tuscany with significant vineyards in Montalcino and Bolgheri. Today, his two daughters Gaia and Rossana manage the extensive land holdings and global distribution of this important brand.

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