• 100% Sangiovese sourced from Podernovone vineyard at an altitude of 500 meters with south-western exposure, planted in 1998, and Canalicchio vineyard at an altitude of 250 meters with north-western exposure, planted in 1989
• Galestro, calcareous marly schists, and white clay soils
• Maceration and fermentation occurs over 23 days
• Aged in 25-30HL Slavonian oak casks for 30 months prior to bottling

Food Pairings: Dark meat, Grilled of any kind, Cheese well matured, Strong game dishes

Gianni Brunelli 

Montalcino in November 2008. Gianni Brunelli's thread broke – as Laura herself put it (he passed away). Anyone familiar with the elegance with which the winery has been run since then will understand that this was not the beginning of an end, but rather a different kind of continuity: quieter, more focussed, perhaps even more resolute. Laura Brunelli, biologist, Sardinian, soul of two institutions for decades – osteria Le Logge in Siena and the wineries on the slopes of Montalcino – has not replaced Gianni. She has carried on. And that's a difference you can feel in the glass.

Le Chiuse di Sotto lies north-east of Montalcino, 250 metres above sea level, clay-rich soils, vines, some of which date back to Dino Brunelli – gianni's father, who planted here in the late 1940s. On the opposite side, Podernovone: 500 metres, south-eastern slope, completely different character. These two worlds give rise to a Brunello that creates tension because north and south only come together in the cellar. 2021 was not an easy vintage. Late frost, dry summer, saving rain in August, cool September nights. The result: wines with concentration and freshness in rare balance. At Brunelli: hand-picked, vinification by parcel, long maturation in Slavonian wooden barrels of up to 30 hectolitres. Organically farmed, not certified – laura doesn't need the paper to live it.

Deep ruby red in the glass with violet reflections. The nose: red cherries, dried violets, undergrowth, and underneath this ferrous minerality reminiscent of wet earth after a summer thunderstorm. On the palate, structure meets elegance, fine-grained tannins, lively integrated acidity, long finish with tobacco, liquorice and a hint of orange peel. A Brunello that shows what it is now and will show what it can become in ten or fifteen years. Laura's thread holds. SUPERIORE.DE

"From one of the highest vineyards in the region: Intriguing bouquet of red berries and flowers; juicy and fresh on the palate, lively acidity, beautiful finish with compact, well-integrated tannins." Vinum

"Instead of producing two Brunellos from a single vineyard, owner Laura Vacca decided to blend parcels from the estate's different sites. The Le Chiuse di Sotto vineyard, with its north-westerly exposure and predominantly clayey soil, gives the wine a cool, fragrant elegance, while the warmer, stony Podernovone vineyard in the south-east of Montalcino provides ripeness and grip. The 2021 has its characteristic, overwhelming aromas – dusty violet, sage, mint and tarragon. It is packed with joyful, lush fruit, dark red cherry and fleshy peach, effortlessly balanced with refined, graceful tannins that grip emphatically on the mineral-soaked finish." Decanter

"Slightly earthy, almost tarry nose of deep red and dark fruits and hints of chocolate and spices. The palate is balanced and well-balanced, with a medium to full body, very fine tannins and lively acidity. Smooth and well-integrated, with a long-lasting, slightly spicy finish." James Suckling

"Dried flowers mingle with crushed stones, grilled herbs and spiced orange peel as the dark, seductive 2021 Brunello di Montalcino swells from the glass. The wine is polished, silky and serene with a harmonious blend of tantalising acidity, minerals and ripe red and black fruits. The tannins are round and refined, leaving a classic dry feel as notes of liquorice and cedar spice fade away." Vinous

"The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is a polished and finely crafted expression, showing tension and subtle sweetness on a taut, silky palate with beautifully structured tannins. The overall impression remains ethereal and weightless, a hallmark of the precision with which the estate crafts Sangiovese in this classic vintage. The wine balances finesse and structure with remarkable composure." Wine Advocate