La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2014, Tuscany, Italy

The estate, which had the typical local name of Colombaio, belonged to the Biondi Santi family which achieved one of the best Brunellos of the area from there at the time. Sergio Rossi bought the land in 1976 and completely restructured it respecting its original environment. Shortly afterwards in 1978, he created and marketed the La Gerla brand. The vineyards at La Gerla lie right on the Montalcino hill, right where the slope softens. It is a small winery which, in just a few short years, has become a great cru of this Tuscan territory surrounded by the Orcia and Ombrone Valleys. Cultivation: Intense pruning, production limited to very few bunches per plant (50ql/ha), harvested by hand and selection of grapes on selection table. Soft pressing of grapes, temperature-controlled fermentation (30°C) and maceration (15 days), racking twice a year, slow continuous flow bottling in sterilized conditions. Aged 4 years, 3 of which are in 50-100hl Slavonian oak barrels. Aged in bottle 8 months. Flavor: Fruity, dry, warm, velvety, harmonious, steady body and soul. Intense, ethereal melting into scents of sweet violet and iris, recalling the berries growing in the woods.