Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta 2018 Brunello di Montalcino (14.5%)

A 2018 Brunello di Montalcino from Gaja's Pieve Santa Restituta estate, at 14.5% abv. The grapes come from the Deserti vineyard near Torrenieri, north-east of Montalcino, and from the Sugarille and Rennina vineyards to the south-west. Deserti faces north-west and south-west on sand, clay and tuff, with wind and wide swings between day and night temperatures, which bring freshness, bite and aroma. Each parcel is fermented separately. After malolactic fermentation the wines are blended and matured for 24 months in wooden casks, then 6 months in cement tanks. The nose offers wild roses, cherry, mild spice and well-integrated oak. The palate is dry with firm tannin at first, then sweeter cherry, blackberry, English liquorice and forest floor. The finish is long and harmonious.