Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina 2018

Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina 2018

 

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Gaja
Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : Italy
  • Region : Tuscany
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Rich and Spicy
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Sangiovese

Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina is a sumptuous and complex Brunello di Montalcino, crafted from three distinct vineyards, each contributing its unique character to this exceptional wine.

Experts Score Vintage
DCT Decanter 94 2018
RP Robert Parker 94 2018
JS James Suckling 97 2016
JD Jeb Dunnuck 96 2016
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 95 2016
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Rennina is produced within the Brunello di Montalcino D.O.P., using grapes from three non-adjacent vineyards surrounding the ancient parish church of Santa Restituta. These southwest-facing sites are rooted in Eocene-era soils, primarily composed of sand, silt, and clay, which impart a unique minerality and depth to the wine.

The vines, averaging 25 years of age, benefit from the temperate microclimate of Montalcino. The 2018 vintage was shaped by a mild, dry winter, a rainy spring, and a warm summer with significant temperature variations between day and night. These conditions allowed for excellent vegetative growth and optimal grape ripening.

Winemaking

Rennina 2018 is crafted from 100% Sangiovese, with grapes from each vineyard vinified and macerated separately for approximately three weeks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 24 months in oak barrels, then blended and refined for an additional six months in concrete vats. This process highlights the distinct character of each vineyard while achieving a seamless integration of flavors.

The result is a wine that marries complexity with freshness, showcasing the best of traditional Brunello craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby-red with greater concentration than the classic Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello.
  • Aroma: Persistent Mediterranean herbaceous notes of rosemary and thyme are complemented by balsamic hints, resin, and a touch of spice.
  • Palate: Complex tannins, reactive yet well-crafted, lead to savory qualities and balanced acidity. The medium body and bright fruit make it both fresh and approachable, with excellent aging potential.

Did you know?

The name Rennina originates from the Latin "Remnius" and the Etruscan "Remne," referring to parish-owned lands mentioned in a document dating back to 715 A.D.. This historical connection underscores the wine’s deep ties to its land and legacy.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Wild boar stew with herbs: The wine’s herbaceous notes and savory tannins enhance the richness of the stew.
  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Its structure and acidity balance the bold flavors of the Tuscan steak.
  • Aged Pecorino Toscano: The bright acidity and complexity of the wine complement the cheese’s nutty, salty profile.
  • Porcini risotto: The earthy flavors of the mushrooms align beautifully with the wine’s herbal and balsamic nuances.

The story of this estate’s ascendancy is captivating, full of passion and innovation. The Gaja name was established in the region in the 1850s when Angelo’s great, great grandfather Giovanni Gaja moved to Piedmont and then set up a tavern in the lovely village of Barbaresco.

Since then 5 generations of the Gaja family have been involved in the winemaking process. Angelo Gaja joined the business in 1961, taking over the reins from his father Giovanni. It was at this point that the greatest changes were made and they have been fundamental.

Amongst the key changes and innovations introduced were the exclusive focus on estate grown fruit; the reduction of yields; scientifically analyzing the vineyards; separately bottling the vineyard sites to create single vineyard wines; ageing in small barrels made by a local cooperage from wood kept and seasoned at the estate as well as the traditional bottle; planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes alongside the traditional indigenous varieties much to everyone’s horror, not least that of his father.

Today Angelo Gaja and his family create spectacular Barbaresco and Barolo wines from the Nebbiolo grape at their estate in Piedmont alongside their iconic single vineyard wines under the Langhe DOC. They also produce extraordinary white wines with a great capacity to age. They are responsible for some of Italy’s most celebrated bottles which all exhibit the characteristic hallmark of power with sophisticated elegance that marks Gaja apart.

As one would expect for wines of this quality harvesting is done by hand with acute care taken to ensure that the fruit reaches the winery in perfect condition. Ruthless decision making, such as the decision in 2002 (a dilute and difficult year in Piedmont) to declassify the total crop and sell it in bulk, illustrates this well. All wines are fermented in stainless steel, with the reds seeing varying degrees of skin contact depending on the wine and the year. Ageing starts in small French oak barrels, a tactic developed by Angelo when he took responsibility for the winemaking in 1969, and moves to large oak casks for all but the whites and Sito Moresco. Angelo regards the traditional requirements that must be observed for inclusion of a wine in the legal DOC or DOCG quality standards as an impediment to his policy of seeking perfection. Thus the majority of Gaja wines are named according to the vineyard rather than the DOC or DOCG. That Costa Russi is basically Barbaresco and Sperss is basically Barolo is something that must simply be remembered.

Anyone who has had the pleasure to meet Angelo and his daughter Gaia will not be surprised by their success. They have an indomitable will, powerful personality and a total belief in their own direction. Great wines are often a reflection of the people that create them and this is definitely the case with Gaja. Multi layered, fascinating wines with great charm, elegance and longevity. It is no wonder that they are held in such great esteem.

Decanter (DCT) : 94 Points (2018)
A cool and wet growing season in 2018 brings forth a Brunello that speaks with an accent of elegance. Sourced from three vineyard sites near a church dating to 715 AD—aromatics of Mediterranean herbs, thyme, rosemary and tarragon open to floral notes and crushed stone minerality. The palate is lithe, as Brunello goes. Lifted red and blue berry fruits and a melange of chalky minerality and savoury dried herbs mark the finish with freshness.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2018)
Pieve Santa Restituta made the hard decision to skip production in the hot and dry 2017 vintage, and thus returns to the market with its 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina. Made with a blend of fruit from three vineyard sites with very different soil profiles, the Rennina maintains its distinct personality with elegant aromas of red fruit, forest berry, cassis, balsam herb and toasted almond. This vintage shows a hint of baked clay or black olive that underlines the warm vintage conditions. The wine is generous in terms of mouthfeel, with a nice fullness that remains graceful at the same time.

James Suckling (JS) : 97 Points (2016)
Some much shaved black truffles to the blackberry, walnut and chocolate undertones. It’s full-bodied and layered with chewy yet soft tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Smoke, mahogany and wet-earth undertones. Needs three or four years to soften and come together.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) : 96 Points (2016)
The Rennina is sourced from three different vineyard sites of different exposition. There are playful and fresh aromatics of primary red plum, cherry cola, and fresh Mediterranean herbs. Refined and supple tannins coat the palate with fresh black raspberry fruit, licorice, and dried violets. The 2016 has richness without weight, is well-balanced, and has a luxurious feel. There is an approachability now, though it will be well enjoyed over the next 15 years. (AF) (3/2021)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 95 Points (2016)
Dusty florals, plums, blackberries, dried flowers and hints of ginger rise up from the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina. This is silky and cool-toned in feel, with polished red and black berries; yet even with all of its lift and grace, there’s a density of fruit here and mounting tannins that promise many years of evolution. The long, structured, licorice-tinged finale keeps you guessing at what’s to come with further cellaring. I do believe that an updated score is in order. (EG) (12/2021)

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