Brunello di Montalcino 2019

Gorelli is one of newest wineries in Montalcino but owner/winemaker Giuseppe Gorelli is no newcomer to the region. Born and bred in Montalcino, Giuseppe worked with the grand master of Sangiovese, Giulio Gambelli, at the Consorzio di Brunello di Montalcino for fifteen years before returning to his family's winery, Due Portine. He then went on to establish the renowned Le Potazzine.

In 2017 he struck out on his own and leased six hectares north of the town centre, comprised of 1.10 hectares for Brunello, 2.2 for Rosso di Montalcino and 3 for IGT Toscana. The vineyards, in the coolest part of the DOCG (dare we say sub zone!) at an altitude of 340 metres and facing north east, yield refined and beautifully perfumed Sangiovese.

In the cantina Giuseppe uses ambient yeasts, long macerations of between 30-35 days for both Rosso and Brunello and the oak is mostly Slavonian, with various sizes from both Garbellotto and Pauscha. Rosso di Montalcino ferments half in cask and half in stainless steel and is aged for ten months in cask. Brunello is fermented only in cask and aged for forty months. Both wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered. These are classic Montalcino wines at their finest with laser like purity. All the markers of great Sangiovese (red cherry, berry, floral and mineral/earth notes) are in detail, the palate juicy and complex driven by more by finesse and elegance over power. 

Fragrant and loaded with finesse, the stunning 2019 Brunello from Giuseppe Gorelli offers enticing Sangiovese aromas of blue flower, forest berry, camphor and underbrush underpinned by exotic brown spice. Smooth and delicious, the elegant palate delivers juicy red cherry, raspberry tart, baking spice and crushed mint alongside taut, polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it vibrant and lends tension while a hint of licorice lingers on the finish. What a gorgeous wine. 98, Kerin O'Keefe